AFTER-LANDING PROCEDURES

Objective

The student will demonstrate professional-level proficiency in after-landing procedures and helicopter taxi operations, maintaining precise helicopter control while complying with ATC instructions, observing all surface markings and critical areas, and executing appropriate checklist items for the specific helicopter type. Performance will meet ATP standards as specified in FAA-S-ACS-ATP task AT.XI.A, with emphasis on crew resource management, situational awareness, and risk mitigation during all surface operations from landing roll-out to parking shutdown.

Content

Foundation and Professional Standards

ATP-level after-landing operations require the highest standard of airmanship, situational awareness, and precision. Unlike commercial operations, ATP candidates are expected to demonstrate professional crew resource management even in single-pilot operations, maintain constant vigilance in complex traffic environments, and execute procedures with consistency and exactness appropriate to turbine helicopter operations.

14 CFR 91.113 — Right-of-way rules apply on the ramp and taxiways. Aircraft on final approach or landing have right-of-way. The ATP pilot maintains awareness of all traffic and yields appropriately.

14 CFR 91.123 — Compliance with ATC clearances is mandatory. ATP pilots read back all runway crossing instructions, hold-short instructions, and taxi routes precisely. Any confusion or uncertainty requires immediate clarification.

14 CFR 91.129 — Operations in Class D airspace require two-way radio communication. After landing, maintain communication with tower until instructed to contact ground or frequency change is approved.

After-Landing Immediate Actions

From touchdown through clearing the runway or landing area, the ATP pilot maintains full concentration on aircraft control while systematically completing required immediate actions. In turbine helicopters, this typically includes:

• Collective management — Maintaining appropriate RPM and torque settings during deceleration
• Directional control — Smooth pedal coordination to maintain centerline or desired track
• Systems monitoring — Scanning engine instruments, especially turbine temperatures during power changes
• Radio discipline — Listening for tower instructions while managing cockpit duties

After landing on a runway, expeditiously taxi clear of the active surface unless instructed otherwise by ATC. “Clear of the runway” means the entire helicopter (including tail rotor) is past the hold-short line and no part of the aircraft is over any portion of the runway edge line or safety area.

Taxi Operations — Type-Specific Techniques

The ATP pilot selects the appropriate taxi method based on helicopter configuration, surface conditions, wind, obstacles, and operational requirements.

Skid-equipped helicopters — Hover taxi or air taxi only. Hover taxi is performed in ground effect (typically 2-5 feet AGL) at walking speed or slower. Air taxi is performed out of ground effect (typically 20-50 feet AGL depending on helicopter type and wind) at speeds up to 20-30 knots per manufacturer recommendations. The ATP pilot considers wind velocity, confined area considerations, fuel burn, and wake turbulence risk to other aircraft.

Wheel-equipped helicopters — Ground taxi, hover taxi, or air taxi options available. Ground taxi is most fuel-efficient but requires proper technique: maintain light weight on wheels with collective to reduce landing gear stress while maintaining directional control with pedals and cyclic. Never attempt ground taxi with heavy crosswinds exceeding manufacturer limitations or on soft/uneven surfaces. ATP pilots recognize that many turbine helicopters (Bell 407, Bell 429, EC135) have specific ground taxi limitations in the RFM.

Float-equipped helicopters — Water taxi techniques include on-step taxiing where floats plane across the surface, or idle-speed displacement taxiing. Approach buoys with consideration of wind and water current. Docking requires precise collective and cyclic control to prevent float or hull damage. ATP pilots consider water state, confined area restrictions, and mooring line positioning before initiating water taxi.

Surface Movement Procedures and Airport Markings

ATP pilots operate in complex airport environments and must thoroughly understand all surface markings, lighting, and procedures:

Runway hold-short lines — Solid yellow bars across taxiway with dashed line on runway side. Never cross without explicit ATC clearance. Hold position such that no part of the helicopter (including tail rotor) crosses the line.

