Helicopter Human Factors & Safety Lessons for All Pilots takes a deep dive into the psychology, stress responses, and decision-making processes that shape helicopter safety. Host Max Trescott interviews Richard Mornington-Sanford, a world-renowned instructor, consultant for Robinson Helicopter Company, and author of Keep Your RPM in the Green. Listeners can also enter a giveaway to win a copy of Richard's book, by listening to the show for the link to enter to win.
Richard brings decades of experience training pilots on the Robinson R22, R44, and R66, the most widely flown light helicopters in the world. While the discussion focuses on Robinson models, the human factors and safety principles apply to every helicopter pilot.
The episode begins with a technical discussion of autorotations: why rolling off the throttle too quickly in a fuel-injected engine can cause a “rich cut” that leads to engine stoppage, and why applying carburetor heat well before reducing power is critical in carbureted Robinson helicopters. Richard contrasts the behavior of the R22 and R44 under carburetor icing, noting how subtle design differences affect pilot workload.
From there, Max and Richard explore the psychological traps that pilots fall into. Richard argues that pilots should actively look for a reason not to fly, since optimism, investment bias, and passenger pressure often push them toward risky decisions. Canceling a flight, he stresses, is a skill pilots must practice during training to build confidence in making conservative choices.
The conversation highlights the startle effect, in which stress floods the body with adrenaline and cortisol, shutting down rational thought, fine motor skills, and even hearing. Richard recounts a harrowing training flight in Russia where a pilot froze on the controls during a zero-airspeed autorotation. Despite commands, the pilot couldn’t respond—his brain had shut down. Only when the interpreter touched the pilot’s shoulder did he release the controls, saving both lives.
Other key safety lessons include:
- Low RPM emergencies in Robinson helicopters and why training should emphasize manual throttle skills, not just reliance on the governor.
- The importance of a deteriorating weather trigger—a preplanned visibility minimum that prompts immediate diversion, landing, or return to base.
- Recognizing how expectation bias can cause pilots to misinterpret what they see on the ground, leading to navigation errors.
- Why precautionary landings are always safer than pressing into poor conditions, and why regulators support these decisions.
Richard also stresses that human limitations are universal: even experienced pilots can freeze under stress or rationalize unsafe flights. By training realistically, practicing emergency procedures, and being honest with passengers about risks, pilots can greatly improve their margin of safety.
This episode is essential listening for Robinson R22, R44, and R66 pilots, as well as flight instructors, students, and any rotorcraft pilot who wants to better understand human factors, stress, and risk management in helicopter flying.
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