Hovering Competence Certificate
This Certificate indicates that a pilot is safe to fly in a designated hovering only area, unattended by an instructor. This means that he/she will have to display sensible regard to safety at all times, not just during the test. An examiner will observe behaviour throughout the day to ensure that nothing is done that will endanger oneself or others.
1. Carry out preflight checks, start engine, making sure that the clutch is fully disengaged and the blades remain stationary when the engine is at idle.
2. Take off and hover for 5 seconds.
3. Perform a vertical figure 'h'
4. Sideways flight.
5. Answer satisfactorily two questions on the Safety Code and Recommended Procedures.
FLIGHT LINE LAYOUT
The layout is based on a 10 metre square. At no point during the test should the model be between the pilot and the pits or public viewing area. At the start of the schedule the model is placed on the centre heli-pad with the model pointing nose into wind and the tail pointing towards the pilot.On arriving at the field make sure you are aware of any flying restrictions and that you understand and comply with the frequency control system in operation. A range check should be carried out before your first flight of the day. This should be completed with the transmitter aerial retracted at a distance of 20-30 metres. Before starting the model the canopy should be removed and all ball-links checked for security. With the canopy replaced, all controls should be checked at full rate to ensure operation without binding and that directions are correct. Rates should be returned to hovering settings. Check that the gyro is switched on. Ensure that all transmitter switches are in the correct position and that the throttle stick is in the idle position to prevent the possibility of the engine being started onidle-up. Ensure that the rotor head of the model is held firmly during the starting procedure. Once the engine is running all controls should be checked again. DO NOT alter the pitch unless you have an active throttle hold selected. The model can now be carried to the centre of the box and must sit at idle without the rotor blades engaging.
5 SECOND HOVER
The pilot stands at the edge of the box and the model lifts smoothly vertically until the skids are at eye level. This position is maintained for a full 5 seconds. The model then descends smoothly vertically to its original position.
VERTICAL FIGURE 'h'
The model lifts smoothly vertically until the skids are at eye level and hovers for 2 seconds. It then flies slowly forward for 5 metres and hovers for 2 seconds before ascending vertically for 4 metres into a further 2 second hover. It then descends smoothly vertically to the ground.
SIDEWAYS FLIGHT
The model smoothly lifts vertically until the skids are at eye level and hovers for 2 seconds. It then flies slowly sideways for 5 metres until it is above the right hand marker and hovers for 2 seconds before flying slowly sideways for 10 metres until it is above the left-hand marker. After hovering for 2 seconds it flies slowly sideways for 5 metres until it is above its start position and hovers for 2 seconds. It then descends smoothly vertically to the ground.
POST FLIGHT PROCEDURES
The engine should be cut before approaching the model. The transmitter aerial should be retracted and the model returned to the pit area. The radio should be switched off and frequency control regulations followed.