Have you ever had an “Oh, crap” moment in a helicopter? Can you summarize what happened?


                      demanding 100 percent torque from both  and level airspeed the helicopter can attain. There was a loud Bang! as the engine turbine   scale and the torque indication on the No. 1 engine went to zero. The rotor dropped       reduction the rotor rpm recovered. We slowed down, returned to the airport, and  to spare. It was not a serious emergency       However, any time you hear loud bangs in a helicopter, it immediately gets your attention.


If you could give one piece of advice to a new helicopter pilot, what would it be?


Study! Flight hours and skills will come with time, but pilots tend to study less and less the more experienced they get. Maximize your knowledge of your aircraft; it could        instrument procedures; it will save your life someday. And of course, remember to read and understand the FARs.


In your view, what is the greatest challenge for the helicopter industry at this moment in time?


It’s an exciting time to be involved in the helicopter industry, but I am concerned with  and automation than towards aircraft performance. The increase in automation threatens to dull basic airmanship skills. When automation fails—and it will—pilots  


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