Cross-check the ball of the turn-and-slip indicator to determine if the helicopter is in coordinated flight. [Figure 8-6] If the rotor is laterally level and pedal pressure properly compensates for torque, the ball remains in the center. To center the ball, level the helicopter laterally by reference to the other bank instruments, then center the ball with pedal trim. Torque correction pressures vary as power changes are made. Always check the ball after such changes.

Establishing specific power settings is accomplished through collective pitch adjustments and throttle control, where necessary. For reciprocating-powered helicopters, power indication is observed on the manifold pressure gauge. For turbine-powered helicopters, power is observed on the torque gauge. (Although most instrument flight rules (IFR)-certified helicopters are turbine powered, depictions within this chapter use a reciprocating-powered helicopter as this is where training is most likely conducted.)

At any given airspeed, a specific power setting determines whether the helicopter is in level flight, in a climb, or in a descent. For example, cruising airspeed maintained with cruising power results in level flight. If a pilot increases the power setting and holds the airspeed constant, the helicopter climbs. Conversely, if the pilot decreases power and holds the airspeed constant, the helicopter descends.

If the altitude is held constant, power determines the airspeed. For example, at a constant altitude, cruising power results in cruising airspeed. Any deviation from the cruising power setting results in a change of airspeed. When power is added to increase airspeed, the nose of the helicopter pitches up and yaws to the right in a helicopter with a counterclockwise main rotor blade rotation. [Figure 8-7] When power is reduced to decrease airspeed, the nose pitches down and yaws to the left. [Figure 8-8] The yawing effect is most pronounced in single-rotor helicopters and is absent in helicopters with counter-rotating rotors. To counteract the yawing tendency of the helicopter, apply pedal trim during power changes.

To maintain a constant altitude and airspeed in level flight, coordinate pitch attitude and power control. The relationship between altitude and airspeed determines the need for a change in power and/or pitch attitude. If the altitude is constant and the airspeed is high or low, change the power to obtain the desired airspeed. During the change in power, make an accurate interpretation of the altimeter, then counteract any deviation from the desired altitude by an appropriate change of pitch attitude. If the altitude is low and the airspeed is high, or vice versa, a change in pitch attitude alone may return the helicopter to the proper altitude and airspeed. If both airspeed and altitude are low, or if both are high, changes in both power and pitch attitude are necessary.

To make power control easy when changing airspeed, it is necessary to know the approximate power settings for the various airspeeds at which the helicopter is flown. When the airspeed is to be changed by any appreciable amount, adjust the power so that it is over or under that setting necessary to maintain the new airspeed. As the power approaches the desired setting, include the manifold pressure in the cross-check to determine when the proper adjustment has been accomplished. As the airspeed is changing, adjust the pitch attitude to maintain a constant altitude. A constant heading should be maintained throughout the change. As the desired airspeed is approached, adjust power to the new cruising power setting and further adjust pitch attitude to maintain altitude. The instrument indications for straight-and-level flight at normal cruise and during the transition from normal cruise to slow cruise are illustrated in Figures 8-9 and 8-10. After the airspeed stabilizes at slow cruise, the attitude indicator shows an approximate level pitch attitude.

The altimeter is the primary pitch instrument during level flight, whether flying at a constant airspeed or during a change in airspeed. Altitude should not change during airspeed transitions, and the heading indicator remains the primary bank instrument. Whenever the airspeed is changed by an appreciable amount, the manifold pressure gauge is momentarily the primary instrument for power control. When the airspeed approaches the desired reading, the airspeed indicator again becomes the primary instrument for power control.

To produce straight-and-level flight, the cross-check of the pitch-and-bank instruments should be combined with the power control instruments. With a constant power setting, a normal cross-check should be satisfactory. When changing power, the speed of the cross-check must be increased to cover the pitch and bank instruments adequately. This is necessary to counteract any deviations immediately.

For any power setting and load condition, there is only one airspeed that gives the most efficient rate of climb. To determine this, consult the climb data for the type of helicopter being flown. The technique varies according to the airspeed on entry and whether a constant airspeed or constant rate climb is made.