Hoh Aeronautics Inc.

Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page
SECTION 1: GENERAL..................................................................................2

SECTION 2: LIMITATIONS ..........................................................................3

FLIGHT AND MANEUVERING .................................................................................3
ALTITUDE............................................................................................................3
SECTION 3: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES............................................. 3
SAS DISENGAGEMENT OR FAILURE ......................................................................3
SAS/AUTOPILOT DOES NOT DISENGAGE .............................................................. 4
CYCLIC JAM ........................................................................................................5
SECTION 4: NORMAL PROCEDURES ........................................................ 5
SAS MODE ..........................................................................................................5
STARTING AND RUN-UP .......................................................................................6
AUTOPILOT ENGAGE AND DISENGAGE .................................................................. 6
HEADING MODE (HDG) .......................................................................................7
NAVIGATION MODE (NAV)..................................................................................7
BACKCOURSE MODE (BC)....................................................................................8
ALTITUDE HOLD MODE (ALT) .............................................................................9
VERTICAL NAVIGATION MODE (VRT) ................................................................ 10
SECTION 5: WEIGHT & BALANCE ....................................................... 11

MANUFACTURE’S DATA ................................................................................ 11

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................ 11
NORMAL OPERATION ......................................................................................... 12
SAFETY TIP ....................................................................................................... 14

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure Page

FIGURE 1 HELISAS CONTROL PANEL .......................................................... 2

FAA Approved Date: 1 March 2011 Page 1 of 15
Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

SECTION 1: GENERAL
This supplement contains the changes to the basic flight manual
procedures and additional data applicable when the HeliSAS®
two-axis (pitch & roll) stability augmentation system and
autopilot (SAS/Autopilot) is installed on the helicopter.

The attitude-command-attitude-hold SAS mode of the HeliSAS

maintains helicopter attitude in all flight conditions by applying
corrective inputs to the cyclic in order to maintain the
commanded or reference attitude. Autopilot modes provide
altitude-hold, heading-hold, navigation signal tracking, and
vertical (approach) navigation features depending on installed
avionics.

CAUTION
SAS is intended to enhance safety by reducing
pilot workload. It is not a substitute for adequate
pilot skill nor does it relieve the pilot of the
responsibility to maintain adequate outside visual
reference.

SAS and autopilot modes are selected and de-selected by

pushing buttons the HeliSAS control panel (HCP) shown in
Figure 1.

Figure 1 HeliSAS Control Panel (HCP)

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 2 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

SECTION 2: LIMITATIONS
Flight and Maneuvering

Pilot’s hand must be on the cyclic grip under the following

conditions:

During SAS engagement or intentional disengagement

At indicated airspeeds less than 44 KIAS when flying in close

proximity to the terrain

Altitude

Maximum density altitude with SAS engaged – 14,000 ft

SECTION 3: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

SAS Disengagement or Failure

SAS disengagement or failure is indicated by four beeps in the

headset and/or erratic cyclic control motion or forces or
unexpected deviations in pitch or roll attitude.

1. Immediately assume full manual control. Override the

SAS/autopilot as necessary and disengage the system as
soon as possible.

2. If SAS annunciator LED is white (standby mode), re-

engagement may be attempted at pilot’s discretion.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 3 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

CAUTION
If unexpected attitude deviations occur, and/or the
cyclic forces and/or motions are erratic, the pilot
should take manual control of the cyclic and
disengage SAS immediately.

A disengagement of an autopilot mode that is not commanded

by the pilot via the AP DISC or HCP push buttons is indicated
by a single beep in the headset. Take appropriate corrective
action for unassisted vertical and horizontal navigation.
Normally the basic SAS is still functional after a disengagement
of one or more autopilot modes. Normal operation of the SAS
will be confirmed by continued illumination of the green LED just
above the “SAS” push button on the HeliSAS control panel and
existence of a cyclic-centering force gradient.

SAS/Autopilot Does Not Disengage

Pressing AP DISC or SAS button on HCP does not disengage

SAS – Circuit Breaker - Pull

Pilot should continue the flight using manual control.

NOTE
If the system is disengaged using the circuit
breaker the pilot should not attempt to re-engage
the circuit breaker during the remainder of the
flight.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 4 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

Cyclic Jam

If the cyclic forces become excessive or the cyclic appears to be

jammed:

1. immediately disengage the SAS using the red AP DISC

on the cyclic grip or the SAS button on the HCP

2. If the above measure does not relieve the cyclic jam, pull
the SAS circuit breaker.

3. Continue the flight using manual control.

SECTION 4: NORMAL PROCEDURES

SAS Mode

Observe that SAS LED on HCP is white indicating that SAS is in

standby mode.

SAS may be engaged prior to liftoff, throughout landing, and at

any airspeed

Engage SAS by pressing SAS button on HCP or holding FTR

button on cyclic for at least 1.25 seconds.

SAS may be disengaged by pressing SAS button on HCP or AP

DISC button on cyclic.

If autopilot modes are engaged, the AP DISC button must be

pressed twice or held for at least 1.25 seconds to disengage
SAS.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 5 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

NOTE
The pilot’s hand must be on the cyclic when the
SAS is disengaged.

