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The Art of the Helicopter John Watkinson - Karatunov.net

The Art of the Helicopter John Watkinson - Karatunov.net

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190 <strong>The</strong> <strong>Art</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Helicopter</strong><br />

Fig. 5.19 Following a collision with a ship, this helicopter has lost its tail rotor and gearbox. Having a zero<strong>of</strong>fset<br />

rotor head, <strong>the</strong>re is insufficient cyclic authority to oppose <strong>the</strong> serious trim shift and <strong>the</strong> nose down attitude<br />

that results is apparent.<br />

O<strong>the</strong>rs were not so fortunate and consequently regular inspection <strong>of</strong> all components<br />

associated with <strong>the</strong> tail rotor is to be recommended.<br />

One point sometimes overlooked is that as <strong>the</strong> tail rotor is at <strong>the</strong> back, anything that<br />

comes <strong>of</strong>f or out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> helicopter in forward flight can strike it. <strong>The</strong> designer may try<br />

to think <strong>of</strong> every eventuality, which is why <strong>the</strong> fuel filler cap is <strong>of</strong>ten retained by a length<br />

<strong>of</strong> wire, but <strong>the</strong>re have been cases <strong>of</strong> engine access covers coming loose in flight and<br />

inflicting grievous harm to <strong>the</strong> tail rotor.<br />

<strong>Helicopter</strong>s are <strong>of</strong>ten flown with one or more doors open or removed, for film and<br />

television shooting, for example. In this case it is essential that everything within <strong>the</strong><br />

machine is fixed, stowed or te<strong>the</strong>red. <strong>The</strong> helicopter with a high set tail rotor is at an<br />

advantage here, as debris is more likely to pass below it.

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