Threat and Error Management In Helicopters

Inherently unstable Low level environment Time factor - slim margin for error and intervention Instructing in Helicopters

1. Relies on Airmanship / Judgement - Experience? 2. Cognitive Process – Difficult to Demonstrate in the Air 3. Procedure Based Threat Management Generally Well Taught Pre-Flight Brief; 1. Weather 2. Notams 3. Aircraft State 4. Personal Fatigue, Currency Human Factors / Airmanship 1. Lookout, Listenout 2. Wires, Birds 3. Engine Failure Considerations On the Ground Instructing to Manage Threats Post Flight Brief Very Important!

Hierarchy of Intervention; 1. Prompt“Airspace” 2. Question“Where is the HN CTR Boundary?” 3. Direct“Turn left 90 degrees” 4. Physical“I have control” Errors will occur – its how we deal with them Instructing to Manage Errors Use the lowest level commensurate with safety In The Air

Errors will occur – its how we deal with them Instructing to Manage Errors It is almost always appropriate to take control to debrief. Remember how overloaded the student can be with just flying the aircraft. “The Student is there to Fly No. They are there to Learn” Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah

We tend to focus on initial actions for critical emergencies e.g. Autorotations, tail rotor emergencies in the circuit. Try and teach subsequent actions and management of non critical emergencies Be aware the way you train emergencies may lead the student down the wrong path in the real situation Emergency Training Dealing with Undesired Aircraft States

Any Questions?