What is the best environment to learn to fly a helicopter in?
Learning to fly a helicopter requires a suitable environment that balances safety, challenge, and accessibility. Here are some factors to consider: Weather Conditions: Moderate Weather: Locations with moderate weather provide stable conditions that are ideal for beginners. Areas with minimal extreme weather conditions, such as severe storms or heavy snow, allow for consistent training. Variety:…
What makes a good helicopter flight training school?
Choosing a good helicopter flight training school involves considering several key factors to ensure you receive high-quality instruction and have a positive learning experience. Here are some important aspects to look for: Accreditation and Certification FAA Certification: Ensure the school is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the relevant aviation authority in your…
What are the main differences between the Robinson R22 and the Guimbal G2 Cabri?
The Robinson R22 and the Guimbal G2 Cabri are both popular training helicopters, but they have some key differences in terms of design, performance, and handling characteristics: Design: Robinson R22: The R22 is a two-seat, piston-engine helicopter with a semi-rigid, two-bladed main rotor system. It has a teetering rotor system, which allows the rotor blades…
Why and how should I learn to fly helicopters in the United States
Deciding where in the world to do your helicopter flight training is highly complex and one that should not be taken lightly. Diligent research should be undertaken. I know as I asked myself this very question over 23 years ago. Like so many others I traveled from another country, England in my case, to the…
Why would you helicopter flight train at an FAA part 141 rather than part 61 flight school?
There are several reasons why someone might choose to train at a Part 141 flight school instead of a Part 61 flight school: Structured Curriculum: Part 141 schools follow a structured training curriculum approved by the FAA. This can provide a more organized and efficient path to obtaining a pilot certificate or rating, as the…
Why is it hard to hover a helicopter and what are the best techniques to get proficient at it?
Hovering a helicopter is considered challenging for several reasons: Control Inputs: Hovering requires precise control inputs from the pilot to keep the aircraft stable. Small movements of the controls can significantly affect the helicopter’s attitude and position. Ground Effect: When hovering close to the ground, the helicopter experiences ground effect, which causes an increase in…
The Necessity of Change and the Barriers to Achieving It
By Alex P. Chaunt, Founder and CEO of Anthelion Helicopters Make no mistake, our industry is going through changes of such magnitude, that if left ignored, unquestioned, misinterpreted or glossed over will have severe and far reaching consequences for all helicopter industry businesses and affiliated organizations. While some of us may not be feeling them…
How Do I Helicopter Flight Train in the USA as a Foreign Student?
To undergo flight training in the United States as a foreign student, you must follow specific steps and meet certain requirements. Here is an overview of the process: Helicopter Flight Training for Foreign Students Obtain an M-1 Visa: As a foreign student pursuing vocational or non-academic studies, you must apply for an M-1 visa. You…
What makes a good school to learn to fly helicopters
A good school to learn to fly helicopters should have several key characteristics: Accreditation and Reputation: Look for schools accredited by aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in other countries. A school with a good reputation indicates that it meets high training…
How hard is it to become a helicopter test pilot?
Becoming a helicopter test pilot is highly challenging and requires a combination of extensive experience, specialized training, and exceptional flying skills. Here are some key steps and requirements to become a helicopter test pilot: How hard is it to become a helicopter test pilot? Here are some of the attributes it takes: Flight Experience: To become…
What Makes a Good Helicopter Pilot?
There are several qualities that make a good helicopter pilot: Technical Proficiency: A good pilot has a thorough understanding of the helicopter’s systems, controls, and aerodynamics. They can operate the aircraft safely and efficiently in a variety of conditions. Decision-Making Skills: Helicopter pilots often face complex and rapidly changing situations. A good pilot can make…
Why do helicopters have different types of yaw directional control mechanisms in their tail?
Helicopters have different types of yaw control mechanisms in their tail to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor and to control the direction the helicopter is facing. The main yaw control mechanisms used in helicopters are: Tail Rotor: This is a small rotor mounted on the tail boom of the helicopter, typically at a…