Exercise 6a: Straight and level



In this lesson, the student will be able to fly the helicopter straight and level whilst maintaining height, airspeed and balance. The student will further be able to change from one airspeed to another making the necessary attitude, power and anti torque/yaw pedal inputs whilst maintaining a given altitude.



  1. Brief the power required/power available graph and the relation to airspeed. Highlight significant/relevant speeds derived from the graph.
  2. Establish normal cruising attitude, pointing out associated power setting to maintain straight and level flight. Maintain direction and balance. (70KIAS, Approximately 18/19”)
  3. To decrease airspeed, lead by lowering the collective, select 60KIAS Attitude, hold for flap forward and apply right pedal for balance. Point out the amount of MAP used to maintain straight and level flight at 60KIAS (approximately 16/17”)
  4. To increase airspeed, Visually Select a 70Kt attitude, holding for flap forward, whilst simultaneously raising the collective to cruise power and apply left pedal for balance.
  5. Introduce the VSI and Altimeter into the existing scan for further accuracy.
  6. Train the students to fly with eyes outside the cockpit as much as possible and to develop a feel for speed, height and the associated power settings. Introduce and highlight other cues that can be used to confirm the information (Such as the sound of the aircraft when increasing or decreasing power, blade slap in a descent and the sensation of imbalanced flight)
  7. Further develop student awareness of radio procedures; highlight relevant airspace parameters and their associated limits and frequencies.




At the completion of this lesson, the student will be able to maintain straight and level balanced flight at various speeds and power settings. Their control inputs shall be, coordinated and in correct sequence as not to deviate from given altitude/Height. Their scan will be further developed, and it would be understood that a scan is merely a cross reference to enhance accuracy and not a means to make initial control inputs. Radio procures and knowledge of training airspace and associated limits will be further developed. General situational awareness, and awareness of other aircraft will be reinforced.

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