What do we call the manoeuvre which is to be performed after a helicopter engine failure?
The manoeuvre which is to be performed after a helicopter engine failure is called autorotation.
The manoeuvre performed after a helicopter engine failure is called an autorotation.
The manoeuvre that is typically performed after a helicopter engine failure is called an autorotation. An autorotation involves using the helicopter's forward motion to generate enough airflow through the rotor blades, which allows the pilot to maintain some control over the descent and perform a controlled landing without power.
To better understand why autorotation is necessary and how it is performed after a helicopter engine failure, let's break down the steps:
1. Identify the engine failure: The pilot must first recognize the engine failure by carefully monitoring the engine instrumentation or detecting a loss of power, abnormal vibrations, or other cues.
2. Enter autorotation: Once the engine failure is confirmed, the pilot quickly transitions the helicopter into autorotation by smoothly lowering the collective pitch control lever. This action reduces the pitch angle of the rotor blades, enabling them to rotate freely as the helicopter descends.
3. Establish glide speed: The pilot maintains a specific airspeed called the "glide speed." This speed ensures that there is enough airflow through the rotor blades to maintain their rotation and provide lift.
4. Execute landing procedures: The pilot selects a suitable landing area and follows the appropriate landing procedures. These procedures may involve adjusting the glide path, managing the rotor RPM, and making any necessary control inputs to control the helicopter's descent and forward speed.
5. Execute the flare and touchdown: As the helicopter descends toward the landing area, the pilot begins a flare, which is the process of raising the collective pitch control lever smoothly and progressively. This action slows the helicopter's rate of descent and allows for a controlled touchdown. The pilot aims to touch down with a minimum vertical speed and in a level attitude.
It is important to note that autorotations are practiced and trained regularly by helicopter pilots to ensure they can effectively handle engine failures if they were to occur. The specific procedure may vary slightly depending on the helicopter model and individual pilot training.