Another good tip my current instructor told me is when training on the Robinsons or the Bell 206, turn the blades via the tail rotor so that you can see the tips from the cockpit. That way you'll know they're not tied down before firing up!
Yep. Use that one to this day. Bells are tied down with blades fore and aft. I used to always turn them to 45 and look just before starting. With the Astar one blade is tied at the front so I aways turn the blades just to the right and again look before starting. Simple trick but always works!
This list is absolute gold. The very last one I call an idiot check lol I always go back and sweep an area for things I may have accidentally left behind, doors I left unsecured, and equipment I left on. I call it an idiot check because I’m an idiot sometimes and I’m trying to keep from doing idiotic things!
@@PilotTeacherwhen you mentioned the lanyard on the fuel cap, I had a flashback of this poor 100hr chap in our company who went on his first job in a Jetbox without securing it before lift off??? Effed up the range extender neck real good! 😂 Good way to piss off the AME’s!
Great Video, I did as well some stupidity when I was a newbie pilot, specially the fuel cap (who make me smile watching the video) Or start the engine with the blade attached on a B206 (Oups!) Hopefully I realized it immediatly... Good advices, the dry ink marker and the posting notes sticker, the anti collision lights on...
we have a lose key with a big red remove before flight tag on it and we always put the fule cap on the step on the side so you always see the big remove before flight tag and no one have forgot it
Alternative to putting the fuel cap on the seat: put the fuel cap on the floor near where your feet go (if the floor is clean enough). I really don't like sitting in drips of jet fuel.
Ive tried that and then got it covered in sand when I got in once and it took me 15 min to clean it off. A quick shake when taking it off gets rid of the fuel then you place it key side down on the seat.
Good advice. Swallow your pride and listen to the Old Timers! The dry erase tip is a great tip and can be used in many walks of life. Timetables and check lists are mandatory. Thanks for posting.
Hey Jon, Great idea! I'll add it to the list. For the time being you may find these helpful: th-cam.com/video/RNI9Nv77r0w/w-d-xo.html pilotteacher.com/flying-above-clouds-can-helicopters-do-that/ Rick
@@PilotTeacher Hi Rick Many years ago as a student pilot I asked one of my instructors what it's like flying in clouds, I'll always remember his answer "YOU DIE" sadly a few years later the other instructor did just that, then whilst working oil and gas a friend of mine, a high time A Star driver did the same. Lots of pilots share tips, I think on of the best is respect the weather, sure your agree with that. Really enjoying your vids, wish I'd videoed some of my flying, and great tips, (think most of us have forgot to put the cap on once, luckily never lost one) used most of them myself, but always welcome more, thanks A Stars rule........
@@Ian-br6hj having alot of IFR time I can tell you that its only good when in the right machine, the right training and the right experience. I would never dream of playing in the clouds or low viz in an Astar and I think every pilot should get at least one opportunity to go into a simulator and see just what its like and what would happen if they went inadvertent IMC. Yes, respect the weather as the job can always wait!
@@PilotTeacher Hi Rick, wasn't a dig at you, I know you would never play in the clouds, just pointing the dangers out to any new pilots out there. Scared myself a few times, as most of us have, and I'm sure in your early days you've had clients try and push you, especially on crew change days eh ! Seems there's a lot of idiot clients out there that "Have to get there" whether it be an alarm going off, the food has to get to camp, or "The other pilot flies in worse than this" (you can guarantee they don't) One of the best bits of advise I got from the older pilots was learn to say no, don't hesitate, if you screw up, you can be sure your end up under the bus, and get no thanks for pushing it. And it's always the same when you get back to base and the weather closes in, "Good call pilot" Had a break from flying last few months, itching to get back to it, especially the winter flying. Off to watch some more of your vids, keep em coming, cheers (Hey interested to know where you flew in the UK, and who you learnt with)
@@Ian-br6hj no dig at all I completely agree with you!! Yes there are always pushy clients! I always tell them they can walk their own ass there or find another pilot who wants to be a hero. Been there done that and learned no to do it. Too old for scaring myself when it can ALWAYS wait!
you are a good find, lots of sensible interesting advice, I know you get over knowledge in a way that's good way for me to adsorb, I will make my way through all your video's as I go, thanks my rotary winged friend.
@@PilotTeacher 😃i have just started watching your videos ,,they are pretty good....very soon i willing starting my flight classes... atleast i have some knowledge before hand
Great video! Along this line, would you consider going over the components of the long line showing how to assemble the different pieces so that it’s ready to attach to the hook? Also, hand signals used for ground crew. I think both topics would be interesting. Thanks!
@@PilotTeacher Right on! I’m enjoying your content and it just keeps getting better! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m on break with my Astar right now so I figured I’d pump some useful knowledge into my melon. 😉👍
Q: Had you known the NOTAM at the small airport regarding the fuel situation (no fuel for a week). What would you/your company have done differently if you had known before you went? Great videos I have already taken a few tips and different perspectives from you! I fly EMS in the U.S. A-Star B2 & B3 and the tip about the ram fresh air vent is PRICELESS!
