EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Concise checklists describing the recommended procedures and airspeeds for coping with various types of emergencies or critical situations can be found in this section. Some of the emergencies covered include: engine failure in a hover and at altitude, tail rotor failures, fires, and systems failures. The procedures for restarting an engine and for ditching in the water might also be included.
Manufacturers may first show the emergencies checklists in an abbreviated form with the order of items reflecting the sequence of action. This is followed by amplified checklists providing additional information to help you understand the procedure. To be prepared for an abnormal or emergency situation, memorize the first steps of each checklist, if not all the steps. If time permits, you can then refer to the checklist to make sure all items have been covered. (For more information on emergencies, refer to Chapter 11—Helicopter Emergencies and Chapter 21—Gyroplane Emergencies.)
 
NEVER EXCEED SPEED
110
100
VNE
90

80
KIAS
70

60
50 0 2 4 6 8101214
 
Pressure Alt. 1,000 Feet
Figure 6-6. Various VNE placards.
Manufacturers also are encouraged to include an optional area titled “Abnormal Procedures,” which describes recommended procedures for handling malfunctions that are not considered to be emergencies. This information would most likely be found in larger helicopters.
NORMAL PROCEDURES
The Normal Procedures is the section you will probably use the most. It usually begins with a listing of the airspeeds, which may enhance the safety of normal operations. It is a good idea to memorize the airspeeds that are used for normal flight operations. The next part of the section includes several checklists, which take you through the preflight inspection, before starting procedure, how to start the engine, rotor engagement, ground checks, takeoff, approach, landing, and shutdown. Some manufacturers also include the procedures for practice autorotations. To avoid skipping an important step, you should always use a checklist when one is available. (More information on maneuvers can be found in Chapter 9—Basic Maneuvers, Chapter 10— Advanced Maneuvers, and Chapter 20—Gyroplane Flight Operations.)
 
 

PERFORMANCE
The Performance Section contains all the information required by the regulations, and any additional performance information the manufacturer feels may enhance your ability to safely operate the rotorcraft.