DPE States "Applicants Struggle with Stuck Pedal, LTE, and Tail Rotor Failures"

Jan 06, 2025

As helicopter pilots, it's crucial to have a deep understanding of the different types of tail rotor malfunctions and how to handle them. These malfunctions can often cause confusion, especially during check rides. Kenny Keller, creator of Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.) dives into this topic to provide clarity and ensure pilots are well-prepared to handle these situations. Let's break down these concepts: stuck pedals, tail rotor failures, and loss of tail rotor effectiveness (LTE).

 

 

Stuck Pedals: Identifying and Addressing

One of the most common yet misunderstood malfunctions is the stuck pedal scenario. In the Robinson R-22 and R-44 helicopters, stuck pedal procedures aren't explicitly provided in the manuals, pushing pilots to rely on other resources, like the Helicopter Flying Handbook. According to Kenny Keller, this handbook offers about two and a half pages on stuck pedals, which can initially seem baffling.

"Do not auto rotate" is a crucial instruction derived from the handbook. This might seem counterintuitive but understanding why this is recommended can save lives. Here’s the distilled information from the discussions Kenny had with a commercial trainee:

- Stuck Left Pedal: Execute a normal to steep approach, and at 2 to 3 feet, increase the collective to align with the runway.
- Stuck Neutral/Right Pedal: Perform a low power approach with a run-on landing, reducing the throttle as necessary.

This structured memory aid can be invaluable during check rides and real-world scenarios.

Tail Rotor Failures: Differences and Responses

Understanding the subtle yet significant differences between a stuck pedal and a tail rotor failure is critical. A stuck pedal situation involves something obstructing the pedal's movement, such as a jammed cable or an iPad inadvertently lodging in the pedal mechanism. But this isn't considered a mechanical failure.

Conversely, a tail rotor failure is a mechanical issue, such as:
- Drive shaft breakage
- Loss of rotor blade
- Gearbox lock-up

Knowing these distinctions can significantly affect how you respond in flight. For example, the standard procedure for a tail rotor failure in a Robinson helicopter, as per the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), is to enter an auto rotation immediately. Trying to manipulate the nose with the throttle, a common misconception, will be an instant check ride failure.

Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE): Recognizing and Recovering

LTE is another critical concept that often befuddles pilots. LTE occurs when the tail rotor loses its ability to provide sufficient thrust to counteract the main rotor's torque. This might happen due to various factors like high-power settings, adverse winds, or high altitude.

To recover from LTE, the key steps involve:
- Reducing power
- Entering an auto rotation if necessary
- Maneuvering the helicopter to regain tail rotor effectiveness

It’s essential to differentiate LTE from tail rotor failures and stuck pedals. Knowing specific symptoms and appropriate responses to LTE can prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Practical Training and Resources

As Kenny Keller emphasizes, becoming proficient in handling these malfunctions isn't just about theoretical knowledge; it's about practical training and understanding the resources available. With over 35 years of examiner experience feeding into his training materials, Kenny has designed courses that dissect these malfunctions comprehensively.

For those looking to delve deeper, the Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.) offers a plethora of materials including blogs, videos, and interactive content on askhogs.com. This platform is an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned pilots, offering insights into stuck pedals, tail rotor failures, LTE, and more.

 

 

Embrace Continuous Learning

In conclusion, the complexity of helicopter tail rotor malfunctions necessitates rigorous study and practice. Differentiating between stuck pedals, tail rotor failures, and LTE ensures that when the time comes, pilots are not only ready but confident in their responses. Utilize resources like the Helicopter Flying Handbook, the POH, and comprehensive training programs to reinforce your knowledge and skills.

Stay safe, fly smart, and always prioritize understanding these malfunction scenarios to ensure you make the right decisions every time you take to the skies. And remember, when in doubt, grounded decisions pave the way for future flights. Live to fly another day.