The Vuichard recovery method for vortex ring state, otherwise known as settling with power, will be taught during a half-day course at the upcoming European Rotors. The conference will be held November 8 to 10 in Cologne, Germany.
Claude Vuichard, who began his pilot career in 1981, has logged more than 16,000 flight hours and holds 15 different type ratings. He is the developer of the “Vuichard Recovery Technique,” a method of recovering from vortex ring state that produces minimal altitude loss. Today, the technique is included in the FAA’s "Helicopter Flying Handbook" as “the quickest exit” from vortex ring state and is taught worldwide. In 2018, the Helicopter Association International named Vuichard as the recipient of its Salute to Excellence Safety Award. He is active worldwide as a speaker, aviation consultant, and flight instructor.
The Vuichard Recovery Aviation Safety Foundation will conduct the course along with another half-day course dealing with human-factor accidents in helicopter operations. Vuichard also will make a presentation on safe autorotations in training and operation.
In addition, the conference will feature hands-on safety demonstrations at the EASA Rotor Safety Zone on the exhibit floor with a Robinson R44 provided by German operator and MRO Heli-Flight. Attendees can practice their skills in pre-flight checks, power management, and passenger briefing and boarding. Trainers include representatives from Heli-Flight, Balearic Helicopters, and Human Factors Consult.