The Most Difficult Helicopter to Fly, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the helicopter you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 30, 2024 06:31
Helicopter pilots face various challenges, one of which is mastering the complexity of different helicopters. Each model has its unique set of demands, making some significantly harder to operate than others. A ranking that identifies which helicopters are the most difficult to fly can provide valuable insights for new pilots and enthusiasts aiming to understand the subtleties of helicopter handling.
This ranking is continually updated based on the votes of both experienced pilots and aviation enthusiasts. By participating, voters contribute to a broader knowledge base, helping inform decisions and discussions around helicopter training and operations. Your vote and your voice matter in shaping this insightful resource.
What Is the Most Difficult Helicopter to Fly?
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124votes
AH-64 Apache
The AH-64 Apache is a twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Its advanced avionics and electronics make it a challenging helicopter to fly.- First Flight: 1975
- Manufacturer: Hughes Helicopters, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing Defense, Space & Security
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25votes
CH-53E Super Stallion
The CH-53E Super Stallion is a heavy-lift helicopter operated by the United States military. Its size and power make it difficult to master, requiring significant skill to handle its complex systems.- First Flight: 1974
- Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft
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33votes
Ka-52 Alligator
The Ka-52 Alligator is a Russian attack helicopter with a coaxial rotor system, making it highly maneuverable but also challenging to fly due to its unique aerodynamics.- First Flight: 1997
- Manufacturer: Kamov
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41votes
RAH-66 Comanche
The RAH-66 Comanche was an advanced U.S. Army reconnaissance and attack helicopter that featured stealth capabilities. Its sophisticated design and technology made it challenging to fly.- First Flight: 1996
- Manufacturer: Boeing–Sikorsky
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50votes
Eurocopter Tiger
The Eurocopter Tiger is a four-bladed, twin-engined attack helicopter which entered service in 2003. It features advanced avionics and weapon systems that require sophisticated operation skills.- First Flight: 1991
- Manufacturer: Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters)
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60votes
AW101 (EH101) Merlin
The AW101 Merlin is a large, three-engine helicopter used in both military and civil applications. It requires skilled handling due to its size, power, and the complexity of its avionics and systems.- First Flight: 1987
- Manufacturer: AgustaWestland (now part of Leonardo S.p.A.)
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70votes
Mi-26 Halo
The Mi-26 Halo is a Soviet/Russian heavy transport helicopter. Its large size and heavy lifting capacity make it particularly challenging to fly, especially in adverse weather conditions.- First Flight: 1977
- Manufacturer: Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant
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80votes
V-22 Osprey
The V-22 Osprey is a multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. Its unique design presents unique flight challenges.- First Flight: 1989
- Manufacturer: Bell Helicopter and Boeing
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90votes
NH90
The NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter developed in response to NATO requirements. Its advanced fly-by-wire control system requires pilots to undergo extensive training.- First Flight: 1995
- Manufacturer: NHIndustries
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10-1votes
Sikorsky S-92
The Sikorsky S-92 is a twin-engine medium-lift helicopter used for civil and military missions. Its complex systems and large size make it a challenge for pilots, especially in harsh weather conditions.- First Flight: 1998
- Manufacturer: Sikorsky Aircraft
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult helicopter to fly. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or helicopter is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4778 views
- 33 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each helicopter once every 24 hours. The rank of each helicopter is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Difficult Helicopter to Fly
Rank #1 for the most difficult helicopter to fly: AH-64 Apache (Source)
Flying a helicopter is a complex task. Pilots need skill, focus, and practice. Some helicopters are more challenging to fly than others. These helicopters often have unique designs or specific roles. They demand more from the pilot.
Helicopters have a main rotor and a tail rotor. The main rotor lifts the helicopter. The tail rotor keeps it stable. Pilots must control both rotors. They use a cyclic stick, a collective lever, and anti-torque pedals. Each control affects the helicopter differently.
Some helicopters are unstable by design. This means they need constant adjustments. Pilots must make quick decisions. They must react to changes in wind and weather. These helicopters do not forgive mistakes. Small errors can lead to big problems.
Other helicopters have advanced systems. These systems help the pilot but also add complexity. Autopilots, navigation aids, and other tech can be hard to manage. Pilots need to understand these systems. They must know when to use them and when to rely on manual control.
Helicopters used in special roles often have extra equipment. This equipment can change the helicopter's balance. It can make the helicopter harder to control. Pilots must train to handle these changes. They must learn how the equipment affects flight.
Some helicopters are used in tough environments. High altitudes, extreme temperatures, and rough terrain add to the challenge. Pilots must adapt to these conditions. They must know how the helicopter will respond. Experience is crucial in these situations.
Training is key for flying difficult helicopters. Pilots spend many hours in simulators. They practice emergency procedures. They learn how to handle different scenarios. Real-world experience is also important. Pilots must fly in various conditions. They must build their skills over time.
Flying a helicopter is never easy. Some helicopters make it even harder. They test the pilot's skills and knowledge. They require constant attention and quick thinking. Only the best pilots can master them.
In summary, the most difficult helicopters to fly are those that demand more from the pilot. They are unstable, complex, or used in tough conditions. Pilots must train hard and gain experience. They must stay sharp and focused. These helicopters push the limits of what a pilot can do.
Helicopters have a main rotor and a tail rotor. The main rotor lifts the helicopter. The tail rotor keeps it stable. Pilots must control both rotors. They use a cyclic stick, a collective lever, and anti-torque pedals. Each control affects the helicopter differently.
Some helicopters are unstable by design. This means they need constant adjustments. Pilots must make quick decisions. They must react to changes in wind and weather. These helicopters do not forgive mistakes. Small errors can lead to big problems.
Other helicopters have advanced systems. These systems help the pilot but also add complexity. Autopilots, navigation aids, and other tech can be hard to manage. Pilots need to understand these systems. They must know when to use them and when to rely on manual control.
Helicopters used in special roles often have extra equipment. This equipment can change the helicopter's balance. It can make the helicopter harder to control. Pilots must train to handle these changes. They must learn how the equipment affects flight.
Some helicopters are used in tough environments. High altitudes, extreme temperatures, and rough terrain add to the challenge. Pilots must adapt to these conditions. They must know how the helicopter will respond. Experience is crucial in these situations.
Training is key for flying difficult helicopters. Pilots spend many hours in simulators. They practice emergency procedures. They learn how to handle different scenarios. Real-world experience is also important. Pilots must fly in various conditions. They must build their skills over time.
Flying a helicopter is never easy. Some helicopters make it even harder. They test the pilot's skills and knowledge. They require constant attention and quick thinking. Only the best pilots can master them.
In summary, the most difficult helicopters to fly are those that demand more from the pilot. They are unstable, complex, or used in tough conditions. Pilots must train hard and gain experience. They must stay sharp and focused. These helicopters push the limits of what a pilot can do.
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