After Landing, Parking, and Securing

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach after landing, parking, and securing procedures per ACS task HI.16.A. The candidate will explain helicopter shutdown procedures, postflight inspection requirements, discrepancy documentation, and associated risk management while demonstrating proper instructional techniques including error identification and correction methods.

Content

Helicopter Shutdown Procedures (HI.XVI.A.K1)

Proper shutdown is like the cool-down period after an intense workout - rushing through it can cause problems later. The shutdown process protects both the helicopter and people around it.

Standard Shutdown Sequence:

• Reduce collective to full down position
• Lower RPM to ground idle (typically 60-70% Nr depending on aircraft)
• Complete shutdown checklist items systematically
• Fuel shut-off valve to OFF position
• Ignition/magnetos to OFF
• Battery/electrical master to OFF
• Flight controls positioned per manufacturer requirements

Engine Cool-Down Considerations: Hot sections need gradual temperature reduction. Turbine engines typically require 2-3 minutes at ground idle before shutdown. Think of it like letting a hot car engine idle before turning it off - sudden shutdown can cause thermal shock and premature component wear.

Securing Procedures (HI.XVI.A.K1)

Securing the helicopter is like putting your house in order before leaving on vacation - everything must be properly stowed and protected.

Control Locks and Ties:

• Install control locks to prevent wind damage to flight controls
• Secure loose articles that could become projectiles
• Position blades per manufacturer specifications
• Install pitot/static covers and engine inlet/exhaust covers
• Ensure all doors and baggage compartments are secured

Environmental Protection:

• Consider tying down requirements based on forecast winds
• Protect against precipitation with covers as needed
• Position aircraft to minimize sun damage to instruments and interior

Postflight Inspection Requirements (HI.XVI.A.K1)

The postflight inspection is your last chance to catch problems before they become emergencies on the next flight. Unlike preflight, postflight focuses on what happened during the flight just completed.

Systematic Inspection Process:

• Follow manufacturer’s postflight checklist precisely
• Look for fluid leaks, loose fasteners, or damaged components
• Check for FOD (Foreign Object Damage) around engine intakes
• Inspect flight controls for proper movement and security
• Examine rotor system for cracks, loose bolts, or blade damage
• Verify proper fluid levels and servicing requirements

Discrepancy Documentation (HI.XVI.A.K2)

Proper documentation protects everyone - it’s like leaving detailed notes for the next person who will fly this aircraft.

Required Documentation:

• Record all discrepancies in aircraft logbook or appropriate maintenance record
• Include specific details: what, where, when discovered
• Note any temporary limitations or restrictions
• Reference appropriate regulations (Part 91.213 for MEL items)
• Ensure proper signatures and dates

Maintenance Action Required:

• Determine if discrepancy grounds aircraft or allows continued operation
• Contact maintenance personnel for evaluation
• Never defer items that affect flight safety
• Understand difference between logbook entries and maintenance requests

Common Errors (HI.XVI.A.K3)

Shutdown Errors:

• Rushing through shutdown procedures under time pressure
• Forgetting fuel shut-off valve, leading to fuel system contamination
• Improper collective positioning during shutdown
• Failing to allow adequate cool-down time

Securing Errors:

• Inadequate tie-down for forecast weather conditions
• Leaving flight controls unsecured in windy conditions
• Forgetting to install covers, leading to contamination or weather damage
• Improper blade positioning that could cause stress or damage

Documentation Errors:

• Vague discrepancy descriptions that don’t help maintenance personnel
• Failing to document items discovered during postflight
• Confusion about what requires immediate grounding versus continued operation

Activities and Distractions (HI.XVI.A.R1)

The post-landing environment creates unique distractions. Passengers are eager to disembark, ground personnel may be waiting, and the pilot feels pressure to hurry. This is exactly when systematic procedures matter most.

Managing Distractions:

• Complete shutdown checklist before attending to passengers or external pressures
• Establish clear communication with passengers about remaining seated until shutdown complete
• Use verbal callouts to maintain focus during critical shutdown items
• Designate specific times for outside communication (not during critical procedures)

Parking Considerations (HI.XVI.A.R2)

Congested ramp areas amplify every risk factor. Helicopters create unique hazards that airplane pilots may not anticipate.

