Follow along with a student from day 1 to checkride

This is the first in a series of posts following a student from first day of flight training, through solo, night and day cross country, to final check ride prep flight. We had one 30 minute ‘demo flight’ prior to official training. The student also has about 10 hours previous helicopter experience, mainly in a Schweitzer 300C from a few years ago. This is the student pilot’s very first helicopter training flight in an R22, in Bend, Oregon, with Instructor Jay of Helicopter Training Videos. The first lessons typically involve some basic flight maneuvers at altitude, some approaches (to low approach with…

This is the second training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. This flight continues to build on the basics from the first flight – allowing the student to get a feel for the controls while covering approaches, patterns and hover work. We also try to get the student to make some radio calls depending on their progress. This flight also covers start-up, shut down, a go-around and air taxi. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. Note that the voice volume is low until headsets…

This is the third training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22, this time with the camera facing down over the controls more. This flight continues to build on the basics from the first few flights – allowing the student to get a feel for the controls while covering approaches, patterns and hover work. We also try to get the student to make some radio calls depending on their progress. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng1EZDuJ6wE&index=3&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:30 Frictions checks 00:40 Don’t let the…

This is the forth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. This flight continues to build on the basics from the first few flights – allowing the student to get a feel for the controls while covering approaches, patterns, hover work & radio calls. We also introduce air taxi and quick stop (otherwise known as a rapid deceleration) and discuss loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE). Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn0t4B_QRTU&index=4&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:01 Carburetor Heat Required? 06:30 Instructor Pickup 08:30 Student taxi…

This is the fifth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. This flight continues to build student skills and confidence on the basics of approaches, patterns, hover work & radio calls. We work on a ‘sight picture’ of a normal approach angle (which is very subjective). We demonstrate the torque effects of collective up and down twisting the helicopter left and right. We also introduce ground reference maneuvers – trying to fly around set landmarks and adjusting for wind. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3zSxAs-_Cs&index=5&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350…

This is the sixth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. This starts to introduce some more advanced maneuvers – entering an autorotation, hover autos (simulated engine failure at hover) and vortex ring state (otherwise known as settling with power). We also did some advanced hover work (pirouettes) and practiced air taxi and quick stop maneuvers. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgbIRx9d8JA&index=6&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:05 How to check magnetos 02:28 Keep frictions on while setting up radios etc 03:50 Wind direction and runway selection 05:20…

This is the seventh training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. We continue to build on aircraft control and radio work, but this time add navigation to a new airport – with pattern entry, getting local weather, using the GPS, etc. We also start to push into dealing with some emergency procedures (EPs) such as alternator failure & turbulence. We also introduce running landings and continue to practice hover autos, air taxi, quickstop, hover work and more. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfa2Qc5RlCg&index=7&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 0:00…

This is the seventh training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. In this lesson we focus on the student entering the autorotation and making a power recovery at altitude.  In autorotation training, it is important to establish a good entry and glide technique before moving onto the flare. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzINovz6b00&index=8&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 0:10 Mag check – if you accidentally go to OFF position 1:40 Keep hand on throttle 3:30 Low RPM warning check – very small movement with collective 4:10…

This is the ninth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. In this lesson we continue to work on entering the autorotation and making a power recovery at altitude.  We also go to another new airport (Sunriver) and work on emergency procedures, governor off operations and hover autos. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVasmbRkWzs&index=9&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 0:30 Be in the habit of always knowing what the wind will do to you BEFORE you pick up 2:20 Use all visual indicators to help determine wind direction…

This is the tenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. In this lesson we start on Low G (low gravity) hazard and recovery training, an essential part of the Robinson SFAR 73 training requirement for the R22/R44 helicopters (see our post on SFAR 73 training). We also cover Settling With Power (SWP) otherwise referred to as Vortex Ring State (VRS) recognition and recovery. We continue to work on autorotations and introduce max glide and minimum descent profiles. We also discuss the Robinson Safety Notice on practice…

This is the eleventh training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. In this lesson we work on hover autos (or simulated power failure at hover), which is a maneuver many students find difficult to master. To help, I adjust the camera down to get more focus on the collective as I demonstrate the maneuver. We also perform the maneuver with some…

