I have learned a good deal about the preconceptions that exist regarding helicopter flight simulation on the personal computer. In creating a 16,000+ member global helicopter flight simulation community I have found that new members, many of which are helicopter professionals, are unaware of how far things have advanced in this area. When asked, the common reaction among new pilots and instructors in our community is that they had no idea things had come so far. In future articles I hope to help you discover what is available and how you can use it to your benefit. The technical capabilities of PC-based simulation are worthy of several in-depth discussions, but first I would like to share the story of one helicopter professional in particular, a recently minted helicopter CFI that discovered how helicopter flight simulation could be an important part of his professional aviation experience.

Visiting an Oregon outpost in the HC412

Behr Hannah is a helicopter pilot that has spent the past three years working and learning his way through the civilian helicopter training pipeline. Behr's connection with helicopter flight simulation would begin shortly after he earned his private pilot in helicopters, when he received Microsoft Flight Simulator as a gift from a friend. Behr had no prior experience with helicopter flight simulation and only a basic working knowledge of personal computers. Though he was generally aware that Microsoft's simulation software included helicopters, like many pilots, he incorrectly assumed that the features were unrealistic, undetailed, and game-like. With this in mind, he also assumed that the typical user of this software might be an immature pre-teen gamer interested in flying in an arcade-like fashion, and who certainly would not share his interest in professional aviation and training. That was until he found the Hovercontrol community.

Morning flight at Missoula, MT.

Behr discovered a world-wide community dedicated to the advancement of helicopter flight simulation. It was an environment where thousands of helicopter enthusiasts interacted with serious aviation professionals and simulation software developers in order to continuously raise the quality of home helicopter simulation. He would soon learn that with the right information he could configure and transform the basic simulator into an incredibly powerful tool, a tool that could be used accurately and realistically. He also observed a segment of the community routinely flying together in a live multi-user flight environment. In it, instructors worked individually with simulation students from around the world in real-time using voice communications. Soon Behr was regularly participating in the training sessions and benefiting from the mentorship of more experienced members. They helped him properly configure and customize his simulator and control devices in order to maximize the realism and accuracy of his own helicopter flight simulation experience.

Overseeing a certified pilot checkride.

By day, Behr continued his ground and flight training regiment; by night, he utilized the simulator to expand his knowledge and hone his skills such as instrument scan technique; familiarization with training routes, navaid utilization, and approach plate procedures. In addition he gained confidence with his in-flight verbal communication skills and ATC interactions. As his training progressed from his instrument rating into his commercial rating, Behr would use the simulator to improve and maintain his flying precision, basic auto-rotation procedures, special approach techniques, and power management skills. He was beginning to realize the tangible benefits of the home simulator. He was able to maximize his in-cockpit training and keep himself from spending unecessary time and money on tasks that could be refined on his own. Behr found that he was consistenly impressing his instructors with what appeared to be a natural ability to quickly digest and apply complex tasks and techniques. At Hovercontrol, Behr found himself among knowledgable members of a community eager to engage in discussions about helicopter aerodynamic theory, and advanced helicopter concepts. The type of advanced topics that were not normally part of his daily training. Behr was now being encouraged to learn more about helicopters than he had ever planned. He would also get the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with others that were just starting out.

Behr completed his Hovercontrol Certified Pilot rating close to the same time that he finished his Commercial Helicopter Pilot rating. It would seem that Behr would be the least likely person to be interested in simulated training activity when he had so much hands-on training in his day-to-day life. However, he found the two activities to not only be compatible, but also uniquely rewarding. The knowledge and skill he received from both venues of training complimented eachother. Behr went on to join the Hovercontrol Instructor Pilot training course and completed the program at the same time as his real-world CFI. Although enjoyment was his original purpose, Behr has been able to consistently transfer skills between his simulation and real-world flight training. He has also benefited from having a multi-user flight environment where he can continuously develop his communication skills and instruction technique while working with individual students. Having dispelled his original assumptions, Behr now understands why reaching out to helicopter professionals is so important for the helicopter flight simulation community. Behr is thankful that he didn't overlook such a capable tool and has often said that his biggest regret is that he didn't find the helicopter flight simulation community sooner.

Online flight out to Polson, MT.

Behr is a helicopter professional, an intelligent and competent pilot, and a respected member of the helicopter flight simulation community. Perhaps his experience with personal helicopter flight simulation, and the community surrounding it, will encourage you to take a fresh look at what is possible.

Article reprinted by permission from Heli-Ops Magazine. No redistribution.

© Copyright 2008 by Hovercontrol.com

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