Course Description

This two week short course introduces pilots, engineers, flight test support, and management personnel to helicopter flight test theory and procedures. This course can also serve as a refresher course for experienced flight test personnel. Scope of the course includes performance, handling qualities, data acquisition and analysis, and FAA and military specifications pertaining to piloted helicopters.

The Academic classes prepare the students to plan and conduct efficient flight tests. Students participate as flight test engineers on several flights in an instrumented helicopter, gathering data for post-flight analysis. They present their findings and recommendations on mission suitability and regulatory compliance in an oral briefing to the staff.

Subjects Covered

Longitudinal Static Stability
Helicopter Aerodynamics
Lateral-Directional Static Stability
Pitot-Static Theory
Longitudinal Dynamic Stability
Hover Performance
Lateral-Directional Dynamic Stability
Level Flight Performance
Control Response
Climb/Descent Performance
Low Speed Characteristics
Mechanical Controls Characteristics
Height-Velocity Testing
Engine Characteristics
Takeoff and Landing Performance
Standard Atmosphere

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.