From the previous chapters, it should be apparent that no two helicopters perform the same way. Even when flying the same model of helicopter, wind, temperature, humidity, weight, and equipment make it difficult to predict just how the helicopter will perform. Therefore, this chapter presents the basic flight maneuvers in a way that would apply to a majority of the helicopters.

In most cases, the techniques described apply to small training helicopters with:

Where a technique differs, it will be noted. For example, a power increase on a helicopter with a clockwise rotor system requires right antitorque pedal pressure instead of left pedal pressure. In many cases, the terminology “apply proper pedal pressure” is used to indicate both types of rotor systems. However, when discussing throttle coordination to maintain proper r.p.m., there will be no differentiation between those helicopters with a governor and those without. In a sense, the governor is doing the work for you. In addition, instead of using the terms collective pitch control and the cyclic pitch control throughout the chapter, these controls are referred to as just collective and cyclic.

Because helicopter performance varies with different weather conditions and aircraft loading, specific nose attitudes and power settings will not be discussed. In addition, this chapter does not detail each and every attitude of a helicopter in the various flight maneuvers, nor each and every move you must make in order to perform a given maneuver.

When a maneuver is presented, there will be a brief description, followed by the technique to accomplish the maneuver. In most cases, there is a list of common errors at the end of the discussion.

Before any flight, you must ensure the helicopter is airworthy by inspecting it according to the rotorcraft flight manual, pilot’s operating handbook, or other information supplied either by the operator or the manufacturer. Remember that as pilot in command, it is your responsibility to ensure the aircraft is in an airworthy condition.

In preparation for flight, the use of a checklist is important so that no item is overlooked. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested outline for both the inside and outside inspection. This ensures that all the items the manufacturer feels are important are checked. Obviously, if there are other items you feel might need attention, inspect them as well.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) requires that all aircraft instruments and installed equipment be operative prior to each departure. However, when the FAA adopted the minimum equipment list (MEL) concept for 14 CFR part 91 operations, flights were allowed with inoperative items, as long as the inoperative items were determined to be nonessential for safe flight. At the same time, it allowed part 91 operators, without an MEL, to defer repairs on nonessential equipment within the guidelines of part 91.

There are two primary methods of deferring maintenance on rotorcraft operating under part 91. They are the deferral provision of 14 CFR part 91, section 91.213(d) and an FAA-approved MEL.

The deferral provision of section 91.213(d) is widely used by most pilot/operators. Its popularity is due to simplicity and minimal paperwork. When inoperative equipment is found during preflight or prior to departure, the decision should be to cancel the flight, obtain maintenance prior to flight, or to defer the item or equipment.

Maintenance deferrals are not used for in-flight discrepancies. The manufacturer's RFM/POH procedures are to be used in those situations. The discussion that follows assumes that the pilot wishes to defer maintenance that would ordinarily be required prior to flight.

Minimum Equipment List (MEL)— An inventory of instruments and equipment that may legally be inoperative, with the specific conditions under which an aircraft may be flown with such items inoperative.

Using the deferral provision of section 91.213(d), the pilot determines whether the inoperative equipment is required by type design, the CFRs, or ADs. If the inoperative item is not required, and the helicopter can be safely operated without it, the deferral may be made.

The inoperative item shall be deactivated or removed and an INOPERATIVE placard placed near the appropriate switch, control, or indicator. If deactivation or removal involves maintenance (removal always will), it must be accomplished by certificated maintenance personnel.

For example, if the position lights (installed equipment) were discovered to be inoperative prior to a daytime flight, the pilot would follow the requirements of section 91.213(d).

The deactivation may be a process as simple as the pilot positioning a circuit breaker to the OFF position, or as complex as rendering instruments or equipment totally inoperable. Complex maintenance tasks require a certificated and appropriately rated maintenance person to perform the deactivation. In all cases, the item or equipment must be placarded INOPERATIVE.

All rotorcraft operated under part 91 are eligible to use the maintenance deferral provisions of section 91.213(d).