Basic Helicopter – BH

The Achievement Scheme is run by the MFNZ as a National Scheme, and it is open to all members. The candidate must successfully complete the test schedules in one attempt. A maximum of two attempts at the examination are permitted in any one day.

The test schedule is split broadly into five areas; the pre-flight safety checks, moving from the pits/start-up area to the take-off/landing area, the flying manoeuvres, the recovery & return to the pits, and the questions.

The Basic Certificate is a measure of flying ability and safety which “may be equated to a safe solo standard of flying” and an increasing number of clubs use it as their solo test.

As an Examiner, the level of competence you should expect of a candidate should be based on that criterion; that is this person, in your opinion, fit to be allowed to fly unsupervised.

The candidate should have studied the MFNZ members manual, any local site rules (if applicable) . Besides being an excellent guide to the safe flying of model aircraft, most of the questions asked at the end of the test will be from these sections of the MFNZ members manual.

Also be aware that you may ask questions on any local site rules that the candidate should be aware of, and these may form an important part of the test questions you ask.

The test can be performed with virtually any model helicopter, fixed pitch or collective. The helicopter may be internal combustion engine powered or electric powered. The only exception to this is that helicopters with contra-rotating main rotors are not permitted for the Basic and Advanced tests, the reasoning being that these models are generally too stable to provide an adequate test of a candidates abilities.

Whatever model is brought by the candidate, it must be suitable to fly the manoeuvres required by the test they are taking. You do not have the authority to alter the required manoeuvres to suit a model and if, in your opinion, the model is unsuitable for the test then you should explain this to the candidate and tell them that they cannot use that model. The selection of the model to do the test is the responsibility of the pilot and it is their ability you are testing, not the model.

On no account may the candidate use defects or limitations in the performance of the model as an excuse for poor performance on their part and you should make no allowance on this point. The type of model presented cannot be used as an excuse for not completing certain manoeuvres.

Electric Powered Models must be treated as LIVE as soon as the main flight battery is connected, irrespective of radio state and great care must be demonstrated by the candidate. The arming sequence should be clearly understood and discussed/demonstrated to you by the candidate.

Helicopter with Flybar

Where a flybar is fitted, it is acceptable to use an electro-mechanical or solid-state gyro in a helicopter being used to take the test although electronic stabilisation is restricted to a single sensor acting in rotation around the yaw axis only. This allows a range of gyros to be fitted, from simple yaw dampers to solid state heading lock units but only acting on the tail rotor.

Flybarless Helicopters

If the helicopter does not have a flybar fitted it is acceptable to use extra electronic stabilisation, however the extra electronic stabilisation must only be acting as a fly bar replacement system and must not take over control from the pilot or achieve automated flight. The use of any autopilot and/or artificial stability features which are (or may be) designed into such units beyond definition above is not acceptable during the test for the Basic and Advanced certificates and is not permitted.

Candidates should be prepared to explain the capabilities of the system they are using and show that it does not take over control from the pilot and that automated flight will not be achieved during the test.

GPS must not be used during any test.

There is no requirement for the fixed positioning of manoeuvres relative to the wind direction in the Helicopter tests and you will find no reference to the wind in the text of either the test or this Standards Document.

This makes it absolutely ESSENTIAL that you discuss this with the candidate at length so that you are both aware of exactly how you want the manoeuvres to be presented and what limitations will be accepted if the wind direction is not favourable.

When taking a helicopter test, it is your responsibility as the Examiner to lay out a series of ground markers to assist both the candidate and you to assess the manoeuvres being flown. Small cones or any other similar marker may be used as long as they don’t interfere with the flying of the model. However, it is vital that the marker used for the take-off/landing point (TOLP) does not affect the model at all and probably the best marker in this case would be something like the fluorescent discs that lay flat on the ground. Alternatively, you could use some of the biodegradable ground marker spray paint that is readily available.

The layout of markers required is shown below and it must be emphasised that absolute accuracy of distance is not required when setting them out. Pacing will be quite accurate enough. It is essential, though, that the centre marker, the TOLP and the pilots position are in line.

The general positioning of the markers will depend very much on the geography of the flying site and safe operation of the model, and you should set them out with these factors in mind.

It is not a requirement that the markers in the cross bar are used by the pilot, but they are there to help. However, the centre marker, the take-off/landing point and the pilots position must be used with some accuracy.