This is the twelfth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. In this lesson we work on RPM governor off operations in forward flight. This is an SFAR 73 required training area prior to solo flight in a Robinson R22 or R44 to ensure a pilot can safety continue flight after a governor failure (requiring manual RPM control). We also discuss…

This is the thirteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. In this lesson we introduce a simulated engine failure, requiring an autorotation. We also work on recognition and recovery of low rotor RPM and more governor off flying. We also work on other maneuvers and flying tips/suggestions. Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdvOpep4gyA&index=13&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:09 set your…

This is the fourteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. The main focus of this lesson: Slope operations (student’s first attempt) Autorotation to the flare (student’s first attempt) with camera facing down on controls Governor malfunctions requiring manual override Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RfTdcyAMUQ&index=14&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 01:20 point to wind direction on compass to help get…

This is the fifteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. Some highlights of this lesson: Demonstration of how the correlator works Demonstration of how quickly the RPM decays in an R22 Governor off operations in a hover Simulated engine failures and other emergencies Running landings Flying to and from a new airport Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the…

This is the sixteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. This is it – the big day, the first time a student flies without an instructor onboard (helicopter solo). After the short initial solo, a steep approach is demonstrated. NOTE radio calls are hard to hear when student is flying solo due to the microphone being in the instructor’s headset.…

This is the sixteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. This is it – the big day, the first time a student flies without an instructor onboard (helicopter solo). This version of that flight is just the solo portion but has the external photos and video added. NOTE radio calls are hard to hear when student is flying solo due…

This is the seventeenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. A ‘ramp solo’ means he was solo walking out to the ramp – the Instructor stayed inside drinking coffee – so the student didn’t have someone watching over him.  As there was no instruction going on, from a viewer’s perspective this is really just lots of uneventful circuits in the pattern (for the student to build solo time & confidence). Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference…

This is the eighteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. Some highlights of this lesson: Operations in towered (Class D) airspace (RDM -Redmond) Running landings Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMmzc-EKUkU&index=19&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:35 do hover power checks at stationary hover 03:00 demonstration of entering class D airspace (RDM -Redmond) 05:35 try to visualize the layout of…

This is the nineteenth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. Some highlights of this lesson: Autorotations Towered airport operations Dealing with radio failures and other emergency procedures Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmivgqyjK4w&index=20&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 03:40 learning the standard radio phrases and having good situational awareness helps predict and therefore interpret scratchy/faint/mumbling radio calls 05:05 keep radios…

This is the twentith training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. Some highlights of this lesson: 180° autorotations Hovering ‘pirouette’ maneuvers Hover autos Running Landings Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmEiaL6YTTE&index=21&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:00 start of video missing – starts with straight-in autorotations at towered airport 01:35 don’t bounce or bump cyclic – put in positive pressure and…

This is the twenty first training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. Some highlights of this lesson: Max performance takeoff Off-airport landings 180° autorotations Running landings Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbDT7XjitSo&index=22&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 02:15 running landing 06:50 demonstration of running landing from air taxi 11:30 running landing – nose slightly too high on touchdown 14:35 max performance…

This is the twenty second training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. This is the student’s 1st cross country flight to 4 different airports. Some highlights of this lesson: Pilotage Dead reckoning Fuel planning Effects of wind/turbulence Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV-BuWgpWUs&index=23&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:01 talking through navigation of the first leg of the cross country flight…

This is the twenty third training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. This is the student’s 2nd cross country flight, combined with some emergency procedure training. Some highlights of this lesson: Demonstration of reduction of power due to magneto failure Cross country flying tips Filing and updating flight plans VFR traffic advisories (flight following) Governor off takeoff Clutch warning light procedure…

This is the twenty forth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Due to flying with one door off, the airflow creates some extra noise, which means some interference in the audio in some parts of the video. This flight reinforces previous areas such as off airport operations and emergency procedures. Some highlights of this lesson: Off airport operations Max performance takeoff Governor failure Low RPM recognition and recovery Autorotations Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSLMwY2hpjI&index=25&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 02:25 make sure to know performance…

