EP 19 "Flying Helicopters Then Fixed Wing On A Daily Basis?"

[@danschiffer]

Do it all the time. There is so much difference in how a helicopter is flown and how a fixed wing is flown it makes the daily transition much easier. As far as torque peddles vs ruder peddles and never push over if engine quits....that kind of differences/automatic responses take about or took me about twenty hours during my helicopter instruction to get my automatic responses for each separated.

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for the awesome feedback Dan!

[@rogerc3556]

Same here: Transition is easy with time. As Dan said, there are control differences that make each one unique. However, you must instinctively add the right input when called. A few more examples to be aware of... Takeoff in fixed wings requires neutral stick/yoke input until Vr then pulling back on the stick/yoke to climb with increasing right pedal coordinated with AoA. Rotary requires gradual forward cyclic input from hover through ETL then slightly relaxed cyclic and left pedal on the climb out and increased airspeed, respectively. Base to final turns in fixed wing requires pedal input to maintain coordinated flight. You don’t add pedal input in a helicopter if making a close in 180. Avoiding birds is typically a nose over manoeuvre in fixed wing. You’d want to avoid that in an R22/44! Reducing collective is the correct response.

[@HelicopterGround]

@@rogerc3556 Thanks for sharing!

[@toddberlin2000]

I got my helicopter PPL first as well. I never had a desire to fly an airplane...my passion has always been for helicopters. Then I experienced first hand how much it costs to operate a helicopter! I started my airplane training in a DA-20 and loved it. Now I am on the cusp of starting my instrument training in airplanes. Once I complete that, I may go back and do the transition training (15 hours dual) in a helicopter, but the airplane is the much cheaper route. Funny story: One of my first airplane lessons, the clouds near the airport were broken at around 2,000 and my instructor said just aim for a hole and we popped up on top and I quickly gave the controls to my instructor while I pulled out my cellphone camera. I told him that I have my helicopter PPL and so many hours in a helicopter, but I've never flown above the clouds. He cracked up and still tells that story when we are together.

[@HelicopterGround]

Good to hear from you T. Gregory Berry!

[@sdigital5074]

Kenny I’ve recently started a fixed wing add on transition. I definitely feel what you’re feeling but it definitely becomes automatic and other than instinct to slow down on final, it’s been pretty automatic for me.

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for sharing!

[@blister6884]

Induced air flow versus propulsion. It’s the ‘too many moving parts’ comment that rotary pilots get from fix wing pilots. I fly both, and provided that the rotors are able to function freely, then there are significantly more options for a ‘walk away’ emergency landing in rotary. The principle of flight (lift) is so fundamentally different, there is little opportunity for confusion over control input, but plenty of opportunity for confusion in approach techniques! Low cloud base is also significantly less of an issue with rotary flight. The fundamental differences between the two principles of flight are angle of attack and the airspeed. In fix wing you should be a focused on airspeed and then wing angle, obviously this is oversimplified but in principle as long as you are above the stall speed and wings level then you are flying!. But with rotary you should be focused on power and then airspeed, if you have sufficient power in reserve when above transition speed you can use the excess/reserve power to come to a hover- you’re still flying but stationary in the air - but with your ‘wings’ turning through the air and angle of attack limited only by the power reserve. In fix wing the angle of attack is, in the strictest of terms, ultimately limited by the height you are at. There are many more differences between the two, undoubtedly I will be in for some criticism for not including these, but this is only meant to be a pared down description, you’ll need a principles of flight book to get the full comparison. When tired and/or in busy airspace I always I always go fo a longer circuit and final to give me time to set up properly- confusing the approach speed and height are the likely weak points with the multiple discipline flying. I’m going to have a lie down now! 😂

[@HelicopterGround]

Thanks for sharing B Lister!

[@isackmathias9965]

Hello can you help me with this? I want to owning my personal helicopter and aerobatic plane, also being Airline pilot as carrier I've just gone through some online ground school lessons based on rotor wings. What then can I do to get right into them as International student and if you are aware of ViSAs what would you recommend?

[@HelicopterGround]

Apply to attent a part 141 flight school they can help you with Visa etc.