Landings should generally be no more than a metre from the take-off/landing point and the pilot is expected to stay close to the selected pilots position mark although it is not required that they plant their feet. If you feel that the pilot is starting to wander, you should stop them and insist that they stand near the pre-selected mark.

Remember that it is a requirement that all manoeuvres are carried out in front of the pilot so the use of the pilots position point will be important.

All take-offs and landings should be smooth, without undue oscillations, and lifts and descents should be straight and controlled with the model a comfortable and safe distance in front of the pilot. In any stationary hovering the model should remain steady and should not oscillate unduly.

The standard brief hover time is about five seconds. You should discuss this with the candidate before the test so that they know that you will want to see a positive stop with the hover long enough to show that the model is well controlled and steady with little wandering or oscillation. Stopwatch accuracy is not required.

The candidate should also be aware that the decision to move on is theirs and that you will not be asking them to commence with the next manoeuvre. However, during your pre-flight briefing, they may ask that you indicate when you are satisfied that they have completed their brief hover times to help them decide when to move on. This is quite permissible if requested by the candidate.

Circuit and other flying manoeuvres should be performed at the heights mentioned in Height and Speed above. Movement of the model from one point to another whilst in the hover should be done at a steady walking pace.

Care should be taken in the flying manoeuvres that the line of approach and height each time is consistent, and you should take particular note of performance in this area.

Exceptionally, at a pre-determined point in the flight an intermediate landing may be permitted for the sole purpose of the fitting of a freshly charged flight battery. This landing may only be made with the prior consent of the Examiners. The pre-determined point may be either after a specific manoeuvre or at a specific time of flight, whichever is requested by the candidate and agreed by the Examiners.

Full pre and post flight checks are not normally required during an intermediate landing and take-off unless the model suffered a hard landing. However, the candidate should give the model at least a quick visual examination whilst on the ground.

Pre Flight

Carry out pre-flight checks as required by the MFNZ documentation.

The pre-flight checks are laid out in the MFNZ Members Manual. The candidate should also go through the pre-flying session checks, also laid out in the MFNZ Members Manual. Ask the candidate to go through their checks as if the test was their first flight of the day. Particular attention should be given to airframe, control linkages and rotors.

Points to look for are that the candidate has a steady and regular ground routine, especially when starting and tuning the engine. Nerves should not play a part in the pits, and you should satisfy yourself that the candidate is in full control of what they are doing whilst preparing the helicopter for flight.

A tidy flight box and a neat ground layout makes a good impression but bear in mind that that Basic certificate candidates may not have been flying for too long and you should make allowances.

A poor performance in this area is not direct grounds for failing the candidate but can certainly be part of a cumulative failure if other aspects of the performance are below the standard you expect.

Pay particular attention to the way the candidate uses the local frequency control system and make sure that they fully understand it and use the correct sequence appropriate to their model. For 35 MHz, this is usually get the peg, Tx on, Rx on. For 2.4 GHz, the candidate should be aware of any local transmitter usage limitations and if a flight peg is required, it must be obtained before the usual Tx on, Rx on sequence. Some radio equipment and, occasionally, a specific model requirement requires that the Rx be switched on first and, if this is the case, the candidate should explain this clearly to you.

With electric powered models, take note that the candidate is aware that the model is live as soon as the flight battery is plugged in and that they take appropriate safety precautions. If a separate receiver battery is fitted, the candidate should have the opportunity to check the operation of the radio equipment before the flight battery is plugged in.

Watch carefully and take note that the transmitter controls, trims and switches are checked by the pilot.

All candidates are required to be aware of the local the frequency control system and anyone who is required to use it but switches their radio on before doing so should be failed on the spot.

With i/c powered models, it is important that the candidate is seen to hold the rotor head securely during the starting procedure and until the model is past the flight line.

Electric powered models must be carried out from the pits area to a safe point before the flight battery is connected and they MUST be considered live as soon as the flight battery is plugged in. Great care should be taken at this point and any help available to the candidate should be used in the interests of safety.

If there is no one else available then there is nothing to stop you aiding the candidate by, for instance, carrying the model to the test area etc. but any such actions must be performed by you directly on the instructions of the candidate. You must not prompt them or carry out any actions of your own accord.

It is important that you talk these points over with the candidate in you pre-flight briefing.

(b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) together form a horizontal T.

During the course of manoeuvres (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) the model should not have deviated significantly from a straight line drawn between the end points Slight drifting may be permissible in adverse wind conditions but should be rapidly corrected and put back on the correct course. If the deviation is severe, or the model does not follow the line at all, the candidate should not pass. The hovering speed between the end points is at the discretion of the candidate but must be no faster than a slow walk.

