"How to Determine the Best Helicopter Approach Angle?"

Feb 02, 2025

In today's video from Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.), Kenny Keller dives into an essential element of helicopter piloting: approach angles. Colleen's inquiry sparked an insightful discussion, highlighting the critical nature of these angles for ensuring smooth and secure landings. Kenny Keller provided an in-depth explanation, guiding listeners through the different types of approaches and practical tips for mastering them.

 

 

Understanding Approach Angles

Approach angles are fundamental to helicopter pilots, serving as benchmarks for various landing scenarios. As Kenny Keller pointed out, three primary approach types demand your attention:

1. Normal Approach: 10 degrees
2. Shallow Approach: 5 degrees
3. Steep Approach: 15 degrees

The ability to execute a normal approach accurately forms the basis for mastering the other two. Focus initially on perfecting a 10-degree approach. Once you can execute this comfortably, transitioning to shallow and steep approaches becomes more manageable. Kenny underlined the importance of using visual aids and simple drawing tools to internalize these angles.

Tools and Techniques for Measuring Approach Angles

Utilizing simple tools can greatly aid in visualizing approach angles. Kenny demonstrated how you can draw out 5, 10, and 15-degree lines on paper, showing how these angles appear in practice. This visualization exercise helps pilots gain a concrete understanding of each angle.

Additionally, aligning these visual markers with specific points within the cockpit—such as the top or bottom of the compass or the dashboard—enables pilots to consistently judge their approach angles during flight. This habit of cross-checking ensures precise and repeatable angles.

Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Kenny devoted a portion of the discussion to correcting common misconceptions about steep approaches. He shared an anecdote highlighting how some pilots erroneously believe a steep approach involves a 45-degree angle. Misguided instruction can lead to unsafe practices. Properly, a steep approach should never exceed 15 degrees.

Referencing the Helicopter Flying Handbook, Kenny emphasized the standardized training practices in the U.S., which stipulate shallow, normal, and steep approaches at 5, 10, and 15 degrees, respectively. Misjudging these angles can lead to serious safety issues, so it's critical to adhere to the recommended guidelines.

Preparation for Checkrides

Understanding these approach angles is crucial, especially when preparing for checkrides. Examiners often ask candidates to define and demonstrate a 5-degree, 10-degree, and 15-degree approach. Clear articulation and demonstration of these angles are essential for passing your certification.

Kenny recounted a story of an anxious pilot who sought his help the night before a checkride, still unsure about approach angles. This story highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding and practicing these angles well in advance of such critical assessments.

 

 

Resources for Further Learning

Kenny Keller directed listeners to several resources designed to aid in mastering these techniques:

- Helicopter Online Ground School (H.O.G.S.): A comprehensive resource featuring videos, podcasts, and blogs tailored to helicopter training.
- Private Pilot 101- A Helicopter Training Blueprint: A free downloadable PDF that offers foundational knowledge for aspiring helicopter pilots.

Additionally, Kenny mentioned the H.O.G.S. AI Clone available 24/7 for free. This resource encapsulates 14 years of training material, allowing users to query specific flight and ground learning topics. However, it's essential to recognize its limitations—it doesn’t cover sectional charts or precise flight distances but excels in general flight-related queries.

Advanced Training Opportunities

For those seeking intensive training, Kenny offers a Final Approach Course, designed to hone pilot skills over a minimum of three days. The course culminates in a check-ride on the fourth day. Pilots have the option to train in either the H.O.G.S. Robinson R-22 or R-44 helicopters, with the minimum package rates set at $5,300 for the R-22 and $6,800 for the R-44. This opportunity is ideal for those aiming to get their ratings completed efficiently. Send in your qualifications to get on the limited H.O.G.S. schedule.

Mastering approach angles is a fundamental skill in helicopter aviation, one that every pilot must conquer to ensure safe and effective landings. By concentrating first on the normal 10-degree approach, using visual aids, and leveraging available resources, pilots can build a solid foundation for all types of landing approaches. Understanding and consistently practicing these angles is key to navigating various landing scenarios confidently and safely.

If you're ready to elevate your piloting skills, explore the resources Kenny Keller has highlighted and consider enrolling in the final approach course for an intensive, hands-on learning experience.