|
|
|
 |
|
Helicopters & Flying
Q: Is it difficult to fly helicopters?
A: Many people believe that helicopters are more difficult to fly than planes but each person's experience with learning to fly different.
Flying a helicopter is completely different from flying an airplane. Airplanes fly naturally, while flying a helicopter involves constantly controlling oposing forces.
Q: How is flying a helicopter different from flying a plane?
A: You 'manage' a plane and fly a helicopter. Flying a helicopter is multi-dimensional while flying an airplane is more linear.
Q: What kind of controls does a helicopter have and what do they do?
A: The four main controls are the cyclic ("stick"), collective, throttle and anti-torque pedals. The cyclic tilts the main rotor disc and splits the vertical component of lift.
The helicopter will then move in the direction that the rotor disc is tilted. The collective controls the pitch of the rotor blades. As you move the collective it
simultaneously (or collectively) pitches all of the rotor blades. The throttle regulates the engine r.p.m. The anti-torque pedals are used for heading control.
Q: Is it true that helicopters shake themselves apart?
A: Helicopters experience a high volume of vibrations due to the large number of rotating parts. Parts can come lose do to prolonged vibrations, but with proper
inspections and maintenance procedures this hazard is virtually eliminated.
Q: What is the Robinson Safety Course?
A: The Robinson Safety Course is a class that is taught at the factory to teach helicopter pilots about helicopter theory, safety, maintenance and fabrication.
The course also includes a tour of the Robinson factory and a flight portion. More information can be found on the
Robinson Helicopter Company web site.
Q: What happens if the engine quits?
A: In the event of an engine failure, the rotor blades are disengaged from the engine by means of a freewheeling unit. This allows the rotor blades to continue
to spin at normal flight speeds. All helicopters are required by the FAA to have a freewheeling unit.
Q: What is autorotation?
A: Generally an emergency procedure, autorotation is a descending maneuver where the engine is disengaged from the main rotor system and rotor blades are
driven solely by the upward flow of air through the rotor.
Q: What does the tail rotor do?
A: Also known as the anti-torque rotor, the tail rotor counter acts the forces of the main rotor system on the fuselage
Q: What causes the tail rotor to spin?
A: The tail rotor is typically geared to the main rotor system by way of a transmission box.
Q: Will the helicopter spin out of control if the tail rotor quits?
A: In forward flight the helicopter will tend to weather vain and not spin out of control. To land the aircraft you can enter an autorotation. In autorotation the
torque of the main rotor is eliminated.
Q: Can a helicopter fly when it's windy?
A: Yes. High winds are not always a limiting factor for a helicopter. In fact, helicopters are quite smooth and are less susceptible to jarring turbulence common in airplanes.
Q: Are helicopters more restricted due to weather?
A: It depends on the weather condition. Helicopters can generally handle high winds better than airplanes. However, comparably priced planes are usually better
equipped for icing and instrument conditions.
Helicopter Flight Training
Q: Why does it cost so much per hour to rent a helicopter?
A: Helicopters require intensive maintenance, have a acquisition cost and higher insurance premiums.
Q. How long will it take me to complete my training?
A: Each individual progresses at their own pace, but it is possible to complete the Private, Instrument Commercial, CFI and CFII certificates in as little as one year.
Q: The advantage of high altitude helicopter training over training at sea level?
A: A high altitude flight environment requires that the pilot have a finer control touch and better energy management than at sea level. Flying at altitude
teaches you to operate the aircraft at or near it performance limitations.
Q: How often should I fly?
A: Frequent flight instruction promotes increased retention of knowledge. We recommend that you fly three to five times a week.
Q: Why is it better to learn in a Robinson R22 than a Schweitzer 300?
A: Robinson R22s are the most common helicopter trainer in the United States. If you train in an R22 you will meet more employers hiring requirements.
Q: Do you have to learn how to fly a plane before you can learn to fly a helicopter?
A: No it is not necessary to know how to fly a plane before learning to fly a helicopter.
Q: Is it better to get your airplane rating before getting your helicopter ratings?
A: No, not necessarily. For more information see our Add-On Certificate page.
Helicopter Careers
Q: Are there any jobs out there for helicopter pilots?
A: Yes.The helicopter industry is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified helicopter pilots.
Q: What kinds of jobs are available?
A: Flight instruction, electronic news gathering, logging, search and rescue, helicopter tours, EMS/air ambulance, utitlity work, corporate pilots are
examples of the type of jobs available to helicopter pilots.
Q: How much money can I make?
A: It varies based on the job and your location. Currently full-time line pilots make approximately $40,000 to $70,000 per year with management
positions in the $80,000 range and higher. Many companies provide benefit packages. The salaries are increasing dramatically as the demand
for pilots incrases.
Q: How many hours are required for a flight instructor?
A: 200 hours is the minimum requirement.
Q: What advantage do I have as a dual rated pilot (both rotary and fixed wing)?
A: Typically only corporate flight departments, US Customs and border control hire dual rated pilots.
Q: How many helicopter pilots are there?
A: According to the FAA, there are 26,000 active helicopter pilots.
About Guidance Helicopters
Q: Who does your maintenance?
A: Guidance Helicopters Inc. is a factory certified Robinson maintenance facility and we do all of our maintenance.
Q: How many helicopters do you have?
A: We currently have three Robinson R44s and five Robinson R22s.
Q: Do you do instrument flight training?
A: Yes. See our Instrument Training page for more information.
Q: What type of aircraft do you use for instrument flight training?
A: All of our instrument flight training is done in our R44s due to their stable platform.
Q: How do I get started?
A:
1. Schedule an appointment to tour Guidance Helicopter's Facilities.
2. Meet with a Certified Flight Instructor from Guidance Helicopters.
3. Tour Guidance Helicopter's facility at the Prescott Airport.
4. Schedule an introductory flight.
5. Fly your introductory flight.
6. Complete your application process.
7. Work with a Certified Flight Instructor to develop a flight schedule based on your academic and personal goals.
8. Work with your Certified Flight Instructor to analyze and select the best financing option.
9. Start flying!
Q: Is Guidance affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)?
A: Yes, Guidance Helicopters built their helicopter program and we provide the flight training for the Embry-Riddle University
helicopter flight minor. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Helicopter Flight Program is a satellite of Guidance Helicopters and uses our Training Course Outline
(TCO) and exam. See our Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Helicopter Flight Minor page for more information.
Q: Can I get credit from ERAU for taking flying lessons at Guidance?
A: Yes. For each initial rating and each add-on rating you can receive one credit hour. See our Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
University Helicopter Flight Minor page for more information.
Q: How often can I fly?
A: It is typically not a problem to fly five times a week.
Q: How does scheduling work?
A: Scheduling is dependent on aircraft and instructor availability and is usually done between you and your instructor. We do not
demand that you set a block of time aside from your schedule to fly. We work around your schedule and you fly when it is best for you.
Q: When do your classes start?
A: Our ground schooling is offered on a semester basis, begininning every Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May).
Q: Do you have Veterans Affairs Benefits?
A: Yes. Guidance is approved by Arizona Department of Veterans Affairs for some flight programs.
Q: Do you offer financial aid?
A: Yes. Student loans are available for GHI students. For more information contact
Amanda Alsobrook at Guidance Helicopters, or visit our Financial Aid page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
