Chinook CH-47/Limits
Contents
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 Requirement
The minimum crew required to operate this helicopter is two pilots and a flight engineer. However, in the event the two other avatars cannot be located, a waiver for single-pilot flight is granted.
2 SYSTEM LIMITS
2.1 Instrument Markings
All instrument markings should be observed while flying this helicopter. Red markings indicate the limits for which operation above or below that limit is likely to cause damage to helicopter systems. Yellow markings indicate that helicopter should only be operated in that range for a limited period of time. Green markings indicate the normal range of operation.
2.2 Rotor Limits
Rotor speed should not exceed 108 percent in normal operation. Rotor speed exursions above 115 percent require a tear-down inspection of the rotor system. Operation between 92 and 96 percent should only be performed while water taxiing. Inoperative Cruise Guide Indicator Flight at or below 98 percent with an inoperative cruise guide indicator is prohibited.
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 Weigh
The maximum gross weight is 50,000 pounds.
3.3 Cargo Hook Limitations
The cargo hook and hoist weight limits are as follows:
| Hook | Max Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|
| Center | 26,000 |
| Forward | 17,000 |
| Aft | 17,000 |
| Tandem | 25,000 |
| Hoist | 12,000 |
| Rescue Hoist | 600 |
4 AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS
4.1 Maximum forward speed
The following forward airspeed limitations apply:
- With an operative CGI (Cruise Guide Indicator), the maximum allowed forward speed in 170 knots.
- With an inoperative CGI, the maximum forward airspeed is 120 knots.
- With an external load, the maximum forward airspeed is 120 knots.
- Maximum speed with lower section of main cabin door open is 60 knots.
- Maximum speed while opening or closing the rescue hatch is 90 knots.
- Maximum speed while open or closing the left side escape hatch is 100 knots.
- Maximum speed while operating the windshield wipers is 130 knots.
- Maximum airspeed with a single AFCS operative is 100 knots.
4.2 Other Speed Limitations
- Maximum airspeed in sideward flight is 45 knots.
- Maximum airspeed in rearward flight is 45 knots.
- Maximum crosswind or tailwind in a hover is 45 knots.
5 MANEUVERING LIMITS
5.1 Aerobatics
Acrobatic maneuvers are prohibited with this helicopter.
5.2 Bank Limitations
With an operative CGI, bank angles are limited to 60 degrees, or by CGI indication. With an inoperative CGI, bank angle is limited to 45 degrees.
5.3 Landing Limitations
- The maximum rate of descent at touchdown for gross weights up to 33,000 pounds is 492 feet/min.
- The maximum rate of descent at touchdown for gross weights between 33,000 and 40,000 pounds is 450 feet/min.
- The maximum rate of descent at touchdown for gross weights above 40,000 pounds is 360 feet/min.
- The maximum groundspeed for running landings is 60 knots.
- The maximum nose-up attitude for landings is 20 degrees.
6 SERVICING CAPACITIES
6.1 Fuel Tank Capacities
Fuel tank capacities are as follows:
| Tank | Gallons | Pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Right Front Aux | 119.2 | 810 |
| Right Main | 273.9 | 1862 |
| Right Aft Aux | 116.8 | 794 |
| Left Front Aux | 123.6 | 840 |
| Left Main | 280.5 | 1907 |
| Left Aft Aux | 119.8 | 814 |
| TOTAL | 1040.6 | 7076 |
6.2 Fluid Capacities
Fluid capacities are as follows:
| Fluid | Max Capacity (quarts) | Min Capacity (quarts) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Engine Oil | 12 | 6 |
| #2 Engine Oil | 12 | 6 |
| Forward Transmission | 26 | 13 |
| Aft Transmission | 41 | 21 |
| #1 Eng. Transmission | 10 | 5 |
| #2 Eng. Transmission | 10 | 5 |
| Combining Transmission | 20 | 10 |
| #1 Flight Control Hydraulics | 9.6 | 8 |
| #2 Flight Control Hydraulics | 9.6 | 8 |
| Utility Hydraulics | 21.6 | 18 |
