VSKYLABS Robinson R66 POH
VSKYLABS Robinson R66 POH
VSKYLABS Robinson R66 POH
VSKYLABS
Robinson R66 Turbine
Pilot’s Operating Handbook
First Edition rev.004 (issued MARCH-2022)
The VSKYLABS development of the Robinson R66 project for X-Plane flight
simulator was acknowledged by the Robinson Helicopter Company. However, it is
an independent VSKYLABS project which is not related, affiliated and/or endorsed
with the Robinson Helicopter Company
INTRODUCTION
This is the instruction and Pilot’s Operating Handbook guide for the
VSKYLABS Robinson R66 Project for X-Plane 12. It features
complementary information and setup instructions for the VSKYLABS
R66 for X-Plane 12, and covers useful information.
For obvious reasons, the VSKYLABS R66 POH does not include
checklists, normal and emergency procedures and other specific
information regarding the R66. These are available directly from the
Robinson Helicopter Company published POH which is available
on-line at their website. The links for the official R66 POH are
available at the end of this manual.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
CONTENTS 2
Special Joystick/Key assignments: 6
VSKYLABS R66 Joystick/Key assignments summary: 10
Other settings: 11
The VSKYLABS R66 simulation was developed to follow the real R66
specs, handling and performance characteristics. It is a robust turbine
helicopter simulation model which is making use of X-Plane 12
sophisticated flight dynamics and physics simulation, extracting it to its
limits. The VSKYLABS R66 is making use of X-Plane 12 latest native
features, systems and physics. This is assuring a high airworthiness
condition in X-Plane, throughout its update process.
Visual 3D Checklist:
● There is an optional short-checklist 3D viewer which can be
toggled by clicking on the blue R66 POH which is located on
the lower right hand side of the cockpit.
● The Visual 3D Checklist is using the standard Door
assignment, Door#5.
Emergency Floats:
● The VSKYLABS R66 is equipped with emergency floats. These
are dummies and are not functional in the current version of the
project. The floats and skids can be replaced with a standard
skids by clicking on the skids themselves, in 1st person view
mode (open the door and click on the skids).
● The Emergency Floats visualization is using the standard Door
assignment, Door#6.
Sun Visors:
● The animated sun visors can be adjusted by clicking on a
touch-zone located on the lower section of each visor.
● The sun visors are using the standard Slider assignment,
Slider#1.
Starter:
● The starter is a push button located inside the collective head,
and can be pushed by using the on screen/3D touch zone. (as
in the real R66 - once being pushed, there is no need to keep it
pushed-in. This is being explained later on in this POH).
● The starter push-button is using the standard ‘APU Generator
on’ assignment.
AviTab:
● The VSL R66 is featuring a compatible AviTab display 3D
LapTop, located on the left hand side of the cockpit panel. The
AviTab plugin itself is NOT included in the VSL R66 project and
must be downloaded and installed by the user, if wanted.
● The 3D LapTop can be folded/unfold by clicking on the touch
zone on its upper cover (in 2D/3D modes).
● The LapTop folding is using the standard ‘Door#10’
assignment.
Function Assignment
Doors Door#1-4
CB panel Sliders#2-24
Other settings:
Weight and Balance: The empty weight of the R66 is 1400 lbs.
However, the VSKYLABS R66 is set to include the pilot's weight
(approximately 165-170 lbs). Keep this in mind as you don't need to
add the pilot's weight in the weight and balance window (it will be
added automatically upon restart/reaload).
You can add or reduce payload to manage the pilot's weight. When
exceeding *additional* 165-170 lbs of payload, *additional*
passengers will turn visible (by using the Payload Weight slider in the
IOS screen).
The Collective head is divided into two zones: pitch and throttle control. In
general and when flying in VR mode - you will find that the throttle throw
(hand movement) is quite narrow. It is intentional, as the throttle should be
normally operated in two modes: Idle and 100%. When setting it to 100%,
during engine spool-up, the throttle governor will kick-in.
Basic Specifications:
● Seats 5
● Basic Empty Weight 1400 lb (1570 lb + pilot)
● Maximum Gross Weight 2700 lb
● Usable Fuel Capacity 73.6 US gallons (493 lb)
● Auxiliary Fuel Capacity 43.5 US gallons
● Powerplant Rolls-Royce 250-C300/A1
Right side tail rotor pedals are adjustable. Left seat pilot control may
be removed and installed. The VSKYLABS R66 left collective is
removed in the current version.
NOTE #1: The VSL R66 includes a functional governor. To note that
especially during spool-up from idle to 100% open (when the governor
‘kicks in’ to allow 100% engine shaft RPM), a 1-2 seconds of
moderate RPM/torque surge may occur, up until it stabilizes. This is a
normal behavior of the simulated governor.
NOTE #2: Current version of the VSL R66 does not include a
governor RPM beep-switch.
When the igniter switch is OFF, the engine can be spooled up by the
starter (Battery switch must be ON). This is useful for performing
compressor washes etc… NOTE: The VSL R66 starter will not initiate
without the igniter switch set to ON.
If the igniter is switched OFF during start - the starter will disengage.
If the igniter is switched OFF while the engine is already running - the
engine will keep on running and will not flame-out. This situation is not
recommended though.
When engaged, the Rotor Brake system is disabling the start button.
The system has its control panel on the instruments console, on the
mid-left section.
The fuel transfer pump may be operated at any time by the pilot. The
fuel in the auxiliary tank should not be used for planning purposes as
the fuel transfer system is not having redundancy in case of a system
failure.
The Circuit Panel is located in front of the left front seat, on the floor.
Breakers are marked with functions and amperage, and inflight reset
of a circuit breaker is not recommended.
The avionics switch powers the avionics bus, allowing the avionics to
be switched OFF by using a single switch.
Panel lighting may dim by using the DIM knob, on the lower-left hand
side of the front panel.
General:
The VSKYLABS R66 is equipped with a fully functional X-Plane’s G1000,
along with its autopilot modes of operations. The G1000 Autopilot panel is
located on the left side of the G1000 PFD. Please note that X-Plane’s G1000
is oriented for General Aviation/Fixed wing aircraft, and some the modes will
need special monitoring when being used in a Helicopter.
Operation notes:
● All Autopilot modes will be available only when exceeding
airspeed of 44 Knots IAS.
● The Helisas panel is an experimental, generic autopilot panel
which can be used side by side with the G1000 autopilot panel.
● The SAS mode is NOT the traditional Stability Augmentation mode
known as ‘SAS’. Instead, it is an Attitude hold mode. It will hold any
desired nose-attitude (in pitch and roll axes). The recommended
operation of this mode is as followed:
○ Fly the R66 in a stable, level attitude.
○ Engane the SAS (attitude hold) mode.
○ Manage speed and/or climb/descent rate with the use of
collective power.
● The Autopilot system in the VSL R66 is experimental and still under
development.
Disclaimer
The links above are provided here *as is*. VSKYLABS is not
responsible for its content. VSKYLABS is not affiliated with and/or
endorsed by Robinson Helicopter Company. The links are brought
here for the purpose of sharing common and public information
resources for helicopter and R66 enthusiasts.