Lesson: Take off in a helicopter

This lesson describes the recommended way to perform a take-off in a helicopter using FS(X)Pilot (Newbie)

GENERALLY for helos:

Please set the general realism slider (realism menu) to left position (easy) and AUTORUDDER OFF.

Start up FS2004 or FSX, select an airfield and a helicopter, f.e. the FS-inbuild Bell Jetranger. Open the FS(X)Pilot AP-panel and the EFIS-panel from the FS(X)Pilot Menu entry that should be available in your FS2004 menu. Arrange both windows on screen so that they do not disturb your vision. You will need the APPanel (rectangular grey panel with lots of buttons) to do the take-off. The EFIS-panel is for navigating later on.

Either

(1) power up the engine and wait until rotor is rotating > 90 %
(2) enter a target altitude in the ALT reading field of the APPanel, say 3000ft
(3) enter a climb rate in the VS reading field of the APPanel, say 300 ft/min
(4) enter current heading in the heading reading field (right click into the field, press HDG
(5) press AP on (button lit red)
(6) select heli mode (click to CMD field until it displays 'heli')
(7) press LVL, VS, ALT (all buttons should be green) and
(8) enter 5 kts IAS in the IAS reading field, press SPD button (should turn green).

or use the takeoff button (Version 2.0):

(1) power up the engine and wait until rotor is rotating > 90 %
(2) enter a target altitude in the ALT reading field of the APPanel, say 3000ft
(3) press AP on (button lit red)
(4) select heli mode (click to CMD field until it displays 'heli')
(5) press T/O (5 knts IAS and climb rate and heading automatically set)

The helicopter should now climb and move forward with a IAS (indicated airspeed) of 10 knts and level out at 3000ft. Increase IAS to your desired cruise speed.

Cruise:
(1) Either define a heading in the heading reading field and press HDG or
(2) Select a target (click on the EFIS) or enter 'select xyz' and press the return key into the text input box of the AP pane. Press NAV.