2 minute read
Dubai Airshow 2021
from S12.01 2022
by nustobaydo
Bell 407 GXP on the Fireblade Aviation Apron.
The 407 ready to depart Ellisras 45deg C, no problem.
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most recent iterations being the 407GXP. A few months back, adding to my evolution as a pilot, I was given the opportunity to fly one, which is operated by Bastion Aviation, out of Fireblade Aviation’s immaculate facility at OR Tambo. An exciting new feature in the GXP is Garmin’s G1000H flight deck, which makes for a more compact cockpit layout, with all the traditional “steam-powered” gauges replaced by twin 10.4-inch, high-resolution LCD, multifunction displays. These MFDs display all the critical flight data in easy-to-understand flat glass format, allowing for seamless scrolling between engine, map and primary vehicle attitude data.
The big three engine parameters, namely torque, engine speed and turbine temperature, are incorporated into a single synthetic first-limit indicator to reduce pilot scan when operating in high engine-output flight environments. The primary flight display incorporates real-time traffic awareness as well as terrain warning via Garmin’s Helicopter Synthetic Vision Technology (HSVT) which adds a third dimension to GPS. The display even has a rear-view camera to watch the tail during confined landings! The addition of Bell’s two-axis autopilot allows the 407 to have a true single-pilot IFR capability. What a machine!
Learning to fly modern helicopters has become easier as aircraft systems have been developed with ease-of-use in mind. The skill stays the same, but pilot workload is certainly reduced, allowing for safer cockpits and easier conversion between types. Hopefully the future may even have place for a single-engine helicopter series rating! j
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