Always Put Your Flightpath First (The Rotorcraft Collective)

It only takes a moment of inattention to create a tragic accident. An experienced pilot flying an Airbus EC-135 at night diverted his attention and went heads down to review the maintenance logbook. Another crew member briefly distracted the pilot and they inadvertently flew the helicopter toward rising terrain. The pilot didn't have sufficient time to recover the aircraft before it impacted trees and crashed onto a road. Destroying the aircraft and injuring the passengers and crew. It only takes a moment to lose track of the helicopter's flight path and errors can occur in any phase of flight. Allowing an aircraft to deviate from the intended flight path can result from a variety of factors including internal and external distractions, complacency, task saturation, fatigue, or even the weather. Putting flight path first must be every pilot's priority. Early recognition and recovery back to the intended flight path before allowing the helicopter to enter an undesired aircraft state ensures the safety of the aircraft and the public. On this episode of the Rotorcraft Collective, we discuss flight path management and what it takes to stay ahead of the aircraft with flight path first. According to FAA Advisory Circular 120-123, flight path management is defined as the planning, execution, and assurance of the guidance and control of aircraft trajectory and energy in flight or on the ground. But this isn't just about your current position on a moving map. It's about where the helicopter is headed and how the crew controls and monitors its path. That includes visual or instrument guidance with either manual or automated flight controls. And critically, what the crew is doing to verify the aircraft remains on the intended flight path. Ensuring the aircraft is on a safe and correct flight path is the highest priority for all pilots. That's the core of flight path first. Manual flight operations are the foundation upon which other technical flying skills are built and must be maintained, even when automation is available. If you are using automation, make sure to confirm the correct mode is in use to maintain the desired flight path. Accidents have been attributed to pilots incorrectly assuming a different autopilot mode was engaged. Select, then verify. AC 120-123 identifies specific situations where loss of control is likely and where training should focus. These include out of trim conditions, go-arounds initiated at other than minimums, unintended autopilot modes, recovery from unusual attitudes, or partial or total power loss. Standard operating and emergency procedures are important, but training should not just focus on details at the expense of the big picture. Recognize the risks, train for the unexpected, stay ahead of the aircraft, and always put your flight path first. Thanks for watching the Rotorcraft Collective. Fly safe and stay the course. For the FAA and the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team, I'm Rob Recker.