ILS critical areas — Marked with ladder-style painted markings and signs indicating “ILS HOLD” or “CATEGORY I/II/III HOLD.” During low-visibility operations, tower will instruct aircraft to hold short of these areas to prevent navigation signal interference. ATP pilots comply precisely — ILS signal protection is critical to aircraft on approach in IMC.

Surface painted hold-short markings — Include runway designators (e.g., “15-33” on the holding side). ATP pilots verify they are holding at the correct runway intersection by cross-referencing airport diagram with visual markings.

Taxiway edge lights — Blue lights define taxiway edges. Taxiway centerline lights are green. Runway edge lights are white. Never confuse taxiway with runway — ATP pilots maintain constant reference to airport diagram and progressive taxi instructions.

Hot spots — Marked on airport diagrams with “HS” designation. These are areas with history of runway incursions or surface navigation confusion. Brief all hot spots during taxi planning before flight.

Spacing and Wake Turbulence Considerations

Maintain appropriate spacing from other aircraft during taxi operations. In helicopters, rotor wash presents significant hazard to:

• Light aircraft and other helicopters at close proximity
• Personnel on the ramp or taxiway
• Unsecured equipment, debris, or foreign object debris (FOD) that can become airborne
• Parked aircraft — especially those with open doors, cowlings, or control locks

Recommended spacing guidelines:

• Minimum 100 feet from light helicopters during hover taxi
• Minimum 150-200 feet from other turbine helicopters depending on rotor diameter and power setting
• Consider wind direction — downwash extends significantly downwind
• When air taxiing behind fixed-wing turbine aircraft, allow time for wake turbulence to dissipate (2-3 minutes for medium jets)

The ATP pilot continuously assesses the surface environment and adjusts taxi speed, altitude, and route to minimize risk to other aircraft and personnel.

Checklist Discipline and Procedures

ATP operations require strict checklist discipline. After-landing checklist items are accomplished systematically:

Typical turbine helicopter after-landing items include:

• Transponder — ALTITUDE or as required (STANDBY in movement areas per some ATC facilities)
• Landing light — OFF (conserve generator load, prevent blinding other pilots)
• Strobe/anti-collision lights — Consider OFF on congested ramps per manufacturer guidance
• Engine anti-ice/inlet barrier filter — AS REQUIRED for ground operations
• Hydraulics — VERIFY on (some helicopters have multiple hydraulic systems monitored separately)
• Fuel boost pumps — AS REQUIRED (some helicopters secure auxiliary boost pumps during ground operations)

Accomplish checklist items when aircraft control and ATC communication permit. The ATP pilot never allows checklist completion to degrade aircraft control or situational awareness. If high workload exists (complex taxi instructions, congested ramp), delay non-critical checklist items until established in safe taxi configuration.

ATC Communication and Compliance

Professional radio communication is fundamental to ATP operations. After landing:

Landing clearance acknowledgment — If instructed to exit at specific taxiway: “Helicopter 407 Lima Romeo, exit Alpha-3, contact ground point-seven.”

Read-back requirements — ALL runway crossing instructions, hold-short instructions, and clearances must be read back verbatim with aircraft call sign. Example: “Hold short runway 27 at Bravo-3, Helicopter 407LR.”

Progressive taxi instructions — When receiving step-by-step taxi routing in unfamiliar or complex environments, write down instructions, read back completely, and follow airport diagram. If any portion is unclear, immediately request clarification: “Helicopter 407LR, request you repeat taxi instructions after Alpha-5.”

Frequency changes — When instructed to contact ground, confirm handoff: “Point-seven, good day, Helicopter 407LR.” Initial call to ground: “Ground, Helicopter 407 Lima Romeo, clear of 27 at Alpha-3, taxi to Signature with information Delta.”

The ATP pilot maintains situational awareness by listening to ATC instructions to other aircraft. This provides advance warning of potential conflicts, alerts pilot to active runways, and helps build mental picture of airport traffic flow.

