Helicopter Group Encourages Back-to-Basics Training

The International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) recently reorganized a number of resource documents to help helicopter pilots maintain currency. One guide, which is focused on autorotations, evolved after the FAA discovered a need to raise awareness of the risks inherent in conducting these maneuvers in the training environment, particularly the 180-degree autorotation. The guide was also designed to recommend procedures to help reduce those risks. The IHST also recommends using two FAA manuals, the Helicopter Flying Handbook and the Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook. Both are designed as technical guides to applicants preparing for their private, commercial or flight instructor pilot certificates/ratings with a helicopter class rating. CFIs will also find both to be valuable training aids, with detailed explanations of aerodynamics, flight controls, systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies and aeronautical decision-making. Lastly, the IHST called attention to the helicopter pilots’ code of conduct, which looks closely at topics such as how pilot conduct and professionalism affect the entire aviation community, including its safety culture; and how an organization’s safety culture affects pilot conduct. The code of conduct is a recommended set of practices adaptable to the needs of individual pilots as well as organizations.