Helicopter Pilot Upset Training Offered by Flight Research

Flight Research has launched an upset recognition and recovery training (URRT) program for helicopter pilots. For many years the Mojave, Calif.-based company has offered URRT in airplanes, specifically Sabre 60 business jets and Aermacchi MB-326 Impala single-engine jet trainers, designed to combat the high loss-of-control accident rate. Yet loss-of-control also occurs in helicopters.

“It is important that every flight department recognize that its crews should be well prepared for any situation that would arise. To be the best flight crew, it is necessary to be able to recognize and recover from various abnormal situations, as well as properly operate in the broad environments in which helicopters often operate,” according to Flight Research chairman and CEO Bill Korner.

URRT helps pilots by reducing the startle effect, which speeds recovery from the upset, “brings a ‘reality’ to situations that can happen in flight” and helps pilots develop more confidence and knowledge. URRT also can be used to provide information for flight operation standard operating procedure and for developing a safety management system.

The helicopter program offers training in helicopters equipped with the three main rotor system types—fully articulated, teetering and rigid—using a Leonardo (Agusta) AW109, Bell 212 and Airbus (MBB) BO-105, with basic and augmented flight controls. Subjects covered in the ground course include aerodynamics and limitations, advanced maneuvers, confined-area landings, no-hover approach and landing, degraded visual environment techniques and case studies. The flying activities cover precision advanced training techniques, scenario-based training, in-flight recovery techniques and skill retention.