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Flight Test Exercises - Ex. 2 - Preparation for Flight

A.  Documents and Airworthiness

Aim

To determine that the candidate can correctly assess the validity of documents required on board and, from these documents, determine that the aircraft is airworthy.

Description

The candidate will determine the validity of all documents required to be carried on board the helicopter and, determine that required maintenance certifications have been completed.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. ensure that flight authorization is confirmed and, encompasses the requirements of the proposed flight in accordance with the applicable operational control system;

  2. determine if the documents required on board are valid;

  3. determine if the maintenance release ensures helicopter serviceability and currency of inspection for the proposed period of flight;

  4. determine the number of flying hours before the next service, or maintenance task, is due;

  5. determine the impact on helicopter operations of unserviceabilities, or equipment configuration changes, for the proposed flight; and

  6. explain the process for dealing with helicopter unserviceabilities discovered during a flight.

B.  Helicopter Performance

Aim

To determine that the candidate understands the approved operating procedures, performance capabilities and limitations of the helicopter being used for the flight test.

Description

The candidate will be required to explain and state approved operating procedures, performance capabilities and limitations for the helicopter to be used on the flight test. Certain essential performance speeds will be quoted from memory. Other helicopter performance data may be determined from the Helicopter Flight Manual.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. quote from memory

    1. the best rate of climb speed;
    2. the airspeed and Rotor RPM during autorotation for minimum rate of descent;

B. readily determine other operational data from the Helicopter Flight Manual.

C.  Weight and Balance, Loading

Aim

To determine that the candidate can correctly complete weight and balance calculations for the helicopter used for the flight test.

Description

The candidate will be required, using actual weights, to apply the approved weight and balance data for the helicopter used in the test, and complete accurate practical computations for the actual flight test, including takeoff and landing weights and, if applicable, the zero fuel weight.

Knowledge of weight and balance graphs and envelopes, and the effect of various centre of gravity locations on the helicopter flight characteristics will be demonstrated. Practical knowledge of how to correct a situation in which the centre of gravity is out of limits or in which the gross weight has been exceeded will be demonstrated.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. determine if the take-off and landing weights, centre of gravity and, if applicable, zero-fuel weight, are within permissible limits for the intended flight, and

  2. demonstrate practical knowledge of how to correct a situation in which the centre of gravity is out of limits, and/or in which the gross weight has been exceeded; and

  3. explain the effect of various centre of gravity locations on helicopter flight characteristics.

D.  Pre-flight Inspection

Aim

To determine that the candidate can complete internal and external checks in accordance with the approved checklist and demonstrate knowledge of how to deal with irregularities, if found.

Description

The candidate will determine that the helicopter is ready for the intended flight.

All required equipment and documents will be located and, so far as can be determined by pre flight inspection, the helicopter will be confirmed to be airworthy. Visual checks for fuel quantity, proper grade of fuel, fuel contamination and oil level will be carried out in accordance with the Helicopter Flight Manual. If the aircraft design precludes a visual check, fuel chits, fuel logs, or other credible procedures may be used to confirm the amount of fuel actually on board.

After the candidate has completed the pre-flight inspection, a few questions relating to the flight test aircraft will be asked. The candidate should be able to explain what appropriate action would be taken if an unsatisfactory item were detected during the pre-flight inspection. The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of the consequences if such items were undetected.

The candidate will conduct an oral passenger safety briefing. Should the candidate omit the passenger safety briefing the examiner will ask the candidate to provide one.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. use an orderly procedure to inspect the helicopter, including at least those items listed by the manufacturer or helicopter owner;

  2. confirm that there is sufficient fuel and oil for the intended flight;

  3. verify that the helicopter is in condition for safe flight;

  4. demonstrate knowledge of how to deal with irregularities, if found.

  5. identify and verify the location and security of baggage and required equipment;

  6. organize and arrange material and equipment in a manner that makes the items readily available; and

  7. perform an effective passenger safety briefing which will include:

    1. the location and use of emergency exits, emergency locator transmitter, fire extinguisher;
    2. smoking limitations;
    3. use of seat belts;
    4. items specific to the helicopter type being used;
    5. action to take in the event of an emergency landing; and
    6. other items for use in an emergency.

E.  Engine Starting and Run-up, Use of Checklists

Aim

To determine that the candidate can complete engine start, warm-up, run-up, correctness of control movements and systems checks in accordance with the Helicopter Flight Manual.

Description

The candidate will use the checklists provided by the aircraft manufacturer, or owner/operator, and use recommended procedures for engine starting, warm-up, run-up and checking helicopter systems and equipment, to determine that the helicopter is airworthy and ready for flight. The candidate will take appropriate action with respect to unsatisfactory conditions encountered, or specified by the examiner.

Performance Criteria

Assessment will be based on the candidate's ability to:

  1. demonstrate an awareness of other persons and property before and during engine start;

  2. accurately complete the engine and helicopter systems checks;

  3. take appropriate action with respect to actual or simulated unsatisfactory conditions;

  4. use the appropriate checklist provided by the manufacturer or helicopter owner; and

  5. check flight controls for freedom of operation and correct movement.
Date modified:
2010-05-20