This is the twenty fifth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. This first the student’s first night flight and we make it a cross country to add to the experience. There is a lot to learn in a flight like this and then we discovered fire threatening homes… Some highlights of this lesson: Night flying illusions Night flying route considerations Use of visual glide slope indicators at night Discovery of a fire threatening homes and calling 911 while airborne Other night flying tips Below the video…

It was around 1 a.m. and we were towards the end of a typical night training flight when the student pilot spotted the a bush fire that had been started next to the river about a mile south of the Old Mill in Bend, Oregon. The fire was growing fast as it climbed up the side of the ravine. The flames were approaching houses and so we called it in to 911 and circled to awake the residents. See the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62GOuRxUbUM&index=27&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 View the news coverage here. To view all the videos in this series, check out this YouTube…

This is the twenty sixth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. We continue to develop skills and aeronautical decision making. Some highlights of this lesson: Simulated engine failures Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM) Risk assessment and risk management Steep approach Max performance takeoff Autorotations Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4QaGrg7koo&index=28&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 00:40 always think about how wind and weight and balance will affect your pickup and taxi direction, especially on windier days 02:45 be ahead of the aircraft when turning to unfavorable wind…

This is the twenty seventh training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. More practice to bring maneuvers up to checkride requirements and build safe aeronautical decision making. Some highlights of this lesson: Running landings Off airport operations Steep approach Max performance takeoff Autorotations Hover work – pirouettes Hover autos Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VQF8C1NXIE&index=29&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 04:00 normal approach 08:30 running landing 10:00 “say again” 16:00 running landing 18:15 “line up and wait” 19:15 straight in autorotation 24:30 don’t bump/bounce the cyclic 25:00…

This is the twenty eighth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. Working on most maneuvers with a big emphasis of 180° autorotations. Some highlights of this lesson: 180° autorotations (left and right turns) Straight-in autorotations Running landings Slope operations Steep approach Max performance takeoff Below the video are time-stamped notes/tips for the flight. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxwSbxDuzlI&index=30&list=PLJ8xtPILNIlijS0y2OG100r5D1nZcYbNM&width=622&height=350 NOTES/TIPS: 01:00 watch out for carb heat assist reducing carb heat when you first pickup… 01:50 know how use of carb heat negatively affects OGE/IGE performance by up to 2000′ 02:00 consider…

This is the twenty ninth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. A ‘stage check’ is the last step before a checkride (assuming it goes well) and is usually performed by an senior instructor, other than the student’s usual instructor. So the purpose of a ‘mock’ stage check is for the student experience their usual instructor in more in a testing than teaching mode to help prepare for the eventual stage check and identify any weaknesses. Stage checks and check rides will require some cross country preflight…

This is the thirtieth training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. A ‘stage check’ is the last step before a checkride (assuming it goes well) and is usually performed by an senior instructor, other than the student’s usual instructor. So the purpose of a ‘mock’ stage check is for the student experience their usual instructor in more in a testing than teaching mode to help prepare for the eventual stage check and identify any weaknesses. Some highlights of this lesson: Pinnacle approaches OGE hover check technique 180°…

This is the thirty first training flight in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. A ‘stage check’ is the last step before a checkride (assuming it goes well) and is usually performed by an senior instructor, other than the student’s usual instructor. So the purpose of a ‘mock’ stage check is for the student experience their usual instructor in more in a testing than teaching mode to help prepare for the eventual stage check and identify any weaknesses. Some highlights of this lesson: Pinnacle off airport approaches OGE hover…

This is the thirty second training flight (and final flight before checkride) in a series following a student through his flight training from day 1 to checkride in an R22. After completing his stage check, we identified a few areas that needed a little bit of work and this was the final flight to ‘polish up’ before his Private Pilot Practical Test (Checkride) with an Examiner. The student took his checkride the next day and passed first time, with flying colors. Some highlights of this lesson: Out of trim during autorotation to shorten glide distance Settling with power or vortex…

