EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Objective

The ATP helicopter candidate will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and proficient execution of emergency procedures specific to their helicopter type, completing all required emergency scenarios with professional precision, effective crew resource management, and strict adherence to approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) procedures. The candidate will demonstrate ATP-level decision-making, risk assessment, and procedural accuracy appropriate for single-pilot turbine operations in commercial/airline transport environments, meeting all performance standards in ACS AT.X.A.

Measurable Outcomes:

• Accurately describe and execute emergency procedures specific to the training helicopter type per approved RFM
• Demonstrate proper procedure for inflight fire and smoke removal
• Execute emergency descent within ±100 feet of specified altitude and ±10 knots of target airspeed
• Perform autorotation with power recovery within ±50 feet of specified touchdown point, maintaining rotor RPM within manufacturer limits throughout
• Describe proper ditching procedures and emergency evacuation sequence
• Execute any additional RFM emergency procedures as determined by evaluator
• Maintain ATP-level situational awareness, CRM, and single-pilot resource management throughout all emergency scenarios

Content

Introduction to ATP Emergency Procedures Philosophy

ATP helicopter emergency procedures training reflects the highest level of pilot certification—candidates must demonstrate not just mechanical proficiency but professional-grade decision-making, resource management, and risk mitigation. Unlike commercial training, ATP emergency procedures emphasize airline transport operations standards: split-second prioritization, crew coordination (even as a single pilot), passenger safety considerations, and operational decision-making that protects the certificate, the company, and lives.

Every emergency has three phases: recognition, analysis, and action. ATP candidates must compress reaction time while expanding situational awareness. Think of it like a chess grandmaster—you see more moves ahead because you’ve internalized the patterns. That’s what we’re building here.

Regulatory Framework

14 CFR §61.159(b) establishes ATP helicopter aeronautical experience requirements, which must include exposure to various operational scenarios including emergency procedures in the appropriate category and class. 14 CFR §135.293 (for commercial operators) requires pilot-in-command emergency training, and while ATP candidates may not yet hold specific 135 positions, the standard we’re training to exceeds Part 135 minimums.

The Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) is regulatory compliance material under 14 CFR §91.9 and §27/29.1581. Every procedure demonstrated must align with the approved RFM for the specific helicopter type—this isn’t “best practices,” it’s federal law. Deviating from RFM emergency procedures without justifiable cause constitutes operating outside approved limitations.

FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook Chapter 11 provides foundational emergency procedures guidance, but ATP operations demand manufacturer-specific precision. Generic procedures are insufficient—candidates must know their helicopter’s systems, limitations, and approved emergency responses.

Emergency Procedures by Category

1. Inflight Fire and Smoke Removal

Fire is the most time-critical helicopter emergency. Composite materials, avionics, and fuel systems create multiple ignition sources. The ATP pilot must instantly differentiate between electrical fire, engine fire, cabin fire, and external fire based on sensory input: smell (acrid electrical vs. fuel), visual cues (smoke color, location), and system indications.

Recognition: Smoke in the cockpit, burning smell, fire warning lights/cautions, abnormal heat, or visual flames. In turbine helicopters, compressor fires present differently than cabin electrical fires.

Analysis Decision Tree:

• Source location: engine compartment, electrical bay, cabin, baggage
• Smoke type: white (electrical), black (fuel/oil), chemical
• System status: what’s still operating, what’s already failed
• Environmental factors: altitude, terrain, weather, nearest suitable landing area

RFM Emergency Procedures (Type-Specific): Procedures vary significantly by manufacturer. For example:

• Bell 206 Series: Engine fire—throttle closed/off, land immediately; electrical fire—affected circuit breakers pulled, battery off if severe
• AS350 Series: Engine fire—fuel shutoff, land ASAP; electrical smoke—Master OFF momentarily, isolate circuit
• Bell 407: Electrical fire—pull affected CB, BATT 1/2 off if source unidentified; engine fire—immediate landing

Smoke Removal Technique:

1. Identify source before venting (electrical fires may need power isolation first)
2. Ventilate: Open vents, lower window/door partially (avoid full opening at high speed)
3. Isolate electrical: Pull circuit breakers methodically, starting with non-essential systems
4. Land immediately: “Immediately” means now—not after making radio calls, not after finding the perfect spot

Critical Teaching Point: Many pilots delay landing decisions during fire emergencies. The ATP mindset is: “Fire requires dirt—everything else is secondary.” Passenger discomfort from a precautionary landing beats catastrophic structural failure at altitude.

