Exploratory Study of the Operational Conditions of a Bell Model 205A-1 in USFS Service

In this paper, flight data of a USFS Bell Model 205A-1 is analyzed to study the operational conditions experienced by the helicopter. Usage of the helicopter, specifically the missions performed, is determined; as well as determining the magnitude and classification of vertical loads that occurred beyond normal operating conditions. As a result, it is determined that the helicopter was required to perform seven distinguishable types of missions; and within those missions, the helicopter experienced ten flight phase types, three of which were mission specific. Due to placement of the accelerometers in the nose of the aircraft, separation of gust and maneuver loads has been difficult. A method is presented to classify vertical loads into three categories based upon roll and pitch rates of the helicopter.