Some main topics from a helicopter ground school syllabus.
X. Cockpit Resource Management
Implemented for single-pilot GA, Crew Resource Management is used by airlines or other multi-crewed operations.
PIC must take charge, take responsibility, be proactive.
Passengers can be utilized, look for traffic, point out of the ordinary things.
Main Areas
Knowledge – knowing and understanding
Skills – apply the knowledge.
Ability – using skills to accomplish something.
POH – read cover to cover, know and understand limitations.
Knowledge of Instruments and CB’s
Preparation
Check weather, routing, TFR’s, delays. Pressure and density altitudes at departure and arrival points, can we hover ?
Prepare a navigation log for a XC flight.
Preflight
Condition of the aircraft and equipment, is it legal to go ? Annual inspection, 100 hour, when done, when due (hours remaining). Transponder, altimeter checks.
Departure
Note hover power and maximum power available for temperature and altitude. Is there at least 1” of manifold pressure difference as to allow takeoff.
Visualize the anticipated departure path and climbout for obstacle clearance.
Enroute
Keep a lookout for traffic, fly, navigate, monitor systems, get weather updates.
Keep navigation log updated, keep tabs on fuel usage.
Be aware of changing or unforecast weather conditions (report to flight watch)
ASOS and AWOS can be source of local enroute and ground wind information.
Flight Following can be requested.
Descent
Plan the descent with care, be aware of CFIT. Day and Night can be treated differently especially over unfamiliar terrain.
Arrival
Uncontrolled versus controlled airports (appropriate radio calls). Avoid the flow of fixed wing traffic unless certain patterns are depicted on charts, NOTAMS, Airport Facility Directories. Use ASOS, AWOS, ATIS.
Approach and Landing
Determine landing direction and active runway. Make required radio calls.
Be prepared for a go-around.
To Do – Fly the aircraft, navigate, and then communicate.
XI. Situational Awareness
Crew’s perception of facts and conditions affecting the safe outcome of the flight. Situational Awareness is seeing the big picture.
Clues to the level of situational awareness:
- Failure to meet targets
- Use of undocumented procedures
- Departure from standard operating procedures
- Violating minimums or limitations
- No one flying the aircraft
- No one looking out the window
- Communications breakdown
- Ambiguity
- Unresolved discrepancies
- Preoccupation or distraction
- “Bad feeling”
Accidents are usually a result of a chain of events, one needs to break a link to end the chain.