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What is a virtual VOR? In this case it is a fix/waypoint in a GPS that can be made to work like a VOR for instrument training. Overview Why make and use a virtual VOR? Virtual VORs in the Garmin GNS 430 Virtual VORs in the Garmin GTN 650 Pros and cons of virtual VORs Why make and use a virtual VOR? Why would you want to make and use a virtual VOR for instrument training? Well there a variety of reasons: You don’t have a VOR nearby The VOR is down (U/S unserviceable or out of service) The VOR…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Private, Commercial, Instrument & Flight Instructor PTS will be replaced by new FAA Helicopter ACS (Airman Certification Standards) versions. For many helicopter pilots ACS is completely new and many are wondering “What is the ACS?” and “What changes are in the new helicopter ACS?” The ACS is essentially an enhanced PTS but there is so much more to it. To get a detailed overview of all the major changes to ACS, check out the full details in this Heli ACS video series. Also you can read an abbreviated summary on this webpage. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8xtPILNIljCTkGA6SMaMjE4_aUHnELa If…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Private PTS (along with Commercial, Instrument & CFI) will be replaced by the new FAA Helicopter Private Pilot ACS (Airman Certification Standards). In this article we will cover the BIG changes from PTS to ACS for the Helicopter Private Pilot. General ACS Changes But first, if the ACS is completely new to you, before reading the specific changes below check out our ACS overview article and ACS overview video covering the new ACS code system, task structure, required elements, changes to special emphasis areas, risk management and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKLpmHa6SE Helicopter ACS General Overview Follow…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Private PTS (along with Commercial, Instrument & CFI) will be replaced by the new FAA Helicopter Private Pilot ACS (Airman Certification Standards). Before taking the knowledge test or practical exam (checkride) you should be looking through every element in every applicable task and ask yourself “Am I confident about this?” And if the answer is “No”, use your instructor and the task references to help you learn/practice what the FAA wants you to know, consider & do to pass the exams. Below are just some of the key differences from the PTS for each…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Commercial PTS (along with Private, Instrument & CFI) will be replaced by the new FAA Helicopter Commercial Pilot ACS (Airman Certification Standards). In this article we will cover the BIG changes from PTS to ACS for the Helicopter Commercial Pilot. General ACS Changes But first, if the ACS is completely new to you, before reading the specific changes below check out our ACS overview article and ACS overview video covering the new ACS code system, task structure, required elements, changes to special emphasis areas, risk management and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKLpmHa6SE Helicopter ACS General Overview Follow…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Instrument PTS (along with Private, Commercial & CFI) will be replaced by the new FAA Helicopter Instrument ACS (Airman Certification Standards). In this article we will cover the BIG changes from PTS to ACS for the Helicopter Instrument Rating. General ACS Changes But first, if the ACS is completely new to you, before reading the specific changes below check out our ACS overview article and ACS overview video covering the new ACS code system, task structure, required elements, changes to special emphasis areas, risk management and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKLpmHa6SE Helicopter ACS General Overview Follow Along…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Flight Instructor (CFI) PTS (along with Private, Commercial, & Instrument) will be replaced by the new FAA Helicopter Flight Instructor (CFI) ACS (Airman Certification Standards). In this article we will cover the BIG changes from PTS to ACS for the Helicopter Flight Instructor. General ACS Changes But first, if the ACS is completely new to you, before reading the specific changes below check out our ACS overview article and ACS overview video covering the new ACS code system, task structure, required elements, changes to special emphasis areas, risk management and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxKLpmHa6SE Helicopter ACS…

Effective May 31st, 2024 the FAA Helicopter Private PTS (along with Commercial, Instrument & CFI) was replaced by the new FAA Helicopter Private Pilot ACS (Airman Certification Standards). Before taking the knowledge test or practical exam (checkride) you should be looking through every element in every applicable task and ask yourself “Am I confident about this?” And if the answer is “No”, use your instructor and the task references to help you learn/practice what the FAA wants you to know, consider & do to pass the exams. Below are just some of the key differences from the PTS for each task…

What a big year for changes in the US helicopter industry – first the switch from PTS to ACS for helicopter pilot certification and now changes to SFAR 73 (effective August 22nd, 2024). SFAR 73 Changed Video Don’t like to read? Watch a video covering the SFAR 73 changes: https://youtu.be/i2CT4P76Cqo SFAR 73 Changes Video What is SFAR 73? Special Federal Aviation Regulation, No. 73 (or SFAR 73 for short) is a set of rules that apply to anyone who wants to manipulate the flight controls, act as Pilot In Command (PIC), carry passengers, or teach in Robinson R22 and R44…