Helicopter Pilot's Companion by Helen Krasner

Author:Helen Krasner
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781847979223
Publisher: The Crowood Press

Flying into Helidays at Weston-Super-Mare.

In practice, you are not likely to use out-of-wind transitions very often, unless you fly to a large number of off-airfield sites. This is probably for the best, since, as well as requiring loads of power and space, they are also less safe in the event of an emergency. No one wants to have an engine failure after take-off in any situation, and they are, thankfully, extremely rare. However, if I were to have one, I would far, far rather be facing into wind, than have to either turn into wind at low level, or attempt a downwind autorotation. In fact, I think that I’d be fairly unlikely to manage either successfully!

When it comes to the approach to the hover, the same applies with respect to possible engine failures, but with the added difficulty of having to control the helicopter in anything more than a light breeze as your speed decreases. You will need to watch the airspeed indicator like a hawk in order to avoid vortex ring, at the same time trying to keep the helicopter straight with the pedals when it wants to weathercock into wind. You will also need quite a lot of aft cyclic to slow the helicopter down, which could mean you run the risk of striking your tail on the ground. Does this really sound like your landing of choice?

All of this means that you should be acutely aware of the wind direction at all times and, if possible, make your take-offs, landings and transitions into wind. It is not essential, but it is certainly safer, and it will make your flying life a good deal easier.

Of course, there will be times when you will not want to do this for quite sensible reasons. Some years ago I flew myself to a fly-in at another airfield. It was a very successful event, with a large number of people flying in, practically all of them except me in fixed-wing aircraft. After having lunch and socializing we all left at around the same time, which meant that the queue for departure on the one into-wind runway stretched halfway around the airfield. However, realizing that the wind was fairly light and that I had plenty of space, and of course not needing a runway, I asked for permission to depart crosswind in the direction in which I wanted to go. I can still remember the envious comments I received afterwards, as everyone saw me effectively jump the massive queue and set off homewards. This versatility is one of the main reasons why we fly these wonderful little rotary machines, isn’t it? Out-of-wind operations can definitely be in your arsenal of manoeuvres, to be used safely and when necessary; that is why they are taught. But they should be used sparingly and with care.

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