Environmental and Surface Condition Considerations

ATP pilots assess surface conditions and adjust taxi technique accordingly:

Wind considerations — Crosswinds and tailwinds during taxi require increased control inputs and vigilance. In strong winds (above 25 knots), consider air taxi out of ground effect rather than low hover taxi where wind gusts can cause sudden uncommanded movement. Dynamic rollover risk exists in skid-equipped helicopters on sloped or uneven surfaces with crosswind.

Surface contamination — Wet surfaces reduce visual contrast of painted markings. Snow, ice, or standing water may obscure hold-short lines. ATP pilots reference airport diagram and use extreme caution to verify position. Request progressive taxi if visual cues are inadequate.

Night operations — Reduced depth perception and visual cues during night hover taxi. Use landing light judiciously (off when near other aircraft to prevent glare, on when over unlighted areas). Air taxi at slightly higher altitude if hover references are poor.

Foreign object debris (FOD) — Helicopter rotor wash can lift loose debris and cause damage to own aircraft or others. Avoid taxiing over areas with loose gravel, paper, plastic, or other material. If unavoidable, minimize power and rotor wash by flying higher or reducing taxi speed.

Risk Management - Constant Vigilance and Control

The ATP pilot never becomes complacent during taxi operations. Runway incursions are a leading cause of serious incidents. Risk management priorities:

1. Positional awareness — Maintain constant reference to airport diagram and visual landmarks. Use GPS map display if equipped, but verify with outside references. Know position relative to all runways at all times.

2. Sterile cockpit — No non-essential conversation during taxi operations. Company calls, passenger briefings, and non-critical administrative tasks wait until parked and secured.

3. Head-on-swivel — Continuously scan for conflicting traffic, especially other helicopters that may be hovering or air taxiing. Many helicopter taxi conflicts occur on ramps where ATC does not have visibility or jurisdiction.

4. Control authority verification — During taxi, periodically verify full control authority in all axes. Any binding, stiffness, or abnormal feel requires immediate stop and investigation before continuing.

5. Abort criteria — Establish personal minimums: if uncertain of position, if confused by ATC instructions, if surface markings are unclear, or if conflicting traffic appears — STOP the helicopter, set down or establish stable hover, and resolve the situation before continuing.

Parking and Shutdown Considerations

Upon reaching parking area, position helicopter considering:

• Adequate clearance from other aircraft (minimum 1 rotor diameter, more if wind or personnel movement expected)
• Rotor wash effect on adjacent aircraft, hangars, vehicles, or personnel
• Direction for subsequent departure (into wind if practical)
• Tie-down or parking orientation per FBO or company procedures
• Clear zone behind helicopter for tail rotor safety

Before-shutdown checklist includes verification of parking brake (if equipped), setting collective friction, and securing hydraulics per manufacturer procedures. ATP pilots ensure the parking area is stabilized and safe before initiating shutdown sequence.

Schedule

Equipment

Required References

• FAA-S-ACS-ATP (Airline Transport Pilot — Helicopter), current edition
• FAA-H-8083-21B, Helicopter Flying Handbook
• 14 CFR Part 91 (current)
• 14 CFR Part 61 (current)
• Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for training aircraft — taxi procedures, limitations, and recommended techniques sections
• Airport/Facility Directory or Chart Supplement for training airport
• Current airport diagram for training airport

Required Materials

• Dual-control turbine or complex helicopter appropriate for ATP training (Bell 206, Bell 407, AS350, or similar)
• Current aeronautical charts and airport diagrams
• Kneeboard and writing materials
• Checklists (after-landing, before-shutdown, parking/securing)
• Airport diagram marked with planned taxi route and critical areas
• Two-way radio communication with operational ATC (tower and ground control)