We would have had a fuel company ship in a load of drums by road from the nearest large town. Where abouts in the US are you? Ive been looking to interview an ems pilot in the us.
I wonder, will these jump start pacs for jumping trucks work on a heli? I realize it would have to be a big one but I am thinking it should do one start especially if its a battery bust a little low, not completely dead like going home for the night with the battery master left on. I only did it once, on a fixed wing I was repairing, in the hangar. But I am curious if one of the jump start pacs for a diesel truck would handle the current draw for a turbine helicopter start sequence. Any body know first had?
I would imagine that they should work providing you match the voltage to type of battery system fitted to the aircraft and ensure that it can deliver enough current during a start. Pistons are not too much trouble but a gas turbine you need to ensure you have a good electrical supply before hitting that starter button or you run the risk of a hot start!
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Another good tip my current instructor told me is when training on the Robinsons or the Bell 206, turn the blades via the tail rotor so that you can see the tips from the cockpit. That way you'll know they're not tied down before firing up!
Yep. Use that one to this day. Bells are tied down with blades fore and aft. I used to always turn them to 45 and look just before starting.
With the Astar one blade is tied at the front so I aways turn the blades just to the right and again look before starting. Simple trick but always works!
This list is absolute gold. The very last one I call an idiot check lol I always go back and sweep an area for things I may have accidentally left behind, doors I left unsecured, and equipment I left on. I call it an idiot check because I’m an idiot sometimes and I’m trying to keep from doing idiotic things!
Thats why I never turn my strobe light off! If battery is left in the strobe will save my ass!!
Such simple, yet very important, tips! Thank you!
I just ordered a 2nd one and used your code. Great video.
These tips are very, very helpful. Do keep the information coming. I am going to start my helicopter lessons later this year.
You have fun times ahead my friend!!
I could sign to all the tips. These are real Golden Rules, proven by decades. It is pleasant to see that great instructors still exist today.
So many mistakes to make so listen to as much experience as you can!
@@PilotTeacherwhen you mentioned the lanyard on the fuel cap, I had a flashback of this poor 100hr chap in our company who went on his first job in a Jetbox without securing it before lift off??? Effed up the range extender neck real good! 😂 Good way to piss off the AME’s!
Great Video, I did as well some stupidity when I was a newbie pilot, specially the fuel cap (who make me smile watching the video) Or start the engine with the blade attached on a B206 (Oups!) Hopefully I realized it immediatly... Good advices, the dry ink marker and the posting notes sticker, the anti collision lights on...
Oh yep! Thats why I always turn the blades after untying them so i know they are all undone!!
Thank you for so many great tips for the inexperienced. Experience is always best learned the easy way vs the hard way!
YEP! As a new pilot those first few years can be so stressful! Learn as many tips as you can !!!
we have a lose key with a big red remove before flight tag on it and we always put the fule cap on the step on the side so you always see the big remove before flight tag and no one have forgot it
Yep thats a great idea too!!!
Alternative to putting the fuel cap on the seat: put the fuel cap on the floor near where your feet go (if the floor is clean enough).
I really don't like sitting in drips of jet fuel.
Ive tried that and then got it covered in sand when I got in once and it took me 15 min to clean it off. A quick shake when taking it off gets rid of the fuel then you place it key side down on the seat.
Just saw this in my recommendations. Looked like an interesting thumbnail so here I am.
Calling the tower is a real good tip for newcomers, even out of the Country.
Yep its a great trick!
Great tips . Love all & tks for the experience.
another nice video, thanks
GREAT TIPS!!! Looking forward to putting them into action.
Glad to hear it!!
Good advice. Swallow your pride and listen to the Old Timers! The dry erase tip is a great tip and can be used in many walks of life. Timetables and check lists are mandatory. Thanks for posting.
Listen to the guys and gals who have already figured out the easy way to do things!!!
couplah goodies here... leaving the beacon on is definitely interesting might have to try that
Trust me Nathan it will save your ass more than once!!
very nice video thanks
If you use a Sharpie on something, spray some carb cleaner on it and it will wipe right off!
Ooohhh good to know! Not sure how a plexiglass window holds up to carb cleaner so would need to try on an inconspicuous area first!!
@@PilotTeacher Videos are great!
@@keenanmihalcin1600 thanks Keenan!!
Great Videos man!
Glad you like them!
Great video - thanks. I really relate to the ATC tip. Great idea to spend an afternoon with them - wish I had done that😖
That afternoon was a game changer for me!! Every student pilot should do it!!
Nice tips, we want more
You should do a video on flying in the clouds. Id like to learn more about that
Hey Jon,
Great idea! I'll add it to the list. For the time being you may find these helpful:
th-cam.com/video/RNI9Nv77r0w/w-d-xo.html
pilotteacher.com/flying-above-clouds-can-helicopters-do-that/
Rick
@@PilotTeacher Hi Rick
Many years ago as a student pilot I asked one of my instructors what it's like flying in clouds, I'll always remember his answer "YOU DIE" sadly a few years later the other instructor did just that, then whilst working oil and gas a friend of mine, a high time A Star driver did the same.