2. Emergency Descent

Emergency descent in helicopters differs fundamentally from airplanes. We can’t use “dive and drive” techniques safely—rotor systems and VNE limits constrain our options. ATP candidates must know when emergency descent is required (cabin depressurization in rare pressurized helicopters, hypoxia, uncontrollable fire) versus when controlled descent is more appropriate.

Procedure Considerations:

• Maximum rate descent: Collective near full down, airspeed at VNE or manufacturer’s recommended emergency descent speed (typically VNE - 10 knots for safety margin)
• Rotor RPM management: Nr must stay within limits—too fast = blade stall in descent, too slow = insufficient energy for recovery
• Target altitude: If pressurization/hypoxia issue = 10,000 feet MSL or MEA, whichever higher
• Recovery: Begin 500-1,000 feet prior to target altitude depending on descent rate

RFM Specificity: Some turbine helicopters (AS350, EC130) have specific emergency descent procedures due to engine/transmission cooling considerations. Rapid descents with engine at idle may require specific power settings to maintain proper oil circulation.

Performance Standards: Maintain directional control within ±10°, achieve descent rate appropriate to emergency, level off within ±100 feet of target altitude, maintain rotor RPM within manufacturer’s limits (typically green arc), airspeed ±10 knots of target.

3. Autorotation with Power Recovery

At the ATP level, autorotation proficiency represents the foundation of all emergency skills. This isn’t discovery learning—ATP candidates already hold commercial certificates with demonstrated autorotation competency. We’re refining precision, consistency, and decision-making.

Autorotation Phases:

• Entry: Immediate collective reduction to maintain Nr, throttle correlation if equipped (some turbines require throttle to idle), establish appropriate airspeed (typically 60-80 KIAS depending on type)
• Steady-state descent: Maintain energy management—altitude is potential energy, Nr is kinetic energy, both are finite. Best glide speed optimizes both range and rate-of-descent for controllability
• Flare: Begins 40-100 feet AGL depending on helicopter type, weight, density altitude, and wind. Aft cyclic to convert forward airspeed into rotor RPM and reduced rate of descent
• Power recovery: Coordinated collective application with throttle/engine response, cushioning descent while preventing rotor RPM droop

ATP Precision Standards:

• Entry: Immediate recognition and response, Nr within 3% of optimum throughout
• Glide: Airspeed ±5 knots, maintain ground track, continuously evaluate landing area
• Power recovery: Initiate recovery at assigned altitude (typically 100’ AGL in training), smooth collective application, touch down within 50 feet of designated point, Nr never below manufacturer’s minimum

Type-Specific Considerations:

• Bell 206: Low inertia rotor—aggressive collective reduction on entry, flare at 50-60 feet
• AS350: High inertia rotor—more forgiving but requires earlier flare initiation due to mass
• Robinson R44/R66: Very low inertia—rapid responses required, minimal delay tolerance

Critical Teaching Point: Power recovery autorotations build muscle memory for the most dangerous phase—the transition from descent to touchdown. In actual engine failures, this is where pilots overcorrect or under-correct. The ATP pilot’s hands must know the exact collective timing and rate without cognitive processing. It’s pure kinesthetic memory built through repetition.

Decision-Making Elements:

• When to commit to full touchdown: If power recovery fails, terrain unsuitable for hover, or winds excessive
• Abort criteria: Rotor RPM decaying toward limits, ground contact imminent at excessive rate
• Environmental assessment: Wind direction/speed, obstacles, surface type (water requires different technique)

4. Ditching (Water Landing)

Ditching is controlled flight into water—fundamentally different from uncontrolled water impact. Most helicopters will invert within seconds of water contact due to top-heavy design. ATP pilots must know ditching is a last resort with significant survival challenges.

Regulatory Note: 14 CFR §91.509 and §135.168 require life preservers for overwater flights beyond certain distances. §91.511 and §135.167 mandate life rafts for extended overwater operations. ATP candidates must know these requirements as they may operate commercially in Part 135 environments.