Visual Aids and Training Tools

• Laminated airport diagram showing runway hold-short lines, ILS critical areas, taxiway designations, and hot spots
• Airport marking reference card showing hold-short lines, ILS critical areas, and taxiway/runway lighting
• Photographs or diagrams of proper helicopter spacing during taxi operations
• Video examples of runway incursions and taxi incidents for risk management discussion (optional but recommended)
• White board or tablet for diagramming taxi routes and aircraft spacing scenarios

Instructor Actions

1. Conduct preflight briefing — Explain lesson objective per AT.XI.A standards, review that ATP-level after-landing and taxi procedures demand the highest level of precision, situational awareness, and professionalism, and establish that today’s focus is on exact compliance with ATC instructions, maintaining appropriate spacing, and demonstrating consistent control during all surface operations.

2. Review regulatory framework — Brief 14 CFR 91.113 (right-of-way rules apply on airport surface), 91.123 (ATC compliance is mandatory), and 91.129 (communication requirements in controlled airspace), emphasizing that ATP pilots are held to exact compliance standard with zero tolerance for runway incursions or clearance deviations.

3. Teach airport surface markings — Using airport diagram and marking reference card, identify and explain runway hold-short lines (solid yellow bars), ILS critical areas (ladder-style markings), taxiway edge markings, and lighting systems, then quiz student on identifying these markings on actual airport diagram for today’s training airport.

4. Demonstrate taxi technique selection — Explain hover taxi, air taxi, ground taxi (if wheel-equipped), and water taxi (if float-equipped) decision-making process based on wind, obstacles, fuel efficiency, and operational requirements, using specific examples from the training helicopter’s RFM performance data.

5. Brief spacing requirements — Demonstrate on airport diagram how to maintain proper spacing from other aircraft considering rotor wash effects, explain minimum 100-foot spacing from light helicopters and 150-200 feet from other turbine helicopters, and discuss downwind rotor wash considerations and FOD prevention.

6. Review checklist discipline — Brief after-landing checklist items for training aircraft, explain when to accomplish checklist items (when workload permits without degrading aircraft control), and emphasize that ATP pilots never sacrifice aircraft control or ATC communication to complete non-critical checklist items.

7. Teach ATC communication procedures — Demonstrate proper read-back technique for runway crossing and hold-short instructions with aircraft call sign, explain progressive taxi procedures in complex environments, and emphasize that any confusion or uncertainty requires immediate clarification request from ATC.

8. Conduct risk management discussion — Brief runway incursion prevention as primary risk management concern, explain constant vigilance requirements during taxi operations, discuss sterile cockpit concept during surface movement, and establish abort criteria (stop immediately if uncertain of position or instructions).

9. Brief taxi route and expectations — Review planned taxi route on airport diagram from runway exit point to parking area, identify any runway crossings or ILS critical areas along route, discuss expected ATC instructions, and brief hot spots or complex intersections requiring extra attention.

10. Demonstrate complete after-landing and taxi sequence — After landing, smoothly reduce collective and maintain directional control while clearing runway expeditiously, radio tower with position report, accomplish after-landing checklist items, contact ground control with proper phraseology, taxi via cleared route maintaining precise centerline control and appropriate speed, maintain awareness of all traffic and obstacles, comply exactly with all hold-short instructions, arrive at parking area, position helicopter with proper spacing and orientation, and complete before-shutdown checklist, providing continuous narrative of decision-making process throughout.

11. Debrief demonstration — Highlight key decision points including when checklist items were accomplished, how spacing from other aircraft was maintained, and how positional awareness was verified throughout taxi route, answering any student questions about technique or procedures.

12. Supervise student first practice iteration — Brief student to perform complete after-landing and taxi sequence as demonstrated, monitor aircraft control closely and be prepared to intervene if safety concerns arise, provide coaching on ATC communication as needed, and prompt for checklist items if student omits critical actions.

13. Provide focused feedback after first iteration — Praise elements performed to ATP standards (precise control, proper communication, good spacing awareness), identify specific areas requiring improvement with constructive technique suggestions, and discuss any errors or deviations from procedures that occurred.

14. Monitor student second practice iteration — Observe student performance with reduced coaching intervention, evaluate improvement in areas identified during first debrief, note consistency of aircraft control throughout taxi sequence, and assess ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously (control, communication, checklist, traffic awareness).

15. Conduct evaluation iteration — Allow student to perform after-landing and taxi sequence independently with minimal instructor input, evaluate performance against ATP ACS standards AT.XI.A, assess proficiency in all knowledge, risk management, and skill elements, and document specific observations for final debrief.

16. Deliver comprehensive post-flight debrief — Review student performance against each completion standard, provide specific examples of ATP-level proficiency demonstrated, identify any discrepancies from standards requiring additional practice, discuss integration of these procedures into complete ATP flight operations, and document satisfactory completion or outline additional training requirements in student records.

Student Actions

1. Participate actively in preflight briefing — Ask questions about any unclear procedures or standards, review personal experience with after-landing procedures and identify areas for improvement, and acknowledge understanding of lesson objectives and ATP performance standards.

2. Study airport diagram and surface markings — Identify all runway hold-short lines, ILS critical areas, taxiways, and hot spots on training airport diagram, demonstrate understanding by explaining marking significance and required pilot actions, and trace planned taxi route on diagram.

3. Review aircraft-specific procedures — Study after-landing checklist items for training helicopter, review taxi technique recommendations in RFM including speed limitations and control techniques, and prepare questions about any aircraft-specific procedures or limitations.

4. Brief back taxi plan — Explain to instructor the planned taxi route from anticipated runway exit to parking area, identify any runway crossings or critical areas along route, verbalize expected ATC communications and proper read-back procedures, and discuss spacing considerations for other aircraft expected in operating area.

5. Observe instructor demonstration attentively — Note instructor’s control inputs during after-landing and taxi sequence, observe ATC communication phraseology and timing, recognize when checklist items are accomplished, and identify how instructor maintains spacing from other aircraft and obstacles.

6. Ask clarifying questions after demonstration — Seek explanation of any techniques or procedures that were unclear, request additional demonstration of any challenging elements if needed, and confirm understanding of standards before beginning practice iterations.

7. Perform first practice iteration — Execute after-landing procedures maintaining directional control and clearing runway efficiently, accomplish after-landing checklist when appropriate, communicate with ATC using proper phraseology, taxi via cleared route maintaining centerline and appropriate speed, maintain constant awareness of position on airport and traffic in vicinity, comply with all hold-short instructions precisely, and position helicopter properly in parking area.

8. Self-assess performance — Identify what was done well and what needs improvement, recognize any errors or deviations from procedures, and prepare specific questions for instructor debrief.

9. Integrate instructor feedback — Listen carefully to critique identifying specific areas for improvement, acknowledge understanding of technique corrections, mentally rehearse improved performance before second iteration, and commit to applying feedback immediately in next practice.

10. Demonstrate improvement in second iteration — Apply corrections from previous debrief showing measurable improvement in identified weak areas, maintain ATP-level aircraft control throughout taxi sequence with improved consistency, accomplish all checklist items appropriately without prompting, and demonstrate better integration of multiple tasks (control, communication, navigation, awareness).

11. Perform evaluation iteration independently — Execute complete after-landing and taxi sequence meeting all ATP ACS standards, demonstrate professional-level aircraft control with smooth, precise inputs, communicate with ATC using exact phraseology and proper read-backs, maintain appropriate spacing from all aircraft and obstacles, verify position constantly and comply exactly with all clearances, accomplish all checklist items at appropriate times, and position aircraft properly in parking area without instructor coaching.

12. Participate in post-flight debrief — Provide honest self-assessment of performance against ATP standards, ask questions about any elements still uncertain or requiring additional practice, review completion standards AT.XI.A and confirm understanding of performance level required, and acknowledge areas requiring continued focus in future flights.

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates ATP-level proficiency in after-landing procedures and taxi operations per FAA-S-ACS-ATP task AT.XI.A when the student consistently:

Knowledge Standards:

1. Explains safe after-landing and taxi procedures appropriate to the training helicopter type, including proper technique selection (hover taxi, air taxi, ground taxi, or water taxi as applicable), limitations from RFM, and decision-making factors for choosing appropriate method based on conditions.

2. Identifies and explains all airport surface markings including runway hold-short lines, ILS critical areas, taxiway edge markings, and hot spots on the training airport diagram with 100% accuracy.

3. Describes required spacing from other aircraft, obstacles, and personnel, including specific minimum distances considering rotor wash, downwind effects, and training helicopter rotor diameter.

Risk Management Standards:

4. Maintains proper spacing (minimum 100 feet from light helicopters, 150-200 feet from other turbine helicopters, more when downwind of other aircraft or as conditions require) from other aircraft, obstructions, and persons throughout entire taxi sequence with zero spacing violations.

5. Observes all runway hold-short lines, ILS critical areas, and surface control markings, stopping in correct position with no part of helicopter (including tail rotor) crossing any hold line without explicit ATC clearance, with 100% compliance.

6. Maintains constant vigilance evidenced by continuous scanning for traffic and obstacles, immediate recognition of potential conflicts, proper head movement and clearing procedures, and awareness of helicopter position on airport at all times without instructor prompting.

7. Complies exactly with all ATC instructions using correct read-back procedures for all runway crossing and hold-short clearances including aircraft call sign and specific instruction content, with zero communication errors or missed clearances.

Skill Standards:

8. Maintains correct and positive helicopter control throughout after-landing roll-out or deceleration, clearing runway efficiently and safely while maintaining proper RPM and torque settings appropriate to helicopter type.

9. Demonstrates proficiency in appropriate taxi method for helicopter configuration (hover taxi in ground effect at 2-5 feet AGL and walking speed or slower; air taxi out of ground effect at 20-50 feet AGL and speed per RFM not exceeding 30 knots; ground taxi with light weight on wheels if wheel-equipped; or water taxi if float-equipped) with smooth control inputs and no unsafe oscillations or deviations.

10. Accomplishes all applicable checklist items from after-landing and parking checklists at appropriate times without omissions, completing items when workload permits without allowing checklist duties to degrade aircraft control or situational awareness.

11. Maintains desired taxi track within 3 feet of taxiway centerline or assigned route throughout taxi sequence (except when obstacle avoidance or spacing requirements dictate deviation), with smooth coordinated control inputs and no erratic or unsafe movements.

12. Maintains appropriate taxi speed (walking pace for hover taxi, up to manufacturer recommendation for air taxi, not exceeding 20 knots for ground taxi unless specifically authorized by manufacturer) with smooth speed adjustments and no abrupt accelerations or decelerations that could cause loss of control or excessive wear on components.

13. Completes taxi sequence from runway to parking area without safety violations, positions helicopter in parking location with proper spacing from other aircraft (minimum 1 rotor diameter clearance), proper orientation for subsequent departure, and consideration for rotor wash effects on adjacent aircraft or personnel.

ATP Professional Standards:

14. Demonstrates ATP-level crew resource management appropriate to single-pilot turbine helicopter operations, including sterile cockpit discipline during taxi, systematic cross-check of position and clearances, and proactive communication with ATC when uncertainty exists.

15. Exhibits professional decision-making including recognizing when to stop and clarify instructions rather than continuing with uncertainty, identifying when conditions (wind, visibility, traffic congestion) require modification of taxi technique, and demonstrating appropriate conservatism in spacing and speed decisions.

Performance meeting all standards above on consecutive iterations without instructor intervention satisfies ATP ACS task AT.XI.A completion standards and demonstrates readiness for ATP practical test evaluation in after-landing procedures and taxi operations.