I have not tried the career path, but your description of “stopped forward motion, then helo started to drop, pulled up on collective” sounds a lot like you might have entered VRS vortex ring state. If so, pulling up on the collective will not save you, tipping forward slightly or banking sideways will get you out of the downward flowing VRS air.
Did the training include VRS recovery?
AI Overview
There are multiple ways to recover from a vortex ring state (VRS) in a helicopter, including the traditional method and the Vuichard Recovery Technique:
- Traditional method
Lower the collective to regain cyclic authority and use the cyclic to apply lateral motion. This moves the helicopter out of the downwash and into translational lift. The pilot can then increase power to climb away.
- Vuichard Recovery Technique
This technique uses a combination of all three controls to recover more quickly and reduce altitude loss:
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Increase the collective to climb power
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Apply the appropriate pedal to maintain heading
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Apply the appropriate cyclic to generate lateral movement
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Recovery is complete when the rotor disc reaches the upwind part of the vortex
The Vuichard Recovery Technique is recommended for specific operational conditions, such as a rear wind in final approach or a helicopter in front of an obstacle. The average height loss during the recovery procedure is 20 to 50 feet, depending on the duration of the maneuver.
Pilots should initiate recovery action at the first indication that they may be approaching a VRS.