Rotor Torque

The Conference will be held at the Lakeside Hotel in Canberra and the fee of $250 will cover administrative costs, and meals, including the Conference Dinner on Tuesday the 19th October.

Further technical details can be obtained from Keith Engelsman, CAA Airworthiness and Operations Branch on (06) 268 5026.

Sydney Heliport Finally Approved

Following on from the recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry for Environment and Planning that the proposed Sydney heliport be approved, the Helicopter Association of Australia expects to have the new facility built on Pier Eight at Pyrmont and in operation by the end of the year.

Local political opposition to the heliport continues however, with the Member for Port Jackson, Ms Nori, complaining that the proposed four flights an hour will amount to an unacceptable noise nuisance. It is to be hoped that the stringent operating procedures developed by the HAA for helicopters using the facility are adhered to and monitored to ensure compliance.

McDonnell Douglas MD 520N Soon to Be Launched in Australia

Brisbane based Fightline Aviation, the McDonnell Douglas Australian distributer, has announced that the MD 520N, which features the revolutionary NOTAR anti-torque and directional control system, is to be launched in Australia later this year.

The helicopter (refer cover), which became the first new helicopter in a decade to gain FAA certification, and the only single main rotor helicopter without a tail rotor to enter production, has been 17 years in development.

In 1976 engineers at McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company (then Hughes) decided to explore the theories of Henri Marie Coanda, a Romanian born aeronautical engineer and inventor, who put forward the theory that air flowing over a curved surface tends to follow the curve of that surface. The “Coanda Effect” is seen working when air flows over the surface of an aerofoil. Under this effect, the aerodynamics of the tailboom itself could be tapped to provide the bulk of the anti torque force required. It is this principle which is at the heart of the MD 520N and the NOTAR system.

In place of a conventional tailboom and tail rotor mechanism, the MD 520N has a variable pitch fan totally enclosed within the tailboom, circulation slots on the side of the boom, and vertical stabilisers and a direct jet thruster.

Low pressure, high mass airflow is generated by the variable pitch fan and forced out through circulation slots on the right side of the boom. The air exits at about four times the velocity of the rotor downwash, which keeps the downwash attached to the curvature of the boom resulting in the horizontal equivalent of lift, generating an anti torque force. The direct jet thruster at the end of the tailboom provides directional control plus assistance with anti torque.

The MD 520N is approved for hovering in 30 knot crosswinds but has been flown sideways at speeds significantly higher. Only about a fifth of the pedal input of a comparable conventional helicopter is required with consequent reduction in pilot workloads.

Another significant advantage of the new machine is that it is some 50% quieter than equivalent helicopters. As previously reported (refer RT April 92), the first MD 520N’s entered service with the Phoenix Police Department and have proved to be very quiet in operation, being practically undetectable over ambient city street noise until overhead. This latter factor should prove to be a major attraction for any helicopter company operating in an urban environment. AA hopes to have the opportunity to airtest the new machine following its launch later in the year.

Warren McIvor Establishes Specialist Atpl Theory Courses

Warren McIvor, who for the past three years has been conducting full time ATPL(H) theory courses for Chopperline Flight Training at Caloundra Airport, has established a new business “Warren McIvor ATPL Theory”.

The move has been made to enable Warren to concentrate solely on improving the courses and upgrading training material to meet the increasing demand for ATPL(H) pilots, particularly on offshore contracts.

To qualify for an ATPL(H) licence requires 1500 hours helicopter time and a pass in each of the two ATPL(H) theory examinations. The most difficult examination is HSOP, the operations exam which is an essay style paper. Questions deal with flight planning and general operation of an AS 330J Puma helicopter. A section of this exam also covers aircraft instrumentation and radio navigation aids. The second examination, HSAL, is an open book Air Legislation exam testing knowledge of operations in helicopters above 5700kg. Little is currently available in the form of CAA study guides which limits pilot self study.

Recent pilot intakes by some of the bigger operators in Australia have proved that holding an ATPL qualification or examination credits is of great value during job interviews. Further information can be obtained from Warren McIvor after hours on (074) 46 7985.

Russian Helicopters Commence Commercial Operations in NZ

Two Mil-8T helicopters have been leased by Ward Helicopters of Auckland, from Helica in El Salvador, for a selective logging contract on the west coast of the South Island.

The contract required two helicopters to be available, but only one will initially be available for other heavy lift work in New Zealand. In addition to several El Salvadorian pilots, Grant Ward, Chief Pilot of Ward Helicopters will fly the aircraft. It is understood that he has plans to check out other New Zealand pilots to cover the operations of the two Mil-8s during the 18 month lease.

October Is Helo Seminar Month

Helicopter enthusiasts in October will have two opportunities to attend one day seminars focusing on important issues for helicopter pilots and owners.

Aviation Seminars, in association with the Helicopter Association of Australia, is presenting a specialised seminar programme entitled “Helicopter Symposium ’93 Risks and Awareness” in Melbourne (October 23) and Sydney (October 30).

Papers that will be presented include “Risk Management Assessment for Individuals and Companies”, “Professional Liability Indemnity for Individuals and Companies”, “How to Handle a CAA or BASI Investigation Directed Against You”, and “Loss of Income Protection for Individuals and Companies”. An consultant will present a paper on the current prob- lems of air safety in helicopter operations. And one segment will focus on the pilot’s impact on the Allison 250 engine. The McDonnell Douglas 520N NOTAR will make a special appearance at both seminars, and a paper will also be given on the NOTAR’S operational and engineering achievements.

The Melbourne seminar is also being held in conjunction with the Australian Business Aircraft Association and a separate afternoon programme has been put together for corporate aircraft pilots.

The seminar cost is $200 including seminar papers, lunch and dinner. A special price of $125 is offered for student helicopter pilots. For further information contact Aviation Seminars on (03) 563 5388 or fax (03) 563 6147.