Course Description
This two-week introductory course is structured for engineers, pilots and flight test support personnel who require practical experience in:
1. Evaluating helicopter performance, stability and control and handling qualities.
2. Obtaining the required data in flight and performing the analysis post flight.
3. Comparing Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 14 and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and relevant military specifications to the data obtained.
This course can also serve as a refresher course for experienced flight test personnel. The classes prepare the students to effectively plan and conduct efficient flight tests. Students participate as aircrew on several flights in helicopters gathering data for post-flight analysis. Prior to the flights a simulator is used to demonstrate the flight test techniques used during the flights. All students will be given an opportunity to complete a flight from the pilot seat.
Subjects Covered
The first week of the course focuses on helicopter performance and the second week on helicopter flying qualities. During the course flights will be completed to evaluate the following aspects of the specific helicopter: The first week of the course focuses on helicopter performance and the second week on helicopter flying qualities. During the course flights will be completed to evaluate the following aspects of the specific helicopter:
1. Pitot Static System Position Error Correction
2. Hover Performance
3. Engine Assessment and Performance
4. Level Flight and Forward Flight Climb and Descent Performance
5. Low Airspeed Characteristics
6. Longitudinal and Lateral Directional Static Stability
7. Longitudinal and Lateral Direction Dynamic Stability
At the conclusion of the course students present their findings and recommendations in an oral report to the instructors.
Pre-requisites
There are no formal prerequisites for attendance at this course. Familiarity with algebra, technical reporting and personal computer operation (including word processing, spreadsheet, and chart making) are helpful.
Schedule
The course is scheduled five days per week for a two-week period. Classes are normally conducted from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. daily with a 1-hour lunch period. However, on days when flying is scheduled, the preflight briefing normally begins at 7:30 a.m.
