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But don't slam the cyclic down too quickly, otherwise you'll get a "mast bump"... which is a nice way of saying "the main rotor just cut the helicopter's tail in half". This also doesn't end well.

Good ol' Robinson Safety Notice SN-11:

https://robinsonheli.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/rhc_sn11...

(Though it does note that this scenario doesn't apply to an autorotation entry on engine loss, so I suppose you're okay in this example. Still terrifying though!)

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I have a good friend who used to be an instructor, mechanic, and pilot. He was type rated in a ton of things, but refused to fly Robinson helicopters, ever.

Edit/Append: He explained because the rotor turns the opposite direction of most of the other helicopters he flew, his instincts would get him killed.

I'm not sure I agree with him.

Yes, Robinsons are known for mast bumping. On the other hand, they have the best tail rotor authority.

That's the cyclic, not the collective.

Oh right, thanks! Good catch. :)

I just watched a vid about mast bump. It's not the rotor cutting off the tail, it's the mechanical linkage hitting the mast because the rotor has been unloaded and the collective .... something. Heli's are complicated.

Yep.

And yes, they are complicated.

Boy, is it a rush when you get good enough to fly one by feel.

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