This was the right decision. No question.
I wish that McMinneville (MMV) was closer... we're at about 45-60 minutes. It is a really nice and easy drive into Oregon country... but it does add and additional 2 hours to any training I might set up.
We spent about 1hr doing ground and 1hr in the air. My initial reaction is that Jerry is an very down to earth instructor and an incredible pilot. The ground lesson was more or less a level set on what is to be covered and a basic FoI level information. Mostly review as I've just come off of my FOI test.
The flight... well, it was mostly a "proof" of my ability. We did at least one of every maneuver. He wanted to see what he had to work with. Interestingly, he knew where I got my training because I executed the maneuvers to HAI standard. There are flavors of maneuvers, obviously, and mine are all HAI tinted.
For example, HAI is a proponent of a "little flare" and then "big flare" in an autorotation with a power recovery. After I did it, Jerry asked me "Why?". And, the only response I could give him was "Because that is the way I was taught at Hillsboro." Now, while he understood that, and took it as a valid reason he said that he was going to break me of all the bad habits I picked up at Hillsboro. Not that it was dangerous or anything, but if I can't back up every thing I do in the helicopter with a concrete reason based in aerodynamics, mechanics or safety... I should not be doing it.
Good point.
Jerry teaches the autorotation with a big flare, lowering collective to prevent ballooning up, level the helicopter and recover.
Seems quite reasonable.
He also rode me pretty hard about my Max Performance Takeoff. I've been taught, MIPOC:
- M : Magneto Check
- I : Instruments Check
- P : Available Power
- O : Identify Obstacle(s) to be cleared.
- C : Clear the side, skids, tail.
Point taken.
