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Post by Rick Hillier on Dec 3, 2006 8:39:37 GMT -5
Shows you what I know about helicopters. Out of curiosity, how would you get a helicopter down safely when the engines quit?
>>> Rick <<<
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Post by funkytechnician on Dec 3, 2006 9:36:10 GMT -5
The pilot would have to free-wheel the main gearbox from the engines and then select a near flat rotor pitch with a very small angle of attack, this will get the rotors spinning very fast (you would still be free falling though ) As the pilot approaches the ground he pulls up hard on the collective stick which angles the blades at a high angle of attack and uses the momentum of the fast spinning blades to create a burst of thrust, hopefuly at the right time to touch down nicely. The pilots actually practice this maneuver regularly for emergency purposes, but further up in the air.
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Post by mabudon on Dec 3, 2006 10:26:17 GMT -5
He said "Very Carefully" btw, Rick I loved the mini-series "Choppers" and was blown away at how complex a machine they are, I knew they weren't fixed-wing simple (which is still kinda complex) but helicopters are insanely tricky, it must keep things interesting at work
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Post by brian on Dec 4, 2006 16:25:06 GMT -5
We get helicopters taking tourists over Niagara Falls all the time. A couple of years ago one hit another, lost the tail rotor and spun to the ground killing all. I take it nothing could be done once you lose that rotor?
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Post by funkytechnician on Dec 4, 2006 18:09:37 GMT -5
ya, unfortunatly if you lose the tail rotor, theres nothin you can do but scream
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Post by lloyd on Dec 4, 2006 18:48:23 GMT -5
I think I'll stick to the Maid of the Mist.
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