From chuckm@aero.com
To: DF
Subject: Windmill Brake State
Hi David..Thanks for writing.
The Windmill Brake State happens when the rotor begins acting like a windmill. You'll see this happen if the rotor begins to overspeed during descents. Of course the obvious method used to counteract this effect is to increase collective.
Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to discuss it in more detail let me know. That's a good idea about another article. I'll probably do that in a few months.
Take Care
Chuck
...Thanks, that makes sense. I hadn't heard the term. - Cheers, Dave.
Subj: Can Helicopters Fly at the North Pole?
Date: 96-02-26 23:17:29 EST
From: AH
To: chuckm@aero.com
Chuck;
You should talk to Dick Smith of the Australian Geographic. Dick not
only flew his Jet Ranger to the North Pole (literally) but he also flew it
around the world east to west.(or was that west to east)
At any rate I have flown in many icy conditions on the DEW line in
Canada's arctic. The biggest concern of mine when it comes to icing is the
effect on a rotor systems ability to autorotate. With the build up of ice on
the blades, which usually starts at the blade root, their ability to
produce the driving force for autorotation is rapidly deminished because
of the change of the airfoil shape. With not too much ice you may as well
be riding a manhole cover if the stove quits!
Regards; Alex
Way to go, Chuck! It's good to see some real helicopter interest on the net.
I'm the Chief R&D Test pilot for Sikorsky, and really like to see helo stuff on the net.
Please keep in touch with us down here at West Plam Beach, FL, where we're flying the Comanche. I'd enjoy working a question and answer slot for your page, if anyone's interested.
Nick Lappos
former US Army (1968-1971) CWO
Aero Engineer, Ga Tech 1973
...Another great source of info! We're contacting Nick and will take him up on his
offer.
Thérèse / Aero.com
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