Ditching Decision Factors:

• Controlled vs. uncontrolled: Ditching is preferable to uncontrolled water impact, but land ditching is preferable to water if any option exists
• Sea state: Wave height, wind, swell direction
• Helicopter characteristics: Roll-on-water vs. float-equipped vs. emergency flotation-equipped

Ditching Procedure Framework (RFM-specific, but general principles):

1. Preparation: Mayday call with position, secure loose items, brief passengers, flotation gear accessible, doors/windows opened or jettisoned per RFM
2. Approach: Minimize groundspeed, avoid high hover (dynamic rollover on contact), align into wind if possible but parallel to swells if present
3. Touchdown: Level attitude, minimize descent rate, attempt skids/gear contact simultaneously
4. Egress: Immediate exit before inversion (5-15 seconds typical), assist passengers, activate flotation if installed, deploy raft

Post-Ditching Survival:

• Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET) is standard for offshore operations
• Reference exits—know which window/door is yours BEFORE water contact
• Breath hold and orientation during inversion/submersion
• Inflate life vests AFTER exiting aircraft

Critical Teaching Point: Ditching practice in actual helicopters is impossible for obvious reasons. ATP evaluation focuses on knowledge demonstration—can you articulate the RFM procedure, understand the physics, and make sound decisions? Evaluators assess decision-making, not actual water landing.

5. Emergency Evacuation

Emergency evacuation speed determines survival in post-crash fires or water inversion scenarios. NTSB studies show most helicopter fatalities occur not from impact forces but from post-impact fire or drowning—both preventable with rapid evacuation.

Evacuation Procedure Elements (Type-Specific per RFM):

• Door/window operation: Normal and emergency (jettison procedures, release mechanisms)
• Passenger briefing requirements: Before each flight per 14 CFR §135.117 for commercial ops
• Evacuation routes: Primary and alternate exits
• Assist requirements: Children, elderly, injured passengers
• Post-evacuation actions: Distance from aircraft (fire hazard), accountability, first aid, emergency communications

RFM Emergency Equipment:

• Fire extinguisher location and operation
• First aid kit accessibility
• Emergency locator transmitter (ELT) activation—automatic vs. manual
• Survival equipment (raft, survival kit, signaling devices) location

Critical Teaching Point: In actual emergencies, passengers freeze or make irrational decisions. The ATP pilot’s pre-flight briefing and command presence during evacuation determine survival rates. Use the airline mentality: clear, loud, simple commands—“GET OUT NOW, MOVE THIS DIRECTION.”

6. Additional Type-Specific Emergencies

Beyond the five primary emergencies listed in the ACS, ATP candidates must demonstrate knowledge of all RFM emergency procedures for their helicopter type. Common additional scenarios:

Turbine Engine Malfunctions:

• Compressor stall (loud bang, Nr decay, EGT spike)—reduce collective, throttle adjustment per RFM
• Engine failure in cruise—immediate autorotation entry
• Engine failure in hover—cushion landing, avoid instinctive aft cyclic
• Dual engine failure (twin-engine aircraft)—simultaneous autorotation

Transmission/Drive System Emergencies:

• Transmission chip light—immediate precautionary landing
• Transmission oil pressure low—land immediately
• Main rotor gearbox grinding/vibration—land immediately, avoid maneuvering flight
• Tail rotor failure—maintain forward airspeed (ETL), running landing into wind

Flight Control Malfunctions:

• Stuck pedal—running landing, use cyclic to maintain heading
• Hardover cyclic/collective—collective jam most critical, autorotate if unjammable
• Governor failure—manual throttle control, land ASAP

Electrical System Failures:

• Generator failure—load shed non-essential, battery time limited
• Complete electrical failure—continue VFR flight to landing, no night/IMC continuation

Hydraulic System Failures (if equipped):

• Hydraulic failure caution—increased control forces, may require collective boost-off per RFM
• Dual hydraulic failure—flight control forces extremely high, land immediately

Critical Teaching Point: ATP candidates must carry the RFM or have immediate access during training. Emergency procedures are not memorized verbatim—they’re understood conceptually and confirmed via checklist reference. The ATP standard is: know where to find it, know when to use it, know how to execute it.

Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM) in Emergencies

Unlike multi-crew airplane operations, most helicopter ATP operations are single-pilot. SRM becomes critical:

1. Task Management: Aviate, navigate, communicate—but in helicopter emergencies, “aviate” dominates. Don’t sacrifice aircraft control for radio calls.

2. Workload Prioritization: RFM emergency checklist use vs. memory items. Some emergencies (engine fire) are memory items—execute immediately. Others (electrical anomalies) allow checklist reference.

3. Situational Awareness: Maintain mental model of: aircraft state, geographic position, nearest suitable landing areas, weather, fuel state, passenger status.

4. Decision-Making: The DECIDE model applies but compressed timeframe in helicopters demands trained instinct. ATP pilots practice until decisions become automatic pattern recognition.

5. Risk Assessment: Every emergency involves risk trade-offs. Example: electrical fire in IMC—do you stay in clouds with operable instruments or descend VMC into terrain? ATP pilots assess, decide, act—no paralysis.

Common ATP Emergency Procedure Errors

Understanding failure modes helps prevent them:

1. Delayed decision-making: Hesitation kills. ATP pilots act decisively on partial information.
2. Checklist fixation: Don’t fly the checklist while the helicopter flies itself into terrain. Aviate first.
3. Poor communication: Mayday calls are free—use them. ATC can help or at least knows where to send help.
4. Inadequate passenger management: Panic spreads. Command presence and clear direction prevent chaos.
5. Normalcy bias: “It’s probably just a sensor error” has killed pilots. Treat warnings as real until proven otherwise.

Schedule

Equipment

Required Reference Materials:

• FAA-S-ACS-ATP Helicopter Airman Certification Standards (current edition)
• FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook (Chapter 11: Helicopter Emergencies)
• Approved Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for training helicopter type
• 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 135 (current)
• Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or RFM emergency procedures section
• Training helicopter weight and balance documentation
• Performance charts for current conditions

Training Helicopter:

• Appropriate helicopter meeting 14 CFR §61.159(b) requirements for ATP training
• Current airworthiness certificate and registration
• All required emergency equipment operational (fire extinguisher, ELT, first aid kit)
• Serviceable per 100-hour/annual inspection
• Adequate fuel for training lesson plus reserves

Visual Aids and Training Materials:

• RFM emergency procedures checklist (laminated or digital)
• Whiteboard/tablet for diagram illustration (Nr management, flare geometry)
• Emergency equipment demonstration items (fire extinguisher, ELT, flotation gear if applicable)
• Video examples of emergency procedures (if available for type)
• Emergency descent profile diagrams
• Autorotation energy management charts

Safety Equipment:

• Appropriate personal protective equipment (flight helmets if SOP requires)
• Functional intercom/communication system
• Current aeronautical charts for training area
• Suitable autorotation practice areas (pre-surveyed, charted, with abort options)

Instructor Actions

1. Conduct comprehensive ground instruction covering all emergency procedures specified in the RFM for the training helicopter type, ensuring candidate understands not just “what” but “why” behind each procedure—explain the systems logic, failure modes, and decision trees for each emergency scenario.

2. Review regulatory requirements for emergency procedures under 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 135, emphasizing the ATP candidate’s responsibility to know manufacturer-approved procedures and the legal implications of deviating from RFM emergency procedures without justifiable cause.

3. Present scenario-based decision problems: “You’re in cruise at 3,000 AGL, 80 knots, when you smell electrical smoke and see haze forming near the overhead panel. What’s your immediate action, and why?” Assess candidate’s prioritization, systems knowledge, and procedural recall under simulated time pressure.

4. Demonstrate emergency descent technique including entry procedure, airspeed management, Nr control, and recovery coordination—use altitude to demonstrate full procedure or explain modification for training environment limitations (ATC altitude restrictions, traffic, etc.).

5. Demonstrate autorotation with power recovery to ATP standards: smooth entry maintaining Nr, stabilized descent at recommended airspeed, coordinated flare timing, power application with collective coordination, and touchdown point accuracy within 50 feet of target—verbalize sight picture cues, control pressures, and decision points throughout.

