OLA’S EESE

Helicopters are incredible machines that can fly in any direction and hover in place. They achieve this by using their main rotor blades, which are long, narrow wings that rotate at high speeds and generate lift and thrust. But why don’t helicopters take off as soon as the blades start spinning?

The answer is that helicopters need to perform a series of checks and procedures before they can safely lift off the ground. The average time it takes a helicopter to get airborne can be from 2-10 minutes, depending on the type, size, model, and condition of the helicopter. The amount of systems check and configuration needed before the flight extends the period before liftoff.

Some of the steps that a helicopter pilot needs to do before taking off are:

1. Turn on the electrical system and open the fuel valve
2. Start the engine(s) with a key or a button
3. Check the ignition system, the main rotor rpm governor, the radio frequencies, and the gauges
4. Wait for the engine oil temperature and pressure to reach the optimal levels
5. Check the flight controls, the hydraulic system, the navigation system, and the instruments
6. Perform a power check to ensure that there is enough power available for takeoff
7. Check the weather conditions, the wind direction and speed, and the surrounding obstacles
8. Choose a suitable takeoff direction and technique

Lifting a helicopter off the ground also requires great care and skill from the pilot. The pilot needs to raise the collective very slowly until the helicopter is light on the skids, then position the cyclic to ensure that takeoff will be precisely vertical, before raising the collective further. The pilot also needs to use the pedals to keep the helicopter straight and balanced.

If the takeoff is done too fast or carelessly, or not as described above, the helicopter may get into what is called ‘dynamic rollover’. This is when a helicopter turns itself over instead of lifting into hover. It then proceeds to crash. This can occur quite easily if the helicopter’s center of gravity is displaced while power is being applied, as occurs during takeoff.

To avoid dynamic rollover, pilots practice takeoffs extensively before going solo in a helicopter. They also make sure that none of the skids are stuck in mud, grass, or ice, which can also induce dynamic rollover.

If you have any feedback or questions, please let me know in the comments below. Have a great day!