SFAM 103

AFCS
Students typically break the AFCS in two and each RAC briefs half of it. Know the four functions of the AFCS and what they mean. 1. Stabilizes the helicopter about the pitch, roll, and yaw axes by dampening transient changes in attitude and providing corrective control. 2. At airspeeds above 40 knots, it maintains a constant pitch attitude and airspeed and provides a positive stick gradient (airspeed directly proportional to longitudinal stick displacement). 3. Maintains a selected heading, bank angle, and barometric or radar altitude. 4. Reduces fuselage drag and rotor-blade flapping; thereby, reducing rotor shaft stress.

ECA Failures
Really think about indications. How am I going to know my ECA is frozen? I won't until I move the collective and watch one TQ lag the other. On the other hand if the ECA goes to max my other engine is going to go to 0 to try and compensate. Don't bite off on the engine failure. Look at your engine gauges to determine if the engine is still running. If the ECA goes to min the other engine is going to go up to compensate. However, I won't be able to beep the one that is stuck at min. Focus on diagnosing the problem before you go into the EP.

Single Engine landing/waveoff
In the FRS you will always be single engine capable. Therefore this is not a time drill. Stabilize the aircraft trim it out. Go through your steps methodically. Once all that is done start setting up for a running landing (if possible) somewhere. You were trained in advanced and primary on single engine aircraft and that meant turning and immediately setting up for landing. Here CFIT is more of a danger than that engine failure was. Be methodical.

When it says "determine single engine capability" what that means is look at your VSI. If you can slow to 70kts (bucket a/s) and pull enough collective to zero out your VSI without drooping turns you are single engine capable. You may get through all of the steps and still have 200fpm decent (if you are heavy). That's a lot better than autorotating. Maintain that if possible and set up a nice looking PEL.