Each stop should be a controlled hover, with any movement being quickly checked, without signs of large over-corrections. The pauses at each hovering point should be about five seconds, other than in (b).

The height of the helicopter should be consistent throughout these manoeuvres with no major deviations.

Take Off and Hover

Take off and hover tail in over the take-off point, with the helicopter skids at approximately eye level, for about twenty seconds and then land.

Take off should be smooth and the lift to eye level should be vertical, straight and controlled with the model a comfortable and safe distance in front of the pilot. Once at eye level the model should remain stationary, and the tail should not oscillate unduly. You should notify the candidate when the hover time of about twenty seconds has passed and ask him to commence with the next part of the manoeuvre. The descent and landing should be smooth and steady with little oscillation of the tail on touchdown caused by poor tail control.

Take Off and Hover Forwards

Take off and hover for about five seconds, then hover the helicopter slowly forwards for approximately five metres, stop, and hover for about five seconds.

After the take off and five seconds hover time and, on your command, the pilot now hovers the model forward, at a slow hovering pace, for a distance of about five metres then stopping and hovering for about five seconds. All the previous comments about line, height at eye level, speed and steadiness apply and the orientation of the model should still be facing in the same direction as this initial forward hover, as for all the rest of the first set of manoeuvres.

Hover Sideways

Hover the helicopter slowly sideways for approximately five metres, stop, and hover for about five seconds.

The pilot may choose to perform the initial sideways hover in either direction (to his left or right) and, once you have been told the direction, the candidate should, without turning the model, commence a sideways hover at eye level for a distance of approximately five metres. Having travelled about five metres the pilot will stop the model and hold it in a steady hover at eye level and, with the tail pointing in the same direction as it was when it took off, for about five seconds

Hover Sideways (opposite)

Hover the helicopter slowly sideways in the opposite direction for approximately ten metres (five metres past its original position in front of the pilot), stop, and hover for about five seconds.

At the end of the hover time the pilot, without turning the model, will hover it sideways in the opposite direction, passing in front of them and stopping 5 metres past the centre line. At this point the pilot will once again stop and hover the model with it still facing in the same direction as it was at take-off.

Hover Return

Hover the helicopter slowly sideways in the first direction to bring it back to its original position in front of the pilot, stop, and hover for about five seconds.

The candidate should, without turning the model, commence a sideways hover at eye level for a distance of approximately five metres back to the centre marker. Having travelled to the centre marker the pilot will stop the model and hold it in a steady hover for about five seconds at eye level and, with the tail pointing in the same direction as it was when it took off.

Hover Backwards

Fly slowly backwards, bringing the helicopter back to its original position over the take off point, stop, hover for about five seconds and land.

After hovering for about five seconds, the model is hovered backwards (without turning it) to the start position, stopped and hovered for about five seconds above the TOLP with skids at eye level. After the hover time has been completed the model should descend and land close to the original take off point. During this last section, you will be observing the same criteria as previously and the model should have performed as before in relation to the course and at a similar speed. The descent and landing should be smooth and steady with little oscillation of the tail on touchdown caused by poor tail control.

Lazy Eights

Take off and fly slowly forward for approximately 5 metres, stop and hover for about five seconds. Turn 90 degrees either left or right and fly forward to perform two lazy eights, each at least 30 metres in length. Each time the helicopter passes in front of the pilot it must be sideways on to the pilot and throughout the manoeuvre the model must be flying forward, not sideways.

The pilot should make a quick visual check that the area he intends to overfly is clear and that no other models are flying in the near vicinity; you should be watching for definite head movements as they scan the area.

The pilot should fly this manoeuvre at a safe height above eye level but should not fly at such a height that the model cannot be seen by both the pilot and you. Between eye level and five metres is the correct height band for this part of the test and the model must hover through the lazy eights, not fly through them. The pilot must be clear about the height at which they wish to fly before they take-off and you should discuss this with them in the pre-flight briefing.

Having ensured that it is safe to start the manoeuvre, the pilot then takes the model off, rises smoothly to the flight level previously selected and hovers forwards for approximately 5 metres, stopping over the centre marker and hovering for about five seconds.

The pilot then turns the model 90 degree, either left or right and, at the same time, slowly moves off forward at about a walking pace (but still in the hover). It is not required that the 90-degree turn is completed before the model accelerates; the turn and acceleration may be one smooth manoeuvre although the pilot may treat them as separate manoeuvres if they wish.

