May 06, 2025

Even a General Can Do It: Auto-Rotations Made Easy in the Bell 505

50 minutes

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of Hangar X, host John Ramstead welcomes two distinguished aviation experts, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Matthew Dorram and Brigadier General (Ret.) John E. Novalis, from Bell Helicopters. They dive deep into the future of helicopter pilot training, specifically discussing the innovative "Flight School Next" initiative and the role of the Bell 505 helicopter. The guests passionately discuss returning to fundamental flying skills, enhancing pilot safety, and reshaping training practices to equip Army aviators for modern and future combat environments. Discover how intentional "failure training" and cutting-edge aircraft design promise to revolutionize pilot readiness and mission effectiveness.

Episode Highlights:

Revolutionizing Army aviation training with Flight School Next.

Importance of intentional failure and emergency procedures training.

Advantages of the Bell 505 helicopter for foundational skills development.

Challenges facing current Army pilot training programs.

The future mission landscape for Army aviation.

Key Points with Time Stamps:

[00:01:46] Introduction to guests Matthew Dorram and John E. Novalis

[00:04:35] Discussion on intentional failure training in helicopter pilot instruction

[00:07:28] Importance of foundational piloting skills over reliance on automation

[00:09:05] Current Army training challenges and safety issues

[00:13:47] Overview of Flight School Next and contractor-based training solutions

[00:17:44] Benefits of contractor-owned, contractor-operated (COCO) training model

[00:21:56] Bell's unique position and experience in pilot training

[00:30:22] Why the Bell 505 is optimal for modern pilot training

[00:41:26] Adapting training for future mission environments (Pacific theater)

[00:45:28] Passion for revitalizing Army aviation through improved training

Guest Bios:

Matthew Dorram

Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Matthew Dorram is the lead for the Bell flight school initiative, with over 29 years of Army Aviation experience and 7,000 flight hours. He specializes in high-altitude training, developed the HATS program, and is rated in six Army airframes. A former 747 pilot and instructor, Dorram brings extensive expertise in pilot training and organizational performance.

John E. Novalis

Brigadier General (Ret.) John E. Novalis serves as the strategic director at Bell for flight school initiatives. With 500 combat flight hours as an Apache pilot and significant strategic experience in joint NATO operations, Novalis is deeply committed to improving pilot proficiency, readiness, and safety. His military background and leadership roles provide valuable insight into the future of Army aviation.

About Bell Flight:

Bell Flight is a global aerospace leader with a storied history of aviation innovation spanning more than eight decades. Known for pioneering advanced helicopter and vertical lift technologies, Bell continues to redefine air mobility solutions for both military and commercial sectors. With an emphasis on safety, reliability, and efficiency, Bell Flight provides cutting-edge aircraft, comprehensive training solutions, and dedicated support to operators worldwide, ensuring mission readiness and operational excellence.

Notable Quotes:

"We learned to fly normal operations by way of training through emergency procedures." – Matthew Dorram

"When something goes bad, you must know how to fly the aircraft confidently to get it safely to the ground." – John E. Novalis

"The Bell 505 helicopter makes auto rotations so easy even a general can do it." – Matthew Dorram

"We want to give the Army aviators training we would want ourselves—or for our sons." – John E. Novalis

"Our goal is creating confident pilots who know they'll win when they go into combat." – John E. Novalis

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By John Ramstead