Points

Always auto into wind (if you can!). DO NOT panic when you hit the hold switch. DO NOT panic when the helicopter gets near the ground. Be smooth on the controls, sudden, jerky movements will sap precious energy from the rotor disk. If you're losing too much headspeed and you're above 4 or 5 feet, abort the auto by hitting the hold switch. If you're losing too much headspeed and you're below 3 or 4 feet, go to full pitch, hold in some forward elevator and ride it out. Don't try and bail out by hitting the hold switch again. By the time the engine has spooled the drive train up enough to get any lift, there's a good chance that the helicopter has already touched down on the ground. If the landing has been a bad one, any damage will be instantly amplified by the sudden increase in power, ie what may have been a small boom strike will probably turn into a 'scorpion tail' boom-bending, blade smashing mess. Don't ask how I know this. Also, remember how we discussed what happens if you're in heading hold? Well throw in one of those nasty full power piroettes and things aren't looking good. Believe me, if you just ride it out, you'll probably get away with a popped off link or maybe a bent spindle shaft if at all.

Summary

Autos really are much easier than you might think. As soon as I did my first couple it clicked and instead of being scared to auto, I really enjoyed it and started to concentrate on landing accurately. I believe it's easier to land smoothly doing an auto than it is to land smoothly under power.

Autos is one of the few skills that will actually save your money. One day, you are going to have a flame out, or blow a plug or run out of fuel (it happens!) and the sky will go silent. Only your ability to auto is going to prevent your wallet from taking a hammering. Once you get a feel for autos, you'll find they're really enjoyable!

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