Safety monitors automatically disengage the SAS/autopilot if a

malfunction is detected. Automatic disengagement of an
autopilot mode while the SAS remains functional is indicated by
a single beep in the headset. Automatic or intentional
disengagement of the entire system is indicated by four beeps
in the headset.

Starting and Run-Up

SAS - Standby or engaged

NOTE
Verify aural warning function (four beeps in
headset) by engaging and disengaging SAS prior
to liftoff

CAUTION
With SAS engaged, pilot must always monitor the
flight controls and aircraft attitude, and be
prepared to immediately assume full manual
control if required.

Autopilot Engage and Disengage

Autopilot modes may only be engaged if SAS is active.

Single press of AP DISC button on cyclic grip disconnects all

autopilot modes – SAS remains engaged.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 6 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

To disconnect autopilot and SAS modes:

1. Press SAS button on HCP or,
2. Press AP DISC twice, or once for at least 1.25 seconds

Autopilot modes are only available above 44 KIAS and below

145 KIAS.

The following autopilot modes are available depending on

installed avionics:

Heading Mode (HDG)

Set heading bug on HSI, EFIS display, or directional gyro.

Press HDG button on HCP - LED above heading on HCP turns

green.

Helicopter will turn to and hold the selected heading.

NOTE
If a directional gyro is the heading source, and that
sensor fails, HDG holds the current GPS track
angle. The commanded GPS track angle may be
reset by flying through the system to achieve a
desired track angle and pressing and releasing the
FTR button on the cyclic grip.

Navigation Mode (NAV)

Select VLOC or GPS as course reference on navigation

receiver and check for valid signal.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 7 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

If HDG is active, turn heading bug to desired intercept angle

Press NAV button on HCP and observe that the LED above
NAV is white, indicating that NAV is armed

NAV will automatically transition from armed to active at course

intercept. NAV LED changes from white to green at intercept.

If HDG is not active when NAV is selected, autopilot will

intercept course at a 45 deg angle.

NOTE
If an ILS is programmed into the GPS, the GPS
navigation radio may automatically switch from
GPS to VLOC. If in NAV mode, this will cause the
autopilot to automatically transition from tracking
an active GPS course to the course that is set on
the HSI.

NOTE
When executing an ILS or localizer approach in
VLOC mode, it is recommended that the GPS
overlay for that approach be active in the
navigation receiver. This will enhance localizer
capture and tracking in strong crosswinds and
improves pilot situational awareness.

Backcourse Mode (BC)

If HDG is active, turn heading bug to desired intercept angle

Press BC button on HCP and observe that the LED above BC is

white, indicating that BC is armed
Date: 1 March 2011 Page 8 of 15
Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

BC will automatically transition from armed to active at course

intercept. BC LED changes from white to green at intercept.

If HDG is not active when BC is selected, autopilot will intercept

course at a 45 deg angle.

Altitude Hold Mode (ALT)

Select ALT at the desired altitude. Autopilot will hold this

altitude.

If in climb or descent when ALT is selected, rotorcraft will gently

level off and fly back to selected altitude

To make a small change in altitude with ALT engaged:

1. Fly through system to desired altitude

2. Press and release the FTR button
3. Reference altitude will be reset to current altitude

NOTE
If in a rapid climb or descent, the lag in the
altimeter will cause the final altitude to be slightly
different than selected. Fly through system to
desired altitude and reset reference altitude.

NOTE
The autopilot uses pitch attitude to control altitude
so airspeed will vary with power setting.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 9 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

Vertical Navigation Mode (VRT)

VRT is used to track ILS or VNAV glideslopes associated with

instrument approach procedures.

For ILS approaches, tune ILS frequency in navigation receiver

and ensure that glideslope is valid.

For GPS approaches, ensure approach is loaded and activate

approach on GPS receiver.

Select VRT on HCP prior to glideslope intercept. The GPS

glideslope must be valid for VRT to arm. LED above VRT will
be white showing that glideslope is armed.

Autopilot will automatically intercept and track glideslope. LED

above VRT changes from white to green at glideslope intercept.

NOTE
Recommend slowly reducing power just prior to
glidepath intercept. Power changes should be
made slowly while tracking glidepath to avoid large
excursions from the glidepath.

NOTE
Selecting ALT while VRT is armed will cause VRT
to dis-arm. It is therefore necessary to re-arm
VRT if ALT is selected after arming VRT.

NOTE
VRT will automatically disengage when the GPS
navigation radio CDI button is switched from
Date: 1 March 2011 Page 10 of 15
Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

VLOC to GPS at the beginning of a missed

approach procedure. This will be accompanied by
a one second beep in the headset.

SECTION 5: WEIGHT & BALANCE

No Change

MANUFACTURE’S DATA
System Description

The HeliSAS SAS/Autopilot consists of two electromechanical

servo-actuators, a flight control computer (FCC), a special
panel-mounted analog attitude indicator or digital attitude
heading reference system (AHRS) which provides the FCC with
attitude information, a HeliSAS control panel (HCP), two buttons
on the cyclic stick, and interconnecting cables. One servo-
actuator controls pitch, the other controls roll, and both are
connected to the cyclic through electromagnetic clutches.

