SL Helicopter Flying Handbook/Advanced Flight Maneuvers

SECTION 9. Advanced Flight Maneuvers

1 Reconnaissance Procedures

Reconnaissance procedures are used to gather more information about an unfamiliar site, particularly an off-airport site, before attempting a landing.

1.1 High Reconnaissance

The goal of high reconnaissance is to gather information about a site including wind direction and speed, identify a suitable touchdown site, identify a suitable approach path and suitable abort paths, and identify any obstacles in the area that might present a hazard. The pilot should also consider potential emergency landing spots in the event of an engine failure during the approach.

High reconnaissance should be conducted at high enough altitude to have a good view of the planned landing area, as well as be able to make an emergency landing in the event of an emergency. Fly a circular path around the planned landing area that is at about a 45 degree angle from the helicopter (see SECTION 8. Basic Flight Maneuvers - Turns_Around_a_Point). Evaluate the landing area during the maneuver, but do not become so focused on the landing area that you lose situational awareness on the aircraft.

1.2 Low Reconnaissance

A low reconnaissance is performed on the approach to the landing area. Continue to evaluate the suitability of the area, and look for anything you may have missed during the high reconnaissance. If the pilot determines that the area is safe, the approach can be continued to landing. However, any decision to abort should be made before the helicopter goes below ETL.

If a decision to land has been made, terminate the approach in a hover. Carefully evaluate the suitability of the surface as you set down, and keep the helicopter at full operating RPM until sure that the surface is secure. Once the pilot is sure that the helicopter is stable, a normal shutdown can be conducted.

1.3 Ground Reconnaissance

Prior to departing an unfamiliar location, the pilot should carefully analyze the surrounding area. Identify the best departure path, and make note of any hazards in the area. Consider the direction and speed of the wind, any obstacles, the weight and expected takeoff performance of the aircraft and any obstacles. Also consider the surface area and any nearby hazards that may come into contact with the tail rotor during pick up.

2 Maximum Performance Takeoffs

A maximum performance takeoff is a takeoff at a steeper than normal angle so as to be able to clear nearby obstacles. It can be used when departing from a small confined area.

If takeoff is from a confined area, the max performance takeoff procedure can be used. Begin with helicopter on the ground and collective full down. Raise collective until manifold pressure is at 29 inches (red line) while applying slight forward cyclic to begin forward movement. When clear of the obstacle apply additional forward cyclic. Once ETL is reached at about 30 mph, continue climb as normal.

4 Steep Approaches

A steep approach can be used when landing is to a confined area. Follow the same procedure as for a normal landing, but slow to 30 mph and maintain that speed through the descent.

5 Shallow Approach and Run-on Landings

TBD

6 Slope Landings

TBD