S-61R Pelican/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 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.
- 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
4.1 Maximum forward speed
- Maximum airspeed at design gross weight of 19500 pounds, for sea level, standard day conditions, is 142 knots IAS. Maximum airspeed at maximum gross weight of 22050 pounds for sea level, standard day conditions is 138 knots.
- With an external load, the maximum forward airspeed is 120 knots.
- Maximum speed while operating the windshield wipers is 130 knots.
- Maximum Speed while operating the aft ramp is 115 knots.
- Maximum Speed while operating the personnel door is 115 knots.
4.2 Other Speed Limitations
Maximum airspeed in sideward flight is 35 knots. Maximum airspeed in rearward flight is 30 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
Bank angles are limited to 45 degrees.
5.3 Landing Limitations
- The maximum rate of descent at touchdown for gross weights up to 19,500 pounds is 480 feet/min.
- The maximum rate of descent at touchdown for gross weights above 19,500 pounds is 360 feet/min.
- The maximum groundspeed for running landings is 60 knots.
- The maxmum nose-up attitude for landings is 20 degrees.
