Attending the Robinson Safety Course

By WG#2234 Cecily Olsen

My name is Cecily Olsen, proud Whirly-Girl, number 2234. I recently had the honor of receiving the Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course Scholarship in Torrance, California. As I prepare to begin my aviation career as a Certified Flight Instructor in the coming months, this safety training has proven invaluable. It is essential not only for my own safety but also for ensuring the well-being of my future students. This course emphasized the critical importance of education and training in aviation.

When asked about what I learned during this course, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of knowledge gained. The class began with three days of ground training covering various aspects of safety including maintenance, situational awareness, crew resource management, scenario-based training, pre-flight inspections, the importance of checklists, carb icing, low-G and mast bumping, autorotations, common causes of fatal accidents, wire strike avoidance, and when to declare an emergency. We delved deep into emergency procedures, emphasizing that thorough knowledge and practice of these procedures are crucial for survival.

Reviewing multiple NTSB helicopter crash reports was a sobering experience. These reports highlighted the dire consequences of inadequate safety practices and emphasized the importance of comprehensive weather briefings and flight planning. Analyzing these accidents provided valuable insights into how to prevent similar outcomes. Through continuous education, training, and proficiency, we can constantly improve as pilots.

Midway through the ground training, we took a break for a tour of the Robinson Factory. This tour provided me with an appreciation for the precision involved in building these helicopters and underscored the significance of each step in the assembly process. Seeing the individual components of the aircraft enhanced my understanding of their internal systems and functions, enabling me to better explain these aspects to my students.

Following the ground training, we were paired with flight instructors and took to the skies in the Robinson R44. As the scholarship recipient, I was granted five flight hours instead of the standard one hour included with the course. I also had the choice of flying the R22 or R44 at no additional cost. Opting for the R44 was a natural choice given that I am currently working on my CFII in this model. I was also given the option to sit in the left or right seat; I chose the left, which I greatly appreciated as it personalized the experience to my current level as a helicopter pilot.

During the first two hours of flight, we concentrated on various types of autorotations. This training was exceptional; it gave me a solid understanding of the aircraft’s capabilities and how to effectively manipulate them to my advantage, while boosting my confidence in doing so. We also practiced several emergency procedures, including vortex ring state. I had the opportunity to perform the Vuichard method for the first time — a significant skill to have. The remaining flight hours involved various flight types. We navigated through multiple airspaces, flew to the Hollywood Hills area for multiple off-airport landings, and revisited autorotation training at another airport.

To conclude this remarkable helicopter course filled with new experiences, we flew past the Hollywood sign and enjoyed a scenic cruise over downtown Los Angeles. Without a doubt, the Robinson Safety Course has been one of the most beneficial experiences of my aviation career to date.