Rotor Tip #10 You've passed the oral, now it's time to fly!
Apr 12, 2023All right, you're below a hundred knots. Here comes the gear. Three green. We go to 102% on the RPM landing. Gears down. Three green. RPM switch 102. Radar is off. Never used it. Brakes are off. You're good to land.
Look at you. Mr. Showoff. All right. All the way down. Beautiful.
Our last rotor tip is talking about you just passed the oral. Congratulations. Now it is time to fly. Tell the examiner that you would like to take a small break before flying. Use this time to catch your breath, grab a snack and make sure to stay hydrated. Use your iPad to check the current metar, know the surface winds and go over in your mind how you're going to hover taxi for the takeoff.
Know the airport and the airspace around you. As you pre-flight the aircraft, make sure to take your time. Have that checklist in your hands at all times and reference it. Do one final walk around before entering the aircraft to confirm that all of the doors are now closed and latched. Use the checklist for your engine start. Again, you'll want to listen to the AWOS or ASOS to verify the winds. Speak clearly on the unicom or the tower frequency. Remember, you can't do anything too slow. Did I mention to use the checklist?
Before placing the checklist down prior to takeoff, do you want last final pre-takeoff check. I had an applicant try to take off with me with the boost pump off and the red light staring right at him. Yes, he had to come back later, but I felt bad for him because he was so nervous and he was carelessly rushing through the checklist that he had overlooked that he had left the pump in the off position. Anyhow, that is the rotor tip that we want to talk about after you've got through your oral portion of the test.
Let's recap the rotor tips. First impressions, remember the acronym OAT, O-A-T, organized, appearance, timeliness. Know your maintenance records. Maybe grab a status sheet to take with you. Know your IACRA login and password. Write it down, whatever it takes to have it with you. Thoroughly know the PTS. Anything in there is fair game for the examiner. Know your aircraft. Memorize the emergency procedures when necessary. Know the limitation section like the back of your hand. Know the different sections in the POH or RFM and what each section represents. Why? On the windy days. Don't be intimidated with stronger winds. Use the winds in your favor.
Make sure that your iPad is charged and ready to go. Do you have the correct weight and balance in your iPad? What is your backup? Paper or another electronic device? Have something to fall back on. Have your instructor confirm and reconfirm the proper endorsements. Too many check rides never get started due to incorrect endorsements. This does add to the stress level if the instructor has to get involved at the last minute to make those corrections.
Calm the nerves. What is relaxing to you? Everyone has a different way of relaxing. Figure it out before check ride day. For heaven's sakes, don't tell everybody the day of your check ride. Be organized. Be early. Be smart. Be confident. Be a safe pilot. One word, checklist, period. Use your checklist. Remember, you can't do anything too slow in the helicopter. I truly hope, in some small way, that this video has helped you. Here's to let success and stay flying..
Live to fly another day. Helicopterground.com.
Kenny Keller is a name that is synonymous with helicopter flight training. He is the creator and owner of Helicopter Online Ground School (HOGS), LLC, which has been providing online helicopter training for more than a decade. He is an experienced helicopter pilot with over 20 years of experience, and his expertise is evident in the quality of training that he provides to his students.
The success of HOGS is evident in the number of students that have successfully completed their training and gone on to become successful helicopter pilots. The HOGS members have a high success rate in passing their FAA check rides, which is a testament to the quality of the training that they receive from HOGS.
One of the unique features of HOGS is the "No Go Decision" button. This button is designed to help pilots make the right decision when it comes to flying in adverse weather conditions. The button is prominently displayed on the HOGS website and is designed to be a reminder to pilots that safety should always come first.
Kenny developed the "No Go Decision" button based on his years of experience as a helicopter pilot. He understands the importance of making the right decision when it comes to flying in adverse weather conditions, and he wanted to provide a tool that would help pilots make the right decision.
The "No Go Decision" button is just one example of the commitment that he has to safety and quality training. He understands the importance of providing his students with the best possible training and tools to ensure their success as helicopter pilots.
In addition to his work with HOGS, Kenny is also the author of several books on helicopter flight training. His books are widely regarded as some of the best resources for helicopter pilots who are looking to improve their skills and knowledge. Get yours by clicking here! https://www.helicopterground.com/store/imYCbzcp
Overall, Kenny Keller is a leader in the helicopter flight training industry, and his dedication to safety and quality training is evident in everything that he does. The success of HOGS and its members is a testament to his expertise and commitment to providing the best possible training to his students.
