Pace Car | Low-speed handling qualities with MBB Bo105

Helicopters are known for their key ability to operate in a low speed environment. One rotary-wing flight test technique to assess the low-speed Handling Qualities utilizes a ‘Pace Vehicle’ fitted with an accurate wind speed and direction measuring device (anemometer) to allow the aircraft to establish different relative wind azimuths and strengths. At ITPS Canada this method is used to determine the aircraft’s critical azimuths for handling and to document controllability issues due to control envelope limitations or restrictions. These exercises are always interesting to watch, though they can be challenging for the students to fly.