Lots of pilots share tips, I think on of the best is respect the weather, sure your agree with that.
Really enjoying your vids, wish I'd videoed some of my flying, and great tips, (think most of us have forgot to put the cap on once, luckily never lost one) used most of them myself, but always welcome more, thanks
A Stars rule........
@@Ian-br6hj having alot of IFR time I can tell you that its only good when in the right machine, the right training and the right experience.
I would never dream of playing in the clouds or low viz in an Astar and I think every pilot should get at least one opportunity to go into a simulator and see just what its like and what would happen if they went inadvertent IMC.
Yes, respect the weather as the job can always wait!
@@PilotTeacher Hi Rick, wasn't a dig at you, I know you would never play in the clouds, just pointing the dangers out to any new pilots out there. Scared myself a few times, as most of us have, and I'm sure in your early days you've had clients try and push you, especially on crew change days eh !
Seems there's a lot of idiot clients out there that "Have to get there" whether it be an alarm going off, the food has to get to camp, or "The other pilot flies in worse than this" (you can guarantee they don't)
One of the best bits of advise I got from the older pilots was learn to say no, don't hesitate, if you screw up, you can be sure your end up under the bus, and get no thanks for pushing it. And it's always the same when you get back to base and the weather closes in, "Good call pilot"
Had a break from flying last few months, itching to get back to it, especially the winter flying.
Off to watch some more of your vids, keep em coming, cheers
(Hey interested to know where you flew in the UK, and who you learnt with)
@@Ian-br6hj no dig at all I completely agree with you!!
Yes there are always pushy clients! I always tell them they can walk their own ass there or find another pilot who wants to be a hero. Been there done that and learned no to do it. Too old for scaring myself when it can ALWAYS wait!
you are a good find, lots of sensible interesting advice,
I know you get over knowledge in a way that's good way for me to adsorb,
I will make my way through all your video's as I go,
thanks my rotary winged friend.
Anytime!
Post-it note sunvisor,...damn, that's gold! Gonna have to try that with my Trans Am's t-tops as well. :-)
Works great Joseph!!
Should have an indicator to show that cap is off, do your final walk-around.
Nah, helicopters are simple machines. That adds extra weight and cost. It is up to the pilot to ensure all is there before getting in the machine.
Excelente trabalho.
Invaluable tips. Thank you sir.
Anytime David! I’m glad you found it helpful!
Very insightful!!
Great stuff!
Thanks Mike!
this is amazing
Thanks Bonnie!
@@PilotTeacher 😃i have just started watching your videos ,,they are pretty good....very soon i willing starting my flight classes... atleast i have some knowledge before hand
Tanks for the info
Anytime!
Great video mate thank you so much!
Anytime!
Great video! Along this line, would you consider going over the components of the long line showing how to assemble the different pieces so that it’s ready to attach to the hook? Also, hand signals used for ground crew. I think both topics would be interesting. Thanks!
I sure can, although there is not much to them. Check out next weeks video as you might like it 😉
@@PilotTeacher Right on! I’m enjoying your content and it just keeps getting better! Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I’m on break with my Astar right now so I figured I’d pump some useful knowledge into my melon. 😉👍
@@EternalOvercomer keep pumping until it pours out your ears!!
@@PilotTeacher Haha!!! You know it! 🚁
Q: Had you known the NOTAM at the small airport regarding the fuel situation (no fuel for a week). What would you/your company have done differently if you had known before you went?
Great videos I have already taken a few tips and different perspectives from you! I fly EMS in the U.S. A-Star B2 & B3 and the tip about the ram fresh air vent is PRICELESS!
We would have had a fuel company ship in a load of drums by road from the nearest large town.
Where abouts in the US are you? Ive been looking to interview an ems pilot in the us.
@@PilotTeacher Do you have a private email or way we can talk outside of public forum? I'd love to chat.
@@marniehill9265 rick@pilotteacher.com
I wonder, will these jump start pacs for jumping trucks work on a heli? I realize it would have to be a big one but I am thinking it should do one start especially if its a battery bust a little low, not completely dead like going home for the night with the battery master left on. I only did it once, on a fixed wing I was repairing, in the hangar. But I am curious if one of the jump start pacs for a diesel truck would handle the current draw for a turbine helicopter start sequence. Any body know first had?
I would imagine that they should work providing you match the voltage to type of battery system fitted to the aircraft and ensure that it can deliver enough current during a start.
Pistons are not too much trouble but a gas turbine you need to ensure you have a good electrical supply before hitting that starter button or you run the risk of a hot start!
The thumbnail threw me off cause there’s no real mistake in parking a S-76 in tall grass. An MD 500 on the other hand…..😂
Just curious, where are you from if you don't mind sharing? I know you said you trained in Canada but were you from the UK before that?
You got it!
I’ve done everything that I’m not supposed to on my flight simulator
Thats the best place to do them!!!