Operational Procedures
Core framework
Operational procedures cover pre-flight, in-flight and emergency actions. Know the standard checks: pre-flight inspection, before take-off, hover checks, and emergency drills (engine failure, tail rotor failure, fire, autorotation). Understand crew resource management (CRM) and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Concepts to master
Emergency procedures: engine failure in the hover vs in forward flight; autorotation entry and flare; tail rotor failure (loss of anti-torque). Fire procedures. Passenger briefing and loading. Weight and balance checks. Radio failure procedures. Understand the importance of checklists and the sterile cockpit concept.
Traps
- Confusing the response to engine failure in the hover (land immediately) with forward flight (enter autorotation).
- Forgetting that tail rotor failure may require reducing power and maintaining forward speed.
- Assuming a checklist is optional under stress - it is not.
- Mixing emergency frequencies and transponder codes.
Rule of thumb
"Aviate, navigate, communicate." Fly the aircraft first, then work the problem, then talk.
Worked example
Engine failure in forward flight: lower collective to maintain rotor RPM, enter autorotation, select a landing area, flare at the appropriate height. In the hover: cushion the landing with collective and land immediately.