On the AS350 Arriel 2(either 1 or 2 EECU) despite the electronics you can go to ground idle using the twist grip on the collective. That includes the old B3 with the single channel EECU as the flt to gnd on the throttle(twist grip) is always available and in all B3's ground idle is ensured via the forced idle microswitch which gives the pilot authority despite the computers so engine goes to ground idle. Biggest problem in the old B3 and B3+ premod is getting back to flight if the out of ground switch fail during training and the engine remains at ground instead of going back to flight and you didnt select a landing site as the ground idle position is always assured and priority if the pilot selects it incase of a emergency.
With the 350's pedals centred on a B2 and B3 definately and some BA's and B's dependant whether the 355 TR blade is fitted, you already have 10degree pitch as the blade is offset 10 degrees positive to the spar.
Last edited by victor papa; 26th Feb 2013 at 16:15.