How to Fly Bell Helicopters

A thorough preflight is the best start. Be sure to check all fluid levels, ensure that the main and tail rotors turn without encountering a carbon lock and that the landing skids haven't been stressed. Be sure to look through the checklist for other critical safety of flight items.

With the fuel valve on and pressure being delivered to the system, engage the starter. At the appropriate engine speed for the temperature, twist the throttle past the idle detent and then back to ensure that fuel is being delivered. Watch that you do not press the detent release button when you snap the throttle back otherwise you'll stop the engine start.

After engine start, slowly twist the throttle open fully. Do not exceed 40 percent torque while accelerating the engine to the "fly" position, as this can result in a compressor stall and damage to the engine.

After all other checks are complete and you are satisfied with the aircraft's ability to safely fly, pull on the collective to increase torque and lift off into a 5 to 10 foot hover. Check your instruments and flight controls for proper response; then increase power slightly and shift the cyclic stick forward slightly. As the aircraft accelerates, there will be a slight shudder felt as the helicopter passes through "translational lift", which reduces the helicopters power requirement to fly.

When moving the cyclic and collective, remember that it doesn't take much movement to have a large effect on flight, so gently move the controls until a good feel for the controls has been established. Be sure to keep a close eye on your temperature and torque limitations, as the 206B does not have an excess of power available and you can easily put yourself in the transient torque range.

Your torque will increase significantly as you lose translational lift, so don't decelerate too quickly, or you will place your lift vector too far away from vertical to be able to safely hover within temperature and torque limits. Remember that if for some reason you can't maintain a hover, you can do a running landing to maintain translational lift by gently flying the aircraft down to the landing area.