Helicopter Approaches: Landing to a Full Stop
Jan 18, 2025Helicopter piloting is an intricate skill set that demands a blend of technical know-how and hands-on practice. One critical maneuver every pilot must master is landing to a full stop. Kenny Keller, creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.) dives deep into the art and science of executing a normal landing approach. This blog post will expand on the key elements discussed in the episode, providing a comprehensive guide to mastering helicopter landings.
Setting the Stage for a Smooth Landing
As Kenny Keller emphasizes, the key to any successful landing, whether it be a hover auto, straight-in auto, or a quick stop, lies in a good setup. Starting the approach at 300 feet above ground level (AGL) is standard practice, particularly in the R-44 helicopter. At this altitude, the pilot should ensure a zero rate of ascent, maintaining a steady airspeed of around 70 knots to initiate the approach.
Managing Descent and Speed
Once the approach begins, adjust the cyclic and collective controls carefully. A slight aft cyclic input helps maintain the nose position, reducing the need for constant rpm adjustments. Properly managing the collective to control the angle and the cyclic to control the speed ensures a smooth descent. The approach should feel like a gradual, never-ending process where the helicopter slows down progressively: from 70 knots to 65, then 60, 50, and so on, until the final touchdown at around 10 knots.
The Never-Ending Approach: Maintaining Precision
Kenny shares an insightful perspective he learned from an old Sporty’s video: the concept of "gradual deceleration." Unlike traditional fixed-wing approaches where you might hold a specific speed until the last moment, helicopter approaches involve a constant slow-down from the beginning of the descent. This ensures a smooth, controlled landing without abrupt changes in speed or descent rate.
The Height Velocity Diagram Misconception
One common misconception among pilots is the application of the height-velocity diagram during approaches. Keller clarifies that this diagram is primarily designed for takeoffs, not landings. Keeping the helicopter nice and level throughout the descent is crucial, negating the concerns some might have about the height-velocity diagram during approach.
Learning from Experienced Instructors
Kenny shares valuable advice from his own experience with reputable instructors. A simple evaluation during a normal approach can reveal a lot about a pilot’s skill level. If the approach is smooth and controlled, it usually indicates a well-prepared pilot. It's a good idea to frequently ask for feedback and aim for continual improvement, even if it means ignoring unwarranted criticisms.
The Role of Art and Science
Executing a normal landing approach is as much an art as it is a science. The precision in setting up the approach and managing the descent demands practice and intuition. As Kenny reminds us, if you set it up nicely, the landing will be nice. Conversely, a sloppy setup results in a sloppy landing.
Leveraging Technology for Better Learning
H.O.G.S. has made incredible strides in making helicopter training accessible and comprehensive. The Ask Hogs platform available at askhogs.com provides a 24/7 resource where you can get answers to flight and ground training questions. With 14 years of content, including blogs, podcasts, videos, and both free and paid content, this is a valuable resource for any helicopter pilot.
Free Training Materials
For those starting, Kenny introduces a free PDF titled "Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint." This resource answers top questions like the difficulty of learning to fly helicopters, the time and costs involved, and selecting the best flight school. You can download this immediately after signing up at privateblueprint.com.
Passive Income Opportunities
For flight instructors or anyone looking to make passive income, Kenny introduces H.O.G.S. affiliate program. By sharing an affiliate link, you can earn a 50% commission from any online memberships sold, making it a lucrative addition to flight instruction or helicopter enthusiast circles.
Executing a full-stop landing in a helicopter is a complex, multi-step procedure that requires meticulous attention to detail. By setting up the approach correctly, managing descent and speed through gradual deceleration, and continually seeking feedback and improvement, you can master this maneuver with confidence. With the wealth of resources available through H.O.G.S., there's never been a better time to hone your helicopter piloting skills.
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