User manual

DodoSim 206 FSX User Manual

Page 44

Whilst tail rotor VRS does not in itself prove a serious problem for the skilled pilot, slow corrective

action may cause the helicopter to yaw to the right enough that the relative wind azimuth moves

into the weathervane region between 120° and 240°, where a right yaw could accelerate quickly.

3.4.1.13.3 Weathervane Instability

When the relative wind azimuth is between 120° and 240° the wind will try to push the tail around

to turn the nose of the helicopter into the wind. The pilot must apply a compensatory pedal input to

retain the aircraft heading. Failure to do so will likely result in an increasingly accelerating turn from

which it may be difficult to recover. Hovering with moderate to strong tailwinds or flying backwards

will require considerable attention and constant pedal adjustment.

Hint: Hovering in a tail wind is not recommended unless it cannot be avoided, such as when

manoeuvring within a restrictive or enclosed area.

Note that flying backwards is effectively the same thing as hovering with a tail wind and as such will

require considerable skill and practice to do smoothly.

Relative wind