Comments on: Tail-boom strikes

By: Sean C

Sean C — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:51:32 +0000

All valid comments, yet no amount of technique can make up for inherent design limitations, particularly as regards semi-rigid rotor systems. A well designed modern rotor system (such as on the AS-350 series) will always have much higher wind limitations for start-up and shutdown than any two-bladed system, regardless of technique.

By: Alan D. Resnicke

Alan D. Resnicke — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 04:22:05 +0000

As a retired Air Force helicopter pilot/flight instructor/examiner, one of the adages I beat into my students was “3S… slow, smooth, and small” when it comes to all control inputs and manuevers. NEVER make a sudden control input and, with experience over time, NEVER overcontrol. This adage seems to have served my students and fellow flyers well over the years – and still serves me as I fly GA fixed-wing aircraft.

By: James Hartman

James Hartman — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 18:03:57 +0000

As a retired Army instructor pilot and maintenance test pilot I have had the distinct pleasure to fly the Hughes 300, UH-1H Huey, OH-58 A/C/D Kiowa as well as the AH-1 Mod/Prd/Ecas Cobra and AH-64 Apachee in all types of weather, altitudes, weights and configurations. The most important aspects in the prevention of rotor/tailboom strikes is 1st – knowing the aircraft your flying and it’s limitations; 2nd Know and Practice the emergency procedures for your aircraft every chance you get. There is NO Substitute for hands on practice experience and the knowledge that goes along with. This is especially true in either a simulated or actual engine failure where control inputs must be coordinated during the “stabilization” (rotor RPM), “initial” (collective) and “cusion” (collective) phases of the landing process. As stated by Mick above, being aware of the current environmental factors (winds) that can effect the start and shut down operations (slow rotor RMP) of the aircraft will keep the grief monster from knocking down your door.

By: Mick

Mick — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 04:01:57 +0000

For that reason too I’ve heard people say that in strong winds it is best to park nose out of wind to minimise the flap down over the boom during shutdown.