General Safety of Flight

Objective

The CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to effectively teach safety of flight principles and collision avoidance procedures by explaining and demonstrating proper visual scanning techniques, emergency procedure simulation protocols, and continuous traffic awareness practices throughout helicopter flight training. Upon completion, the candidate will meet the standards outlined in ACS task HI.17.A and be able to instruct students on maintaining safety as the prime consideration during all flight operations.

Content

Safety as Prime Consideration (HI.XVII.A.K1)

Safety of flight must be the overriding factor in every decision made during helicopter operations. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters operate in a unique flight environment that demands heightened safety awareness due to:

• Low-altitude operations near obstacles
• Autorotation requirements and limited gliding capability
• Complex rotor system dynamics
• Increased susceptibility to weather conditions
• Operations in confined areas with minimal escape routes

As flight instructors, we must ingrain this principle into students from day one. Think of safety like the foundation of a house - everything else we build upon it, but if the foundation fails, everything collapses. Every maneuver, every decision, every communication must pass through the safety filter first.

Continuous Traffic Alertness (HI.XVII.A.K2)

The evaluator, applicant, and crew must maintain constant vigilance for other aircraft throughout the practical test and all flight operations. Helicopter operations present unique traffic challenges:

• Operating at altitudes where multiple aircraft types converge
• Limited visibility due to rotor disc and aircraft structure
• Operations near airports with mixed traffic
• Slower airspeeds requiring extended scanning times
• Confined area operations where traffic may not be radio-controlled

The “see and avoid” principle is our primary collision avoidance tool in VFR conditions. This requires systematic, disciplined visual scanning combined with effective radio communication and transponder use.

Emergency Procedure Simulation (HI.XVII.A.K3)

When performing emergency procedures that could jeopardize safety if executed as published, the evaluator will direct simulation of specific portions. This includes:

• Autorotations to actual touchdown (simulated below 100 feet AGL)
• Engine failures during critical phases of flight
• Hydraulic failures requiring full down collective
• Tail rotor failures requiring immediate landing
• Fire emergency procedures involving actual shutdown

The key teaching point: we simulate not because we’re afraid of the real thing, but because controlled simulation allows repetitive practice without unnecessary risk. It’s like learning to drive in a parking lot before hitting the highway.

Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Assessment (HI.XVII.A.K4)

The evaluator continuously assesses the applicant’s scanning technique throughout the entire practical test, not just during specific maneuvers. Effective scanning includes:

Systematic Coverage: Eyes should move in organized patterns, typically focusing on 10-degree segments for 1-2 seconds each

Altitude Awareness: Scanning emphasis changes based on altitude:

• Below 500’ AGL: Focus on obstacles and low-flying aircraft
• 500-1000’ AGL: Mix of traffic pattern and en route aircraft
• Above 1000’ AGL: Faster traffic and instrument approaches

Blind Spot Management: Understanding helicopter-specific visibility limitations and compensating with aircraft positioning and additional clearing turns

Risk Management Applications

Continuous Traffic Vigilance (HI.XVII.A.R1): Maintain active scanning even during complex maneuvers or emergency procedures. Traffic doesn’t stop being a threat because we’re practicing autorotations. Use clearing turns before maneuvering, announce positions on appropriate frequencies, and involve passengers/students in traffic spotting.

Safety-First Simulation Protocols (HI.XVII.A.R2): Establish clear simulation parameters before beginning maneuvers. Use standard callouts like “simulating engine failure” or “simulated hydraulic failure” to ensure all participants understand what’s real versus simulated. Never compromise aircraft control for the sake of completing a maneuver as published.

Schedule

Equipment

• Current FAA-S-ACS-29 Helicopter Practical Test Standards
• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• FAA-H-8083-21 Helicopter Flying Handbook
• Local sectional chart and airport diagram
• Traffic pattern diagram or visual aid
• Scanning technique demonstration cards
• Whiteboard or flip chart for visual scanning patterns
• Sample radio communication examples

Instructor Actions

The CFI candidate will:

1. Demonstrate proper scanning technique by verbalizing the systematic visual scanning process while performing clearing turns and explaining the 10-degree segment method with 1-2 second focus periods

2. Explain traffic pattern integration using local airport diagrams to show where helicopter traffic converges with fixed-wing aircraft and identify critical scanning areas

3. Teach emergency simulation protocols by clearly distinguishing between actual emergency responses and simulated procedures, emphasizing safety decision-making criteria

4. Model continuous safety assessment by verbalizing real-time safety decisions during the lesson, explaining why certain maneuvers would be simulated rather than performed

5. Demonstrate instructional techniques for teaching scanning by using the “tell, show, practice” method and providing specific, actionable feedback on student scanning performance

6. Explain collision avoidance procedures including right-of-way rules, communication protocols, and helicopter-specific considerations for different flight phases

Student Actions

The student (evaluator playing student role) will:

1. Practice systematic scanning following the instructor’s guidance and demonstrate improved technique through repetition

2. Identify traffic conflicts using the scanning techniques taught and verbalize spotted traffic with appropriate position reports

3. Distinguish between real and simulated procedures by responding appropriately to emergency scenario setups and understanding simulation boundaries

4. Ask relevant questions about scanning blind spots, traffic pattern integration, and emergency procedure safety considerations

5. Demonstrate learning transfer by applying scanning techniques during different phases of flight simulation (takeoff, cruise, approach)

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate successfully completes HI.17.A when they demonstrate the ability to:

1. Teach safety-first decision making by consistently emphasizing safety of flight as the prime consideration in all scenarios presented, with specific examples of when to modify or simulate procedures

2. Demonstrate effective visual scanning instruction by teaching systematic scanning techniques that result in measurable improvement in student traffic detection within a 10-minute practice session

3. Explain traffic awareness protocols including when to use clearing turns, appropriate radio communications, and altitude-specific scanning emphasis areas

4. Establish clear simulation protocols by defining exactly what will be simulated during emergency procedures and maintaining positive aircraft control throughout all demonstrations

5. Model continuous traffic vigilance by maintaining effective scanning and verbalizing traffic awareness throughout the entire instructional period, meeting the standard of HI.XVII.A.S1

6. Provide actionable feedback on student scanning performance using specific, measurable criteria rather than general praise or criticism

The lesson is complete when the CFI candidate can effectively teach these concepts to a student pilot and demonstrate personal mastery of safety-focused decision making throughout all flight operations.