When the SAS/autopilot is engaged, the FCC senses aircraft

attitude, heading, angular rates and linear accelerations using a
combination of sensors in the flight control computer and
attitude gyro and directional gyro, or AHRS. Airspeed and
altitude information is obtained from the aircraft pitot/static
system. The FCC sends signals to the servo-actuators to apply
small corrections to the cyclic as required to maintain the
commanded or reference attitude.

Force-trim-release (FTR) and autopilot/SAS disconnect (AP

DISC) buttons are mounted on the cyclic grip. The FTR button
is used to reset the trim attitude reference when in SAS mode.
Date: 1 March 2011 Page 11 of 15
Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

In addition, if the SAS is in a standby condition holding the FTR

button for more than 1.25 seconds engages the SAS. Pressing
and releasing the FTR button resets the reference altitude when
in ALT mode and the reference track angle if in HDG mode with
no directional gyro heading or AHRS heading reference. The
latter function requires that a functioning GPS is connected to
the FCC. This reversion to GPS-track-hold only applies when
the heading source is a directional gyro (does not apply to
systems that use an AHRS for heading).

Safety monitors can automatically disengage autopilot modes

due to detected malfunctions or loss of a valid navigation signal.
Automatic autopilot disengagement is indicated by a single beep
in the headset. The basic SAS (attitude hold) is still functional
after a single beep. Intentional disengagement of an autopilot
mode does not trigger a headset beep.

The SAS is powered from the helicopter electrical buss via a

dedicated circuit breaker.

Normal Operation

The SAS performs a self test and enters standby mode during
aircraft start and warm-up. Standby mode is indicated by
annunciation of the white LED light above the SAS mode button
on the HCP. The HCP mode LEDs alternate between white and
green during power-up and self test. An aural warning test (four
headset beeps) is part of the self test.
NOTE
After initial power up the SAS will not enter
standby mode until the attitude gyro bank angle is
less than 6 degrees or the AHRS is aligned.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 12 of 15

Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

Once the system is in standby mode and while still on the

ground and wearing the headset, the system should be
engaged with cyclic friction off. The cyclic should exhibit a
centering tendency. Disengage the system using the AP DISC
button on the cyclic and note 4 beeps in the headset. Note that
the cyclic forces are nearly zero with the system disengaged.

There is no on-off switch as HeliSAS is intended to be active or

in standby mode at all times. This is to ensure that the SAS can
be quickly engaged if needed.

HeliSAS may be engaged at pilot’s discretion using the HCP

SAS mode button. A white indication on the SAS LED turns
green when the system is engaged. The SAS may also be
engaged by pressing the force-trim-release (FTR) button on the
cyclic grip for more than 1.25 seconds.

Additional autopilot modes may be engaged using the other

HCP mode buttons, but only when indicated airspeed is greater
than 44 KIAS and less than 145 KIAS.

The SAS may be used throughout the flight envelope (including

hover and autorotation) at pilot’s discretion.

NOTE
Cyclic friction must be off for the SAS or autopilot
to work properly. Engaging cyclic friction inhibits
the ability of the SAS to stabilize the helicopter.

When the SAS is engaged while airborne, it will maintain the

pitch and roll attitude at the time of engagement within the
following limits. The system will not trim to pitch attitudes
greater than 6 degrees nose-down, 11 degrees nose-up, and 5
degrees bank. If the system is engaged with the helicopter in a
large pitch or roll attitude, it will fly the helicopter to a nearly
Date: 1 March 2011 Page 13 of 15
Hoh Aeronautics Inc. Rotorcraft Supplement to
2075 Palos Verdes Dr. North Bell Helicopter Textron 407 Flight Manuals
Lomita, CA 90717 when modified with the Hoh Aeronautics, Inc. HeliSAS
Supplement No. HeliSAS-RFMS-407 STC Number SR02344LA

level attitude. After SAS engagement, the reference attitude

may be adjusted using the FTR button on the cyclic grip. The
system will maintain the attitude at which the trim button is
released, within the above limits.

To re-trim, use a small amount of force to override the SAS and

then push and release the FTR button at the desired attitude.
The “fly-through” SAS is designed to remain engaged during
maneuvering. If the cyclic force to override the SAS is
objectionable, the system may be disengaged, or the FTR
button may be held down while maneuvering. SAS inputs to the
cyclic are disabled while the trim button is held down.

NOTE
The SAS should always be in standby mode when
it is not engaged. This allows immediate
engagement if required.

Safety Tip

The SAS provides stability to reduce pilot workload and

enhance safety. It is important that pilots do not misuse this
capability and allow their attention to be diverted from
monitoring helicopter attitude and looking for traffic and other
obstacles. Due to the unstable nature of helicopters, SAS
disengagement requires immediate pilot attention. Pilots must
always be prepared to take immediate manual control.

Date: 1 March 2011 Page 14 of 15