Helicopter Lessons: Understanding Winds (Part 2)

Introduction

• Continuation from Part 1, which covered man-made and nature-made wind indications.
• Focuses on identifying wind directions while in flight without visible indications.

Techniques for Identifying Winds

1. Airspeed vs. Ground Speed

• Concept: Compare airspeed to ground speed.
  • Higher airspeed than ground speed indicates headwind.
  • Higher ground speed than airspeed indicates tailwind.
• Adjust course to find where the biggest spread is between airspeed and ground speed.

2. Crab Angle

• Concept: Helicopter naturally seeks the wind.
  • Crab angle indicates wind direction.
  • E.g., if nose is left, winds are from the left.
• No crab angle means heading and track are aligned, indicating headwind, tailwind, or no wind.

3. Turn Around a Point

• Use: Check winds before landing.
• Method: Maintain a constant rate of turn around a point.
  • Observe how wind affects the pattern.
  • Example: Winds pushing southeast indicate winds from the northwest.

Wind Identification on Ground

Rotor Wash Method

• Concept: Observe rotor wash pattern in grass, debris, etc.
  • Zero wind condition: equal distribution around the helicopter.
  • Wind condition: disturbance is shorter on upwind side and longer on downwind side.

General Rules of Thumb

• Altitude: Wind velocity increases with altitude due to reduced ground friction.
• Funnel Effect: Structures can funnel and accelerate wind.
• Open Areas vs. Forested Areas: More noticeable winds in open areas.
• Mountains: Unique wind patterns; importance of understanding windward and leeward sides.

Final Tips

• Constant observation of wind cues enhances situational awareness.
• Importance of weather brief before flying.
  • Ensures knowledge of wind conditions at takeoff, landing, and throughout flight.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to share personal techniques on wind judgment.
• Reminder to like and subscribe for more content.

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Additional Note

• Video by Jacob on "Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less."
• Safe flying advice.