Operational Problems and Experience With Vertical-Lift Aircraft Light and Utility Helicopters

Colonel Powell asked me to be on his panel to discuss operational problems and experience on light and utility helicopters. Following the stated symposium objective of how to close the loop between the operator and the engineer on overcoming materiel field problems, I chose several case histories which point up how Bell is attempting to do just this. There may be a variety of problems such as problems of performance, environment, availability, spares, maintenance, safety of flight, or structure to name a few. However, first let's discuss how the company engineer finds out that there really is a problem. What are the sources of such information?