Final answer:
When both pilots press the beeper on the collective of a helicopter, priority is typically given to the pilot-in-command based on the helicopter's flight control system's priority logic. Pilots must be familiar with their specific aircraft’s procedures and the autopilot system, as regulations may vary depending on the aircraft's design.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing helicopter controls, such as the collective, and referring to the pressing of a 'beeper' by pilots, it seems that we are talking about the input controls tied to the autopilot or flight control systems in an aircraft. A collective is a helicopter control that adjusts the pitch of the rotor blades collectively, changing the lift produced by the rotors, and thus controlling the altitude and vertical speed of the helicopter. The beeper usually refers to a trim switch or autopilot control button on the collective used by pilots to make small adjustments to the aircraft's altitude or attitude.
In the case where both pilots attempt to input commands simultaneously, the helicopter's flight control system typically has a priority logic to determine which input is accepted. Generally, for safety reasons, if both pilots press the beeper or input control at the same time, the pilot-in-command (PIC), or the right seat in most western helicopter designs, usually has override capability. The priority of modes often depends on the design of the aircraft's avionics and the programming of the autopilot system. Therefore, pilots must be familiar with their specific aircraft's operating manual and the failure modes of their autopilot systems.
Each aircraft may have variations and having clear communication between pilots and understanding the operational protocols for the use of automated flight control systems is crucial to ensure safety and effective aircraft handling. The flight crew needs to know the failure management procedures and which autopilot modes are given the highest priority. This knowledge includes understanding the hierarchy of control inputs, the autopilot system, and the design of the aircraft's avionics.