Vertical Reference

All pilots learn to fly by using the horizon as a reference to see the attitude of the aircraft. Vertical reference flying is when a helicopter pilot is looking down rather than looking forward to perform a task with the helicopter.

When the pilot looks down he can no longer use the horizon to judge the attitude of the helicopter, it then becomes very difficult to control the helicopter.

Vertical reference is an important skill for today's helicopter pilots as almost all sling work is now done with a long sling line allowing the pilot to position the loads close to obstacles and into confined areas that are too small for the helicopter to fit into.

With correct training most pilots can become safe and proficient at basic vertical reference flying with 15 hours of instruction. It will take many hundreds or thousands of hours to become proficient and productive at the more difficult vertical reference jobs such as heli-logging, moving diamond drills and construction.

Vertical Reference training is included as part of the Kootenay Valley Helicopters commercial pilot course. For those who already have a licence and wish to learn this important skill KVH offers Vertical Reference training as an advanced training course.

Course Cost:

15 Flight hours in the Bell JetRanger $11,625.00