6. Simulate inflight fire scenario (without creating actual hazardous conditions): describe scenario parameters, have candidate execute identification, decision-making, and procedural steps—observe whether candidate prioritizes flying aircraft over checklist completion, makes timely landing decision, and demonstrates proper communication (Mayday call).

7. Brief ditching procedures using RFM and visual aids to illustrate proper approach profile, touchdown technique, and immediate post-water-contact egress actions—emphasize time-critical nature of helicopter inversion and reference egress training standards for offshore operations.

8. Discuss emergency evacuation procedures specific to training helicopter—demonstrate door jettison mechanisms, emergency exit operation, emergency equipment location (fire extinguisher, first aid, ELT)—have candidate physically practice access and operation to build muscle memory.

9. Quiz candidate on additional type-specific emergencies from RFM: “What are your immediate actions for a transmission chip light? What about low oil pressure? If you hear a loud bang from the engine compartment followed by Nr decay and EGT spike, what’s likely occurred and what’s your response?”

10. During flight lesson, position helicopter for emergency procedure practice at appropriate altitude (typically 3,000 AGL minimum for autorotation practice, higher for emergency descent), clear airspace, brief abort criteria, and establish recovery parameters before initiating each procedure.

11. Evaluate candidate’s execution of each emergency procedure against ATP standards—monitor precision (altitude ±100 feet, airspeed ±10 knots, touchdown point ±50 feet), smoothness, coordination, Nr management, and decision-making throughout scenarios.

12. Provide immediate corrective feedback during flight lesson when performance deviates from standards: “Your Nr dropped below green arc during autorotation entry—what happened? What’s the consequence if this were an actual engine failure?” Use Ryan Dale’s teaching approach—direct, specific, building understanding.

13. Simulate system failures or abnormal indications as appropriate for training environment and safety: cover instruments, call “engine failure now,” introduce decision scenarios mid-maneuver—“You’re in autorotation and realize your selected landing area has wires across it—what’s your action?”

14. Debrief each maneuver immediately after execution while details are fresh: “That autorotation touchdown was 75 feet long—what caused that? How did your flare timing compare to the previous attempt? What sight picture tells you when to start the flare for this helicopter at this density altitude?”

15. Conclude flight lesson with comprehensive performance summary, comparing candidate’s execution against ATP ACS standards, identifying specific areas of strength and areas requiring additional practice, and assigning focused practice items if re-training needed before ATP practical test.

Student Actions

1. Review RFM emergency procedures section before ground lesson, coming prepared with questions about any procedures that are unclear or seem to conflict with previous training in other helicopter types—demonstrate initiative in self-study appropriate to ATP-level professionalism.

2. Actively participate in ground instruction by asking clarifying questions, proposing solutions to scenario-based problems, and articulating decision-making rationale—demonstrate critical thinking and systems knowledge beyond rote procedure memorization.

3. Analyze emergency scenarios presented by instructor, working through decision trees systematically: identify the problem, assess available options, select optimal course of action, explain rationale—practice verbalizing thought process as this reflects ATP-level aeronautical decision-making.

4. Take detailed notes on type-specific emergency procedures, particularly items that differ from previous helicopter experience—create personal quick-reference cards for critical memory items (engine fire, transmission failure, etc.) that supplement RFM checklist procedures.

5. Observe instructor demonstrations of emergency descent and autorotation carefully, noting sight pictures, control inputs, timing cues, and verbalized decision points—ask questions immediately if any element is unclear before attempting to replicate the maneuver.

6. Perform pre-flight preparation for flight lesson including: weight and balance calculation, performance planning for density altitude effects on autorotation, identification of suitable autorotation practice areas on sectional chart, and mental rehearsal of emergency procedures to be practiced.

7. Execute inflight fire/smoke removal simulation by following RFM procedures systematically: identify source, make immediate safety decisions (continue flight vs. land immediately), execute appropriate systems shutdown, demonstrate smoke removal technique, and make appropriate radio calls—maintain aircraft control as first priority.

8. Demonstrate emergency descent with ATP precision: establish descent configuration promptly, achieve target airspeed (±10 knots), maintain directional control (±10°), manage Nr within limits, begin recovery 500-1,000 feet prior to target altitude, and level off within ±100 feet—verbalize procedures and crosscheck instruments throughout.

9. Perform autorotations with power recovery to ATP standards: immediate collective reduction on “engine failure” call, establish recommended glide airspeed (±5 knots), maintain ground track to selected touchdown point, initiate flare at appropriate altitude for type/conditions, coordinate power application with collective, and touch down within ±50 feet of target with Nr in green arc throughout—demonstrate consistent, professional execution across multiple attempts.

10. Articulate ditching procedures from RFM when queried by instructor, describing preparation steps, approach profile, touchdown technique, and immediate post-contact actions—demonstrate understanding of time-critical nature and survival priorities in water landing scenario.

11. Physically demonstrate emergency evacuation procedures while on ground, operating door jettison mechanisms, emergency exits, and locating/demonstrating emergency equipment—practice until operation becomes automatic and could be performed in smoke, darkness, or post-impact disorientation.

12. Respond to additional type-specific emergency scenarios presented by instructor during flight, applying appropriate RFM procedures and demonstrating sound aeronautical decision-making—for example: “Transmission chip light illuminates—I’m reducing power, making a precautionary landing at that field at my 10 o’clock, and declaring an emergency with approach control.”

13. Maintain situational awareness throughout all emergency procedures: altitude, airspeed, Nr, geographic position, nearest suitable landing areas, wind direction/speed, traffic, and obstacles—demonstrate ATP-level judgment by never allowing emergency procedure practice to compromise safety through fixation or distraction.

14. Demonstrate proper crew resource management even in single-pilot operations: verbalize procedures, make position/intention radio calls, crosscheck instruments systematically, and maintain cognitive reserve for unexpected secondary emergencies—show professional cockpit discipline throughout training flight.

15. Participate actively in post-flight debrief by self-assessing performance against ATP standards, identifying personal areas needing improvement, asking questions about performance deviations, and proposing specific practice strategies—demonstrate the professional self-awareness expected of ATP-level pilots.

Completion Standards

The lesson is complete when the ATP helicopter candidate demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and proficient execution of emergency procedures for the specific helicopter type, meeting all performance standards specified in FAA-S-ACS-ATP Task AT.X.A: Emergency Procedures.

Knowledge Standards (Evaluated Through Oral Questioning and Scenario Discussion):

The candidate must demonstrate thorough understanding of emergency procedures relating to the particular helicopter type by:

• Accurately describing all RFM emergency procedures applicable to the training helicopter, including immediate action memory items and checklist-referenced procedures
• Explaining the systems logic underlying each emergency procedure (why specific actions are required, what failures they address, and potential consequences of incorrect response)
• Correctly identifying appropriate emergency responses for scenarios including but not limited to: inflight fire, smoke in cockpit, engine failure, transmission malfunctions, flight control failures, electrical system failures, and any additional emergencies specific to helicopter type
• Articulating proper ditching procedures including preparation, approach profile, touchdown technique, and immediate post-contact egress actions
• Describing emergency evacuation procedures including door/window jettison operation, evacuation routes, passenger assistance requirements, and post-evacuation actions
• Demonstrating knowledge of regulatory requirements for emergency equipment (14 CFR §91.509, §91.511, §135.167, §135.168) and RFM compliance (14 CFR §91.9)

Skill Standards (Evaluated Through Practical Demonstration in Flight):

The candidate must demonstrate ATP-level proficiency in executing emergency procedures by:

• Inflight Fire and Smoke Removal: Identifies simulated fire/smoke source promptly, executes appropriate RFM procedure (circuit breaker isolation, system shutdown, etc.), demonstrates effective smoke removal technique (appropriate ventilation), makes timely decision to land immediately, maintains aircraft control throughout, and makes appropriate emergency radio communications

• Emergency Descent: Establishes descent configuration promptly with smooth control inputs, achieves specified descent rate appropriate to emergency, maintains target airspeed within ±10 knots, controls heading within ±10° of assigned/intended heading, manages rotor RPM within manufacturer’s green arc throughout descent, begins recovery 500-1,000 feet prior to target altitude depending on descent rate, and levels off within ±100 feet of target altitude

• Autorotation with Power Recovery (minimum 3 attempts demonstrating consistency):

  • Entry: Immediately lowers collective to maintain Nr upon simulated engine failure, maintains rotor RPM within 3% of optimum throughout entry and descent, smoothly adjusts throttle correlation (if applicable) per RFM, establishes and maintains recommended glide airspeed within ±5 knots
  • Descent: Maintains ground track to selected touchdown point, continuously evaluates landing area suitability and maintains abort options, manages energy appropriately (altitude and Nr), maintains coordinated flight, demonstrates professional scan and situational awareness
  • Flare and Recovery: Initiates flare at appropriate altitude for helicopter type/weight/density altitude conditions, uses aft cyclic to convert airspeed to increased Nr and reduced rate of descent, initiates power recovery at assigned altitude (typically 100 feet AGL in training), coordinates collective application with engine response to prevent Nr droop, maintains directional control with pedals during power application, touches down smoothly within ±50 feet of specified touchdown point
  • Throughout maneuver: Rotor RPM remains within manufacturer’s limits (never below minimum transient RPM or above maximum), control inputs are smooth and coordinated, demonstrates ability to perform consistent autorotations across multiple attempts showing ATP-level proficiency

• Ditching Procedures: Accurately describes complete ditching procedure from RFM including preparation steps (Mayday call, secure loose items, brief passengers, deploy/prepare flotation equipment, open/jettison doors per RFM), approach technique (minimize groundspeed, into wind when possible, level attitude, minimize descent rate), touchdown technique (simultaneous skid/gear contact, avoid dynamic rollover), and immediate post-contact actions (rapid egress before inversion, assist passengers, activate ELT, deploy raft, inflate life vests after exiting)—note: actual water landing not performed, knowledge demonstration assessed

• Emergency Evacuation: Correctly demonstrates physical operation of emergency exits (door jettison mechanisms, window releases), locates and demonstrates use of emergency equipment (fire extinguisher, ELT, first aid kit), describes passenger evacuation procedures including assist techniques for incapacitated persons, and explains post-evacuation actions (distance from aircraft, accountability, communications)

• Additional RFM Emergency Procedures: Demonstrates proper procedures for any other emergency applicable to helicopter type as selected by evaluator (examples: transmission chip light—immediate precautionary landing; compressor stall—reduce collective, throttle adjustment per RFM; tail rotor failure—maintain ETL, running landing; electrical failure—load shed, land ASAP)—procedures must match RFM exactly

Professional Standards (Observed Throughout All Demonstrations):

• Maintains aircraft control as first priority—never allows emergency procedure practice to compromise safety
• Demonstrates proper prioritization: aviate, navigate, communicate
• Exhibits sound aeronautical decision-making appropriate to ATP operations
• Shows effective single-pilot resource management including task prioritization, workload management, and situational awareness
• Makes appropriate radio communications (emergency declarations when warranted, position reports, intentions)
• Demonstrates professional cockpit discipline: clear verbalization, systematic procedures, smooth control inputs
• Shows consistency across multiple repetitions of each maneuver—ATP proficiency means reliable performance, not occasional success
• Responds appropriately to evaluator-introduced complications or secondary emergencies during procedures

Common Errors to Avoid (Performance Below ATP Standards):

• Delayed recognition or response to emergency conditions
• Failure to follow RFM procedures exactly—substituting “personal techniques” for manufacturer-approved procedures
• Inadequate rotor RPM management during autorotations (allowing Nr to decay below minimum or exceed maximum)
• Poor energy management in autorotations resulting in hard landings or touchdown beyond ±50-foot tolerance
• Fixation on checklist or procedure to detriment of aircraft control
• Failure to maintain situational awareness (altitude, position, suitable landing areas, obstacles)
• Incomplete or inaccurate emergency communications
• Inadequate passenger consideration during evacuation scenarios
• Inconsistent performance across multiple attempts—one good autorotation doesn’t demonstrate ATP proficiency

The candidate must meet all knowledge, skill, and professional standards specified above to successfully complete this lesson in accordance with ATP ACS Task AT.X.A. Any deficiencies must be corrected through additional instruction before the candidate is recommended for ATP practical test evaluation.