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This
two week short course is designed to satisfy the demand for
pilots, engineers, flight test support, and management personnel who need to learn practical
experience in helicopter engineering flight test theory and procedures. Scope of the course includes performance,
handling qualities, data acquisition and
analysis, and FAA and military specifications pertaining to piloted helicopters.
Classroom
academics are tailored to prepare the students to plan and conduct
efficient flight tests. Six flights are performed in an
instrumented helicopter. On each of
the flights, students participate as flight test engineers
gathering data for post-flight analysis.
Students
also assemble and present their findings and
recommendations on mission suitability and
regulatory compliance in an oral briefing.
Subjects
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Standard Atmosphere
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Longitudinal
Static Stability
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Helicopter Aerodynamics
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Lateral-Directional Static Stability
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Pitot-Static Theory
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Longitudinal Dynamic Stability
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Hover Performance
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Lateral-Directional Dynamic Stability
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Level Flight Performance
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Control Response
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Climb/Descent Performance
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Low Speed Characteristics
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Mechanical Controls
Characteristics
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Height-Velocity Testing
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Engine Characteristics
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Takeoff and Landing Performance
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Schedule
and Location
The
course is scheduled five days per week for a two-week period.
Classes are normally conducted from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m.
daily with a 1-hour lunch period. However, on days when flying is
scheduled, the preflight briefing normally begins at 7:30 a.m.
Schedule
View
Schedule
The
course is conducted at the National Test Pilot School
facilities located at Mojave Airport in Mojave, California, which
is about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Several classes are offered
per year, normally in the winter and spring.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for attendance at this course.
Familiarity with algebra, technical reporting and
personal computer operation (including word processing,
spreadsheet, and chart making) are helpful. Classes are conducted
in English.
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