Ex. 2 Preparation for and Action After Flight

Each helicopter type has its own particular start up checks which must be carried out from the aircraft checklist.
Most piston engine aircraft have a clutch between the engine and rotor systems to allow the engine to be started without a load on it, akin top starting a car in neutral.
The rotors on a piston engine helicopter will not therefore normally rotate immediately on engine start. However it is important not to keep the pistion engine running at low RPM to prevent the build up of lead in the Spark Plugs. With this in mind the next portions of the checklist should be completed swiftly, but without rushing up to the point at which a normal ground idle is achieved (usually after rotor engagement).
Turbine engined helicopters on the other hand will usually start to rotate the rotors immediately the engines starts.

Each helicopter type has its own particular shutdown procedures, which can be found in the aircraft checklist.
These normally involve engine coooling, rotor disengagement, and system shutdown.
If shutdown procedures involve several minutes running at idle, this time can be used constructively for completion of the technical log or post flight debrief during instructional sorties.
It is important to discuss not shutting down if other helicopters are about to take-off or land nearby to avoid the risk of 'Blade Sailing'.

The technical log is normally used to maintain a record of airframe, engine and component hours. From these maintenance can be scheduled and components which have reached the end of their useful life can be replaced.
All operators have their own style of 'Tech Log' however the items recorded normally include

• Date
• Aircraft Registration and Type
• Flight Departure And Arrival Points
• Take-Off and Landing Times
• Captains Name
• Airframe Hours Flown
• Any Defects, And Their Rectification
• Cumulative Hours
• Landings and Engine Cycles if appropriate

It is normal practice when flying to and from the same airfield for these documents to be left back at base, however flights which involve landing away from home base the aircraft documentation should be carried in the aircraft, as this is a legal requirement.