(Michael) wrote in
om:

Really? Many helicopters? How many of those are rentals or
privately-owned pilot-flown pleasure craft? Based on everything I've
ever heard from those who fly both fixed wing and helicopters, most
trainer helicopters are a lot less stable and a lot harder to control
on instruments than most trainer airplanes. Are you suggesting this
isn't true?

Trainers are not most helicopters. Any good trainer will be unstable, in
order to teach the pilots control skills. If you train in a very stable,
forgiving aircraft, then get into one that is twitchy, you may be in
trouble, no matter the type. Trainer = cheap, in most cases, and
helicopters used in commercial operations are usually more sophisticated,
as are their fixed-wing counterparts. Almost all transport-category
helicopters have stability augmentation and/or autopilots of some sort.

There are more helicopter accidents in poor weather because they can fly in
worse weather. To fly a helicopter in class G airspace (almost
anywhere below 700' AGL) under Part 91, all you need is clear of clouds.
Some pilots get in a bind doing that. It's not a helicopter problem, it's
a pilot problem.

This thread has staggered on long enough, and the horse is dead. You have
no problems flying over unlighted terrain at night, so go ahead. All I was
saying is that some pilots aren't prepared for it, and if they aren't
prepared, they will have major problems. Best of luck to you.

--
Regards,

Stan