H-34 Choctaw/Limits

SECTION 4. LIMITS

1 General

1.1 Purpose

This chapter identifies the operating limitations that should be observed by the flight crew during operation of this helicopter.

1.2 Minimum Crew

The minimum crew required to operate this helicopter is one pilot and one copilot.

2 System Limits

2.1 Instrument Markings

All instrument markings should be observed while flying this helicopter.

• Lower Red Radial - The red radial having the lowest numerical value on an instrument indicates that a dangerous condition would exist if the pointer should drop to or below that value during flight.
• Yellow Arc or Radial - A yellow arc or radial indicates that danger may exist under certain specified conditions. Operation in these regions may only be carried out in accordance with the limitations prescribed in this manual.
• Green Arc - A green arc indicates the region for continuous inflight operation.
• Upper Red Radial - The red radial having the highest numerical value on an instrument indicates that a dangerous condition would exist if the pointer should reach this value and that operation above this point is prohibited.

2.2 Rotor Limits

Rotor speed should be between 91 percent and 112 percent in normal operation. Rotor speed excursions above 115 percent require a tear-down inspection of the rotor system.

2.3 Engine Operating Limitations

Torque Limits

• Continuous: 86%
• Maximum Twin Engine: 103%
• Maximum Single Engine: 123%

N2 Limits:

• Continuous 110%

3 Loading Limits

3.1 Center-of-Gravity Limitations

See Fig. 6-1 for center-of-gravity limitations with respect to gross weight.

3.2 Maximum Gross Weight

The maximum gross weight is 22,050 pounds.

3.3 Cargo Hook Limitations

Maximum weight for external cargo is 8,000 pounds.

4 AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS

The maximum recommended indicated airspeeds are as follows:

• Forward flight: 150 knots
• Sideward flight: 35 knots
• Rearward flight: 20 knots

5 MANEUVERING LIMITS

The following maneuvers are not permitted:

1. Acrobatics.
2. Angles of bank exceeding 45 degrees.
3. Hovering turns exceeding a rate of 360 degrees in 15 seconds.