View Full Version : Helicopter Flight Directors
I was just browsing Tech Log and there is a discussion about flight directors.
I have only ever seen the cross hair type of flight director in helicopters. Does anyone one reading this post know if V bars were ever or are utilized in any helicopter flight directors ?
ShyTorque
20th Dec 2004, 20:20
Yes, they are selectable on the S-76's FD.
Reflex
20th Dec 2004, 21:05
Also available on the S92
ShyTorque
20th Dec 2004, 21:21
Also available on the S-92? How about non-orange peel paint jobs? :E
Reflex
20th Dec 2004, 21:30
ShyTorque you've been closer than 3 feet! No orange peel on the FDs though, they work extremely well.
NickLappos
20th Dec 2004, 21:51
Like dimples on golf balls, orange peel paint has aerodynamic advantages..........;)
ShyTorque
20th Dec 2004, 22:45
Closer than 3 feet?
No, I spotted it trying to glint in the sun as it went past Elstree the other week. :E
Thanks for the replies: I thought V bars were only for planks.
Nick : may I ask why V bars were chosen for the S92?
Ascend Charlie
21st Dec 2004, 01:43
It isn't compulsory - you choose it by pressing the "SC" (single cue) button for the FD.
Prefer the crosshairs, myself.
NickLappos
21st Dec 2004, 06:18
HL,
If you want 23 opinions, ask 20 pilots, two won't give a damn and several will have multiple conflicting ones!
We found that corporate guys who flew airplanes (planks, I guess, in pprune-talk) were used to the V bars and requested them. The flip switch on the FD's reset the preference.
I like cross pointers, myself, but I like coupled autopilots even more.
Either are selectable on the Bell430. Can also change the colour of the bar or single pointer in the 430!!!!!( green, or pink for the poofies):O :O :O
SASless
21st Dec 2004, 21:20
I would settle for an accurate mag compass and an airspeed that works....cor....I dream of fancy things like AI's and DG's. FMS...TAWS...PAWS...CLAUS....oops....sorry...too much Egg Nog today!:D
handysnaks
22nd Dec 2004, 07:43
They are selectable on the 902 also (but only by an engineer!). I don't think the UK CAA approve the single cue FD symbology though. :confused:
Brian Abraham
22nd Dec 2004, 23:48
Personally dont like the V bars because if the the vertical mode drops out it is not obvious when looking at the display where as with the cross pointers it is instantly obvious. (at least on the 76 I flew)
Collective Bias
23rd Dec 2004, 12:47
Is'nt it the same thing with crosshairs on S76 just because you have this stupid (for hcp) possibilty to have v-bars.
If you select a roll mode only (HDG for instance) the pitch bar will be displayed as well, but not doing anything useful more than confuse.
I think it is because of v-bar possibilty I have been told.
CB