The pilot moves away at his chosen height for a distance of about fifteen metres where they begin a turn the model smoothly through 180 degrees, flying forward in the hover all the time, and bringing the model back across in front of them. Without hesitation the model continues at the same speed in the new direction until it has flown past the pilot for a further fifteen metres to his opposite side. At this point he smoothly executes another 180° turn, causing the model to be now moving in the same direction as the first leg, again hovering across in front of the pilot.

The model does not stop at this point, but it then repeats the events of the first lazy eight until two full eights have almost been completed and the model is near or over the centre ground marker.

During the lazy eights, you will be looking for a safe controlled flight throughout. Th candidate should not lose or gain height significantly on the turns and should hover in a straight line between the turns with only sufficient drift on the model to prevent it from moving either further away or, more dangerously, closer to himself during each leg of the manoeuvre. The overall length of each eight should be at least thirty metres and the model must be sideways on to the pilot each time it passes across their front. Some allowance can be made for a strong or gusty wind, but the basic points of the manoeuvre must still be demonstrated.

At no time during the manoeuvre should the model be flying sideways. Throughout all the turns and straight flight, it must be flying forward in the hover and not crabbing sideways.

The turns should be made by use of cyclic and rudder co-ordinated correctly and must not be half pirouettes at the end of each leg. The flight pattern should be as the diagram in the MFNZ Members Manual and not deviate significantly from it. The pilot should be equally competent to the left and to the right when flying this manoeuvre. If any significant difference in their flying skills shows up here, then you should seriously consider whether they show the degree of competence necessary. It should be borne in mind that the manoeuvres in the test have been made reasonably simple, so that a fairly high degree of control can be demanded.

Landing

At the conclusion of the two lazy eights, bring the helicopter to a halt sideways-on over the centre marker. Turn the model tail into the pilot and hover for about five seconds. From this point fly the model to a landing on the original take off point.

At this point the model should be approaching the area of the centre marker, still at the chosen manoeuvre height, and the pilot should aim to smoothly decelerate the model to a stop in front of and sideways on to himself. The model is then turned to the heading it had before the lazy eights were started and hovered for about five seconds. At this point it should be over the centre marker, about five metres in front of the TOLP and hovering at the standard height.

The model is now flown to a landing at the original take-off point. The path taken is entirely at the discretion of the pilot and you should take the opportunity to watch carefully for a smooth well-thought-out and safe manoeuvre.

After landing, the candidate should shut down the engine and allow the rotor blades to stop turning before collecting the model to return to the pits.

Remember that electric models must be assumed to be live until the flight battery has been disconnected and the handling of the aircraft by the candidate must reflect this during retrieval and in the pits area.

Post Flight

Complete post flight checks as required by the MFNZ documentation.

These are set out in the MFNZ Members Manual, but you should pay particular attention to the correct Rx off, Tx off sequence and watch carefully to see that the frequency control system in use is cleared correctly.

The candidate must answer correctly a minimum of five of the Mandatory Questions (Refer – Mandatory Questions for all Disciplines (1-15)) on safety matters, based on the MFNZ documents for general flying and local flying rules.

The candidate must also answer correctly a minimum of five questions from the General and Specific Discipline Questions (Refer General Questions (16-29) & Heli Specific Questions (64-72)) on safety matters, based on the MFNZ documentation for general flying and local flying rules.

It is suggested that the questions are asked before the flying test.

Prior to the flying test the examiner should also ask a minimum of three Local site/club Rules.

Such questions should query the maximum altitude models can fly over the flying site as well as the boundaries of the site together with site etiquette and pilot safety.

Remember, the Proficiency scheme is a test of both flying ability and knowledge. It doesn’t matter how well the candidate can fly, if they cannot answer the safety questions they should not pass.

As an examiner however, you should prepare yourself thoroughly for any testing that you do, and you may wish to sort out your own personal and private list of sensible questions. Don’t forget that you can use any local rules which you know and which the candidate should be aware of. Remember that the majority questions you ask are to be BASED on the MFNZ documentation; you are not expected to ask them parrot fashion and the candidate is not expected to answer that way either.

This opens up the possibility of asking a candidate if they can think of reasons behind specific rules. For instance, why is the club frequency control system operated as it is and what might go wrong? Why operating transmitters should not be taken out when retrieving models from an active flying area? Or why should models not be flight taxied in or out of the pits area?