Tourist attempts to pull on the rotor brake in flight.

[ItsonlyMeagain]

Long time ago, but…. My gallant Flt Cdr on the Puma decided to pull the rotor brake on in one fell swoop whilst both engines were powered up, but on the ground. I think it was a case of brake instead of a throttle. The brake held tight for an instant prior to self destructing with no effect on the rrpm, but in a spectacular manner. I guess the same would have happened under even higher power in flight.

I also recall there was a start procedure for windy conditions or on a ship where the brake was left on until ??% engine rpm to stop the disconcerting top heavy wobble. Good to hold a stationary rotor, but not one under power.

Me

[Nubian]

Originally Posted by dragon6172

For what it's worth, EC145 rotor brake light is just a yellow caution and the procedure is:
Check handle off
Repair before next start

So not even any landing/abort criteria. Maintenance inspection requirements are to check the disk for warping/heat damage and examine pads. The times I have had pilots start with the rotor brake on the disk has been ok, but typically pads will need to be changed out

No such thing as a brake light in the EC130/AS350 series, but a microswitch on the rotorbrake preventing you to start the engine if the lever is not in the fully fwd and locked position.

[Sir Korsky]

That EC145 brake handle hidden down there on the floor. Just what a fatigued pilot needs after the third dark night flight at 0430. Trying to start and wondering why the rotor isn't coming up right. Glad my helo days are over.