Helicopter Mountain Flying - John Kennedy Flashcards
(25 cards)
Excerpt
In the first few hundred hours of mountain flying expect to get into many situations that are unfamiliar. Unfamiliar situations often create fear and anxiety. Knowledge of the mountains and training in the proper flying techniques do much to remove the fear and anxiety that makes for an unpleasant experience. Read as much information as possible, and try to evaluate each encounter with the unknown in a logical way. There is always a rational reason for every thing that occurs. The more familiar you are with the complexities of mountain flying the more rewarding will be the experience.
If there is any wind in a valley, the turbulence is normally stronger in the _______
center of the valley
To avoid turbulence in a valley and to avoid down flowing air it is almost always safer and more comfortable to fly near the _______
mountain side
Turning around in a valley due to unplanned for circumstances is made easier by flying where?
mountain side (have whole valley to turn around instead of half the valley to turn around)
T or F
Turbulence and downflowing air can become extremely strong as storm fronts or thunder storms approach
True
High density altitude increases or decreases helicopter performance?
decreases
Flying towards a steep mountain side can cause the pilot to initiate a _____
slow climb (if not paying close attention to altimeter)
Turning away from a mountain side over an open valley can cause the pilot to ____
slowly descend (if not paying close attention to altimeter)
Optical illusions are almost always present on steep terrain. The steeper the terrain, and the closer you are to the mountain side the greater the effect. Low ceilings, poor visibility and certain lighting conditions _______ the severity of the illusion
increase
Careful attention to the ____ and ______ can reduce the error as a result of optical illusions
indicated airspeed and altimeter
The two rules of mountain flying that must be followed religiously are:
Don’t push weather
Always leave yourself a way out
Don’t Push Weather: Excerpt
Adhere to the established weather limits as published in the regulations. Even when the weather is above the published limits and you are not comfortable with the situation DON’T GO. Regardless of the published limits, if the weather is below what you would personally consider to be TOO LOW; DON’T GO. DO NOT let someone else influence your decision when deciding on a departure or continuing on into poor conditions. Decide what your limits are and stick by your decision. You are the captain of the aircraft and responsible for the safety of the aircraft and all those on board. Occasionally you may be wrong by refusing to go in what you consider poor conditions, but also you could be a statistic if you do go. DON’T PUSH THE WEATHER.
Always Leave Yourself A Way Out: Excerpt
Always have a plan or an alternate way of dealing with every eventuality that may occur while you are flying. Plan ahead for every phase of your flight. Determine in your own mind the sequence of events that are likely to occur during the flight. Decide the alternatives that can be used should the plan change. Plan for such things as route changes, alternate fuel supplies, overnight facilities, emergencies, and the host of other problems that could arise.
During the flight look for problem areas, and decide early how to solve the problem. For instance, evaluate the route ahead to avoid turbulence. Look ahead in narrow valleys for places to turn around. Know when, and how to abort an approach if it is not correct. Always, as you are flying along note the areas near your flight path that could be used for a landing should an emergency arise. In poor weather conditions decide when and where to turn around. Reduce speed early if poor weather is going to be encountered. There are a multitude of these decisions to be made as each flight progresses. Planning, knowledge, and awareness of the helicopter’s environment will prevent unnecessary stress on the pilot. PLAN AHEAD AND LEAVE YOURSELF A WAY OUT.
A convergent duct is:
A narrowing space, such as a pipe that becomes smaller in diameter
A divergent duct is:
The opposite of convergent, the space or pipe diameter becomes bigger
Air flowing through a convergent duct _____ in velocity as it flows through the narrow part of the duct. The static air pressure in the narrow part of the duct _____
(increases/decreases)
increases in velocity, static air pressure decreases
In a divergent duct, the velocity of the air flowing through the wider part of the duct ______ , and the static air pressure ______
(increases/decreases)
decreases in velocity, static air pressure increases
On a hill, where is considered the convergent duct and where is the divergent duct?
Convergent duct - top of the hill
Divergent duct - lee side of the hill
What is the term for what is the line called that divides smooth laminar flow and air that is in a turbulent flow on a mountain?
The demarcation line
What are the criteria for a mountain wave?
Low level layer of unstable air
Stable layer of air above the lower levels
Wind direction fairly constant with altitude
Wind speed increasing with altitude
Mountain lying perpendicular to the airflow
What conditions can exist in a mountain wave?
Vertical currents of 2000 fpm are common, 5000fpm possible
Moderate to severe turbulence
Wind gusts up to 22 kts
Altimeter errors up to 1000’
Icing can be experienced
What cloud formations are associated with a mountain wave?
Lenticular clouds
Rotor clouds
Cap clouds
What does a lenticular cloud look like?
Lens shaped
High altitudes (25,000-40,000’)
Form in bands or as single clouds, located above and slightly downwind from the ridge of the mountain
Turbulence may be encountered under the cloud
What does a rotor cloud look like?
Forms downwind from the ridge
Several rows lying parallel to the ridge
Bases at or below ridge level
Up/downdrafts in excess of 5000 fpm
Short duration and tend to disappear rapidly
