Rotor Torque

The School is responsible for initial RW training of ADF aircrew, training of nominated aircrew from foreign defence forces, and commencing this year, Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) training. Previously, QFIs had received their training mainly overseas either in the UK or the USA, with a small number undertaking the CFS course at East Sale. Both overseas courses were expensive, with the UK course three times that of the US course, however with the relatively small numbers of three to five undertaking training each year, the costs were accepted.

With the projected increase in demand for initial rotary wing training for both the Army and the Navy, it was recognised that QFI training would have to increase also, and in fact it was calculated that the throughput would need to increase to 12 per annum.

Now, 80% of instructors will train in Australia, with the remaining 20% trained overseas. The latter is to allow an exchange of ideas and improvements by association with other systems, of Army’s flying and instructional standards.

Planning for the introduction of in house QFI training commenced in May 1991 with a back to first principles approach to the task. In the event the planned course and techniques to be adopted came out fairly much in line with those of the established CFS procedures.

A philosophy of accelerated adult learning utilising modern techniques has been adopted with heavy emphasis on self In a surprise move, the Russian Government has also selected the two seat Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopter to enter series production as a supplement to the Mi-24 Hind. The Ka-50 Hokum single seat helicopter beat the Havoc in a fly off but it now appears both types will probably enter Russian Army service.

learning through round table discussions rather than the old style set lecture technique.

Careful screening of students ensures that those undergoing the course actually want to be instructors and have the necessary motivation and communications skills. This is backed up by studies aimed at further development of communication skills with the aim of developing cockpit resource management (CRM) instructing techniques.

The course is split into three, four week phases for a total of twelve weeks with 72 flight hours and 200 hours of ground subjects. Ground instruction takes place mainly in the morning with flying in the afternoon. The latter provides for better utilisation of the School’s 18 Squirrels on the main task of initial RW training.

In an interesting development, trials will be undertaken of the “stick buddy system where two students are flown together taking turns in the back to observe the other. Apart from the obvious benefits of learning by observation, a small saving in flying hours is expected to result.

In addition to the QFI course, week Instrument Rating Examiner (IRE) course has been developed. The course is mainly conducted using a Cat B simulator, but indicative of the new togetherness of the ADF, Seahawk motion simulator time is made available at NAS Nowra. Three students plus one foreign student per course is the expected flow-through. In summary, the introduction of in house RW QFI training represents another significant development in the ADF’s capability.

Hunter Region Westpac Life Saver Rescue Service Takes Delivery of Bell 412

The Hunter Region Helicopter Rescue Service recently took delivery of a Bell 412SP helicopter from the Toyota Motor company in Tokyo, having had the aircraft fitted out by Helitech in Brisbane. The helicopter is a 1986 model approved for single pilot IFR and is equipped with an extensive list of special to task equipment including a Lucas Western Gear external hoist, a Spectrolab SX-16 NiteSun, high skids, wire strike protection, and extensive navigation equipment including GPS. Mission capabilities include carrying up to five stretcher patients with two medical officers, two Neonatal Intensive Care Units, or one unit plus the mother on a stretcher. The Service believes it is the busiest in Australia carrying out over 500 missions annually. Any higher bidders?

Blue Mountains Helicopters Forced to Suspend Flights Due to Noise Complaints

In yet another attack on local helicopter operations, Blue Mountain Helicopters has been ordered to suspend operations following complaints of noise, and alleged low flying over the Three Sisters and Echo Point, well known Katoomba tourist landmarks.

The company, which operates two seat Bell 47-3B helicopters has flown over 5000 people on local sightseeing tours over the last year and had been doing so under guidelines set by the City of Blue Mountains Council as far back as 1968. Following the complaints, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), supported by the City of Blue Mountains Council, decided to undertake an Environmental Impact Statement, stating that the company had not been approved under the Noise Control Act to operate from Katoomba airfield nor is it licenced under the Pollution Control Act.

Should the company be forced to close it will mean the loss of seven jobs and a facility benefiting local tourism. INNOVATIVE HELICOPTER GOLF DAY TOURS In an innovative move, a company operating under the name of “Pteron” (Greek for vertical flight) The Helicopter Golf Experience, is offering helicopter day tours to NSW golf resorts Pteron is using an Agusta 109A and or a Jetranger, (depending on the number of persons), to fly it’s guests from Sydney airport to the selected venue. One example is a flight to Cypress Lakes in the Hunter Valley for nine holes of golf, followed by lunch and then a further round before returning to Sydney. The cost of the all inclusive tour includes lunch, all golfing fees and equipment.

We wish them well and hope that they fare better than Blue Mountain Helicopters.

The company can be contacted on Sydney (02) 319 7666.

Setback for Robinson Helicopters With Fatal Crash of an R44

Following the crash of an R44 in California, in which three people were killed, Robinson Helicopters delayed delivery of further R44 helicopters pending redesign of certain components.

Although the National Transportation Safety Board investigation could find no evidence of aircraft failure, Robinson has undertaken a redesign of the lower control system as a precautionary measure.

Heavier gauge collective, and cyclic/collective push pull rods will be incorporated in future production and will be available for retrofit.

Us Marine Corps Grounds Supercobras

Following three recent fatal accidents involving Bell AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, two of which were mid air collisions, the Marine Corps recently grounded the aircraft for inspections and a safety review. From accounts of the accidents, operating procedures rather than the aircraft appeared to be the most likely cause.