Gazelle: Flying, operating, buying
Check the pitot tube isn't full of turf, and the frange isn't cracked. You might check the fenestron blades to make certain they've not been 'strimming' trees, too.
Not saying that any of my contemporaries might have done anything untoward, you understand.
Not saying that any of my contemporaries might have done anything untoward, you understand.
If you open the engine and gearbox cowlings, check, and check again that the over-centre catches are secure. There was once a case of a loose catch (engine cowling, I think) fouling the inclined drive shaft causing scoring to the shaft.
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Another question, why would an a/c with such an unpleasant habit be used for inital training by the military. Surely this fenestron business is the last thing you would want anywhere near very low time pilots?
I think, although I stand to be corrected by those who know better, that until the aircraft had been in service for some considerable time, the 'fenestron stall' was a bit of a myth.
Very few low time pilots would have found themselves in the unfortunate position as described by MG, and all-in-all, the Gazelle served well, both as a training aircraft and in operational use. I, for one, look back fondly at my time in it.
Very few low time pilots would have found themselves in the unfortunate position as described by MG, and all-in-all, the Gazelle served well, both as a training aircraft and in operational use. I, for one, look back fondly at my time in it.
It was a rare phenomenon and it took years and years before the frogs accepted something was up!
But her good habits and performance more than made up for this naughty little tantrum it occasionally pulled.
Fantastic a/c to fly.
But her good habits and performance more than made up for this naughty little tantrum it occasionally pulled.
Fantastic a/c to fly.
Another thing.........
.....to remember on the pre-flight. Don't forget to flick up the piece of red wool on its spring-arm. Neither you nor the bloke in the left-hand seat will be able to reach it once you're strapped in, and it's handy for checking that you're in balance.
Practical experience, can't beat it.
Practical experience, can't beat it.
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Anyone know why the British Army didn't have SAS on Gazelles but the RAF and Navy did?
I'd have thought the Army woulda needed it more for obs work.
Did students learn without SAS?
Seems like it would hide some effects, like in-flow roll for example.
I'd have thought the Army woulda needed it more for obs work.
Did students learn without SAS?
Seems like it would hide some effects, like in-flow roll for example.
No SAS on the AH1, neither for training nor operational flying - we didn't spend all of our time in the hover on obs tasks. Most of my Gazelle time was spent chasing around low level in Germany and FI, rather than straight and level liaison-type stuff.
There are no limits
Join Date: May 2002
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Also on the pre-flight check the frangible rotor blade caps as well, had to have a few of those replaced !
Surprised that no-one has yet mentioned hydraulics out handling - a bit of a pig to say the least.
With regard to fenestron stall - IMHO still not properly explained by anyone - make sure you set your seat so that you can achieve full and free movement of the TR pedals.
Had a close look at vortex ring state once - 6000 feet over Belfast - but the aircraft recovered itself long before I could react !
I would reiterate the point about crew seats - the military took out the good ones and put in cripplers - after 1500 hours I know all about it, so get a good seat or a lumbar support.
IIRC only a handful of Army aircraft had SAS, but all the RN and RAF machines had it. Of course when instructing on these you had to disengage the SAS to show the effects of controls, but afterward made for some smooth flying.
All said, a good helicopter, simple and fast.
Good Luck
WL.
Surprised that no-one has yet mentioned hydraulics out handling - a bit of a pig to say the least.
With regard to fenestron stall - IMHO still not properly explained by anyone - make sure you set your seat so that you can achieve full and free movement of the TR pedals.
Had a close look at vortex ring state once - 6000 feet over Belfast - but the aircraft recovered itself long before I could react !
I would reiterate the point about crew seats - the military took out the good ones and put in cripplers - after 1500 hours I know all about it, so get a good seat or a lumbar support.
IIRC only a handful of Army aircraft had SAS, but all the RN and RAF machines had it. Of course when instructing on these you had to disengage the SAS to show the effects of controls, but afterward made for some smooth flying.
All said, a good helicopter, simple and fast.
Good Luck
WL.
Surprised that no-one has yet mentioned hydraulics out handling - a bit of a pig to say the least.
While thumbing for the landing light.
At night.
Into a field.
Where your boss has just switched off the strobe you were aiming at.
With no other clues as to where the horizon is.
There are no limits
Join Date: May 2002
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Done that - its even funnier when you do it to a student !!
The Gazelle has a box on the end of the collective lever with several switches on it - the Landing light and Hydraulic switches are virtually identical and adjacent to one another. The HYD switch does have a 'guard' but can easily be mistaken.
Hence the immediate action
HYD caption on CWP
Check switch - if off switch on, if on switch off !
The Gazelle has a box on the end of the collective lever with several switches on it - the Landing light and Hydraulic switches are virtually identical and adjacent to one another. The HYD switch does have a 'guard' but can easily be mistaken.
Hence the immediate action
HYD caption on CWP
Check switch - if off switch on, if on switch off !
Never flew a SAS-fitted cab, so I can't add much, but I wouldn't let it put you off. Nice to have, but not essential.
SAS or no, you can't put your hands and feet anywhere but on the controls anyway........
SAS or no, you can't put your hands and feet anywhere but on the controls anyway........