Operational Requirements – X. Performance Maneuvers, Task C: Autorotation with Turns in a Single-Engine Helicopter

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach autorotation with turns in a single-engine helicopter per ACS task HI.18.G. The candidate will explain entry altitude requirements (minimum 700 feet AGL), turn requirements (two 90-degree turns same direction or one 180-degree turn), altitude limitations (roll out by 300 feet AGL), and associated risk management strategies while demonstrating proper instructional techniques for this advanced autorotation maneuver.

Content

Introduction to Autorotation with Turns

Autorotation with turns represents one of the most challenging emergency procedures in helicopter operations. Unlike straight-ahead autorotations, this maneuver requires simultaneous management of autorotation energy while executing controlled turns, demanding precise coordination of collective, cyclic, and anti-torque pedal inputs.

Think of this maneuver like navigating a spiral staircase during a power outage—you must maintain forward momentum while making controlled turns, all while managing your descent rate to arrive safely at the bottom.

Minimum Entry Altitude Requirements (HI.XVIII.G.K1)

The ACS mandates minimum entry altitude above 700 feet AGL for autorotation with turns. This altitude provides:

• Adequate time to establish autorotation parameters
• Sufficient altitude to complete required turns
• Recovery margin if maneuver execution becomes problematic

In strong wind conditions, higher entry altitudes become necessary because:

• Wind gradients affect rotor RPM management during turns
• Crosswