3 ms·
Helicopter pilot here. We take evasive action. In forward flight that's probably going to be a quick stop to give me time to see what the bird's doing and then
by mbrameld 9y ago
Helicopter pilot here. We take evasive action. In forward flight that's probably going to be a quick stop to give me time to see what the bird's doing and then flying away from the bird. If I were working on hovering maneuvers and a large bird flew near I would set down until it left.
- cmurf 9y agoAirplane pilot here. I suspect there's enough noise and downwash/turbulence that a bird doesn't get anywhere particularly close to a hovering helicopter. If the drone is clearly outside the radius of the main rotor, you'd set down. What if it's above the rotor coming toward you? Probably set down and hope it doesn't get sucked in? What if it's below the main rotor coming toward you? You may not want to set down unless you know (?) the downwash is something the drone can't put up with, but how much time are you going to have to decide whether to risk striking it with a rotor vs throttle up delay and ascending away from the drone? I think the behavior of various sized drones in proximity to helicopters is going to become a necessary training item. There will be planned and unplanned close proximity of s/mUAS and the worst enemy is going to be having never thought of or discussed these operational what ifs.