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Articles for category Rotorcraft Checkride




Oct
27
2023

Rotorcraft Checkride | Fire the Canons

Posted by Admin

It should come as no surprise that unintended entry into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) has plagued our industry sector for decades. Thankfully, wonderful organizations like the USHST, HAI, and others have relentlessly tried to curb the problem. However, at least weekly, I read a news blurb about another helicopter that crashed after the pilot “encountered diminishing weather conditions.” The certificate level and experience level of those involved in these accidents vary. Each of these tragedies begs questions: How did they get into that situation? Given the situation, were they prepared for it once they found themselves there? Obviously, these are rhetorical questions, given the outcome of the numerous news stories. Many factors can be deduced to explain this situation. Still, I think most would agree that properly learning the warning signs of potential IMC scenarios and how to adequately control the helicopter by reference to instruments is lacking.  [Read More...]



Tags: Matt Johnson Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Aug
28
2023

"Add-on" Angst

Posted by Admin

What we often think will be "easy" quite often turns complicated. This seems to hold true for those seeking an "add-on" rating, such as the pilot with an airplane private pilot certificate who desires to add a rotorcraft-helicopter rating to their pilot certificate. These pilots may have started their primary training in a basic fixed-wing trainer, earned their certificate, and decided to move on to helicopters for pleasure or career aspirations.    [Read More...]



Tags: Matt Johnson Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Jun
26
2023

Magenta Checkrides

Posted by Admin

Let’s start this article by pushing Direct-Enter-Enter; that will quickly get us to the intended point, right? Ok, my pilot humor isn’t the greatest, but stick with me! A lot has changed in the way of aviation technology in the last 20-plus years, especially in terms of automation, and thankfully it isn’t just our fixed-wing brethren that are benefiting from all of the progress. Instead, both reciprocating and turbine-powered, modern single-engine helicopter pilots are enjoying the benefits of an ever-improving and affordable suite of available avionics and autopilot systems.  [Read More...]



Tags: Checkride Matt Johnson
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Apr
20
2023

"He is a person too!"

Posted by Admin

Undoubtedly, the "checkride" can be stressful for anyone, be it the private pilot or ATP applicant; everyone suffers from the notorious "checkride-itis." I get it! I'm evaluated multiple times per year and have been for years. While, admittedly, I have come to somewhat "embrace" it, I don't think anyone truly becomes fully inoculated to the checkride and all of the emotions that go with it.  [Read More...]



Tags: Matt Johnson Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Feb
27
2023

Standing Among a Giant

Posted by Admin

Sir Isaac Newton wrote in a 1675 letter to fellow scientist Robert Hooke, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Newton was intelligent in more than one way. Sure, his scientific inquisitiveness and academic prowess were qualities that most of us dream of possessing, but Newton was more than an intellectual giant; he was resourceful and knew how to capitalize on resources. In addition to his brain power, Newton used an often overlooked power that helped him become a household name in the areas of mathematics and physics. That power was the superpower of mentorship. Newton wasn’t afraid to seek advice and further study from others, and with every shoulder of every giant he figuratively stood upon, he could see “further.” Most would agree that having mentoring “giants” worked for Newton.  [Read More...]



Tags: Matt Johnson Rotocraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Nov
28
2022

Rotorcraft Checkride…Thank You!

Posted by Admin

When Lyn Burks approached me with the opportunity to develop a column in Rotorcraft Pro magazine titled Rotorcraft Checkride, I really wasn’t sure if I was the right person for the job. My initial thought was to pass on the opportunity and allow a much better writer to handle the task. Lyn assured me that he had confidence in my ability to engage their readership in a meaningful manner and so I accepted his offer. Here we are 8 years later and I’m sad to say it’s time to pass the torch. [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Mains Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Oct
24
2022

This Could Be Your Path Back to Pilothood

Posted by Admin

As the pilot shortage becomes more of an issue within all segments of aviation, an increasing number of pilots that have not flown in several years are returning to the flight deck. One such group that is reentering the pilot fold are former military aviators. In some cases, these pilots left the military and did not obtain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pilot certificates prior to discharging from their military service.    [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Sep
26
2022

Mid-Air Collision Avoidance…No Radio Required!

Posted by Admin

As the proud owner of a 1940 Piper Cub, I enjoy flying an aircraft that takes me back in time. From the moment I see that bright, yellow beauty, I’m encapsulated in an era when flying was a peaceful get away to a privileged few. Of course, my flight activities in my Cub are now conducted among more modern and better performing aircraft. Could the disparity of performance and regulatory allowance between my Cub and other aircraft create a potential safety hazard? [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Aug
26
2022

Power Recovery Autorotation | But Don’t Touch The Throttle?

Posted by Admin

As a Part 135 operator, much flexibility is given to develop an FAA approved training program specific to that operator. Although there are national norms related to the amount of training time an operator may spend on ground or flight training modules, the modules themselves are well defined. Where the flexibility exists is in the standard of the maneuvers flown with the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) often used as a minimum. In cases where an operator desires a different outcome for a maneuver in a more restrictive manner, this may be included into the FAA approved training program for that specific operator. [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride



Jul
24
2022

FAA Oversight…Helicopter Inspectors Wanted!

Posted by Admin

The helicopter industry is quite resilient to the ebb and flow of issues such as the economy, disasters, and even global pandemics. Operators have developed strategic methods to continue producing revenue streams by diversifying their operations and having the ability to alter operational capabilities to match changing industry requirements. However, in today’s market, the single most detrimental operational limitation to an operator is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). [Read More...]



Tags: Randy Rowles Rotorcraft Checkride
Categories: categoryRotorcraft Checkride


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