Purpose: To transition from flight at altitude to a stabilized 3-5 foot hover.
Cyclic: | Pitch Attitude/Airspeed; Ground Track; Rate of Closure |
Collective: | Rate of Descent; Angle of Approach |
Pedals | Trim (Above 50 ft AGL); Heading (Below 50 ft AGL) |
Description:
- On Final approach, the aircraft should be aligned with into the wind and the point of intended touchdown, 60 KIAS and 300 feet AGL.
- When a normal approach angle is intercepted, begin the approach by smoothly lowering the collective. This will cause the aircraft to descend.
The pilot can determine the proper approach angle by relating the point of intended touchdown to a visual point inside that aircraft, like the trim strings.
- Lowering the collective will cause the nose to pitch down. This will require gentle aft cyclic to maintain a 60 KT pitch attitude. A slight amount of right pedal may also be required to compensate for the reduced amount of power.
- Adjust airspeed to maintain a constant rate of closure (brisk walk) throughout the approach.
- At approximately 25-40 feet AGL, the aircraft will begin to lose ETL and enter the region of Transverse Flow Effect. This will be felt by a shudder. The pilot must anticipate the loss of ETL and be prepared to provide additional power to keep the aircraft from settling onto the surface.
The increase in power will also require a gentle forward cyclic to maintain proper rate of closure. Additionally, a slight increase in left pedal must also be applied.
- As the aircraft settles into a 3-5 foot hover, sufficient power, cyclic control and pedal should be added in order to stabilize all movements.
Performance Standards: | Private ACS | Commercial PTS |
Heading | + 10 Degrees | + 5 Degrees |
Ground Track | + 5 Feet | + 3 Feet |
Common Errors
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Safety Considerations
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