Ramp Safety Factors:

• Rotor disk clearance requirements exceed most pilots’ intuitive estimates
• Downwash effects on nearby aircraft and personnel
• Visibility limitations when maneuvering in tight spaces
• Ground personnel unfamiliar with helicopter operations

Security Procedures (HI.XVI.A.R3)

Each airport has specific security requirements that affect where and how helicopters can be parked and secured.

Airport-Specific Requirements:

• Understand badging and escort requirements for different airport areas
• Know reporting procedures for security violations or suspicious activity
• Follow specific parking restrictions for helicopter operations
• Coordinate with airport operations for overnight or extended parking

Passenger Safety Management (HI.XVI.A.R4)

Passengers face unique risks during helicopter ramp operations that don’t exist with airplanes.

Ramp Hazards for Passengers:

• Rotor downwash can knock people down or blow debris
• Tail rotor is nearly invisible and extremely dangerous
• Engine noise masks verbal warnings and instructions
• Passengers unfamiliar with helicopter operations may panic or make poor decisions

Schedule

Equipment

• Representative helicopter or detailed cockpit poster/diagram
• Manufacturer’s shutdown checklist for aircraft type
• Sample aircraft logbook and maintenance forms
• Postflight inspection checklist
• Control locks and covers (if available)
• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• Aircraft Flight Manual or equivalent for specific helicopter type
• Airport diagram showing helicopter parking areas
• Examples of properly completed discrepancy reports

Instructor Actions

The instructor will:

1. Demonstrate systematic shutdown procedures by walking through each step of the checklist while explaining the reason for each action and potential consequences of omitting steps

2. Show proper postflight inspection technique by conducting a methodical examination of aircraft components while explaining what defects to look for and how to assess their significance

3. Model effective risk management by identifying potential distractions and explaining decision-making process for parking location selection based on wind conditions, ramp traffic, and security requirements

4. Demonstrate discrepancy documentation by showing examples of both properly written and inadequately written logbook entries, explaining the difference and maintenance implications

5. Present common error scenarios using realistic examples and asking the CFI candidate to identify problems and propose solutions

6. Evaluate teaching ability by observing the CFI candidate’s explanation of shutdown procedures, noting their use of appropriate terminology, logical sequence, and ability to emphasize safety-critical items

7. Assess error identification skills by introducing simulated errors during the CFI candidate’s demonstration and evaluating their ability to recognize and correct mistakes

Student Actions

The CFI candidate will:

1. Explain the complete shutdown sequence while demonstrating each step, including rationale for timing and sequence requirements

2. Conduct a thorough postflight inspection while verbalizing what they are looking for and how they would explain any findings to a student

3. Demonstrate proper securing procedures including installation of control locks and covers while explaining their importance for aircraft protection

4. Show correct discrepancy documentation by writing sample logbook entries and explaining required information and proper terminology

5. Identify and correct common errors when presented with scenarios involving rushed procedures, inadequate documentation, or poor parking decisions

6. Apply risk management principles by evaluating parking locations and explaining decision factors for passenger safety and aircraft security

7. Respond appropriately to instructor-introduced errors by recognizing mistakes and providing clear, immediate correction with proper explanation

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate demonstrates satisfactory performance per ACS HI.16.A when they:

1. Explain helicopter shutdown procedures accurately including proper sequence, timing requirements, and manufacturer-specific requirements while demonstrating effective teaching techniques

2. Demonstrate postflight inspection methodology systematically and thoroughly while explaining inspection criteria and documentation requirements to student comprehension level

3. Show proficiency in securing procedures including proper use of control locks, covers, and tie-downs while explaining protection rationale and environmental considerations

4. Document discrepancies correctly using appropriate terminology, sufficient detail, and proper regulatory references while explaining maintenance implications to students

5. Identify and address all risk factors including activities and distractions, parking considerations, security procedures, and passenger safety while demonstrating sound instructional decision-making

6. Recognize and correct common errors promptly and effectively while providing clear explanations that would prevent student repetition of mistakes

7. Maintain appropriate instructional standards throughout all demonstrations including proper terminology, logical teaching sequence, and emphasis on safety-critical elements consistent with CFI responsibilities