Approaches

Question 1

You have just passed the finals entry gate at 700/300ft AMSL/AGL and 65kts, explain your actions to touch down for an “airfield approach - normal angle”

Answer 1

Identify correct aspect and start descent (Short, centre and long will each have a different descent point)
W/C
- Attitude (as req for airspeed)
- Aim point (aim slightly short of target touchdown point)
- Airspeed (maintain 65kts)

@100ft AGL
- Slight flare to decel
- Lose ETL (Collective raise, left rudder)
- Target is to terminate in the hover

Question 2

What is the approach angle for a steep, normal and shallow profile approaches?

Answer 2

Steep: 8º
Normal: 6º
Shallow: 4º

Question 3

You have just passed the finals entry gate at 700/300ft AMSL/AGL and 65kts, explain your actions to touch down for a “profile approach - normal angle”

Answer 3

Identify correct aspect and start descent (Short, centre and long will each have a different descent point)
W/C:
- Attitude (as req for airspeed)
- Aim point (aim slightly short of target touchdown point)
- Rate of Closure (fast walking pace)

@100ft AGL
- Slight flare to decel
- Lose ETL (Collective raise, left rudder)
- Target is to terminate in the hover

Question 4

Explain the types of approaches and when one would be used over another

Answer 4

Profile: Used to train aspect appreciation, IGE hover should begin just as ETL is lost, useful is low perf
- Steep
- Normal
- Shallow

Airfield: Usually faster and ensures the aircraft remains within its height velocity diagram (HVD)
- Normal
- Shallow

Question 5

Profile approach - Steep angle

Question 6

Profile approach - shallow angle

Question 7

Airfield approach - shallow angle

Answer 7

Identify correct aspect and start descent (Short, centre and long will each have a different descent point)
W/C
- Attitude (as req for airspeed)
- Aim point (aim slightly short of target touchdown point)
- Airspeed (maintain 65kts)

@100ft AGL
- Slight flare to decel
- Lose ETL (Collective raise, left rudder)
- Target is to terminate in the hover

Question 8

What should the PAPIs look like for shallow and normal approaches?

Answer 8

Shallow: 2W, 2R (Normal)
Normal: 3W, 1 Pink/between red and white

Note: Steep approaches will be above the all red point

Question 9

How should you judge rate of closure on finals?

Answer 9

Use the trees/hills/features nearest to the helicopter, turn your head and look out to the 2/3 o’clock

Question 10

What is the major difference between steep and all other approaches?

Answer 10

Steep rollout out on finals at 40Kts

Question 11

Explain your actions for the approach into a running landing

Answer 11

Maintain finals gate at 700ft, 65kts
Shallow approach, attitude aim point and RoC
Threshold gate 10ft AGL 25kts skids straight