HC
Mmmh, so your basic training was limited to expected future roles and types. Not very basic then!
RAF basic training is done on a fixed wing, this gives you a base line of experience and airmanship. You also fly the a/c to the limits of its envelope so you develop a healthy respect for limits.
My "basic" helicopter flying was done on the Whirlwind 10 a single turbine which was very basic, and it didn't have an autopilot. On this a/c you certainly learnt about limited power!
The basic model of power/collective controls height always works until a power limit is reached - then cyclic can be used to zoom climb or increase airspeed to descend. Every RAF pilot knows this and while flying nap of the earth a mixture of height control was used depending on power settings.
To get back to the accident. The weather at Sumburgh was right on limits.
METAR COR EGPB 231750Z 14019KT 2800 BR
SCT002 BKN003 15/14
Q1013 NOSIG=
METAR COR EGPB 231720Z 14017KT 2800 BR
SCT002 BKN003 15/14
Q1013 BECMG 4000 BR BKN006=
The MDH for the LOC/DME approach is 300ft QNH so the crew would be very aware that they had to fly an accurate approach. In this case I would aim to arrive at the MDH just short of the MAP so I could level, stabilise and hopefully see the lights/ runway as I approached the coast.
HF