Originally Posted by
patagonia1
You wouldn't need an AI as an IFR heli pilot to fly straight and level or climb all day in solid IMC?
I doubt that very much. From a FW perspective I rely on the AI or Turn Co-ordinator in the event of AI failure in IMC with no autopilot (eg hand flying).
Complete lack of horizon makes me solely reliant on instruments, and the AI is a key one for me at least.
If a pilot gets disoriented even in the slightest he has no AI as reference to verify he is level..
I agree. Though i think the demo video linked earlier in the thread of that Russian chap covering up his main attitude instruments answered what is possible in a R44. What i note is different between the demo vid and the thread subject incident is the amount of turbulence the accident pilot encountered. IMHO, for the situation and pilot skills the AH (AI) were one of two main instruments - i.e., Hold it level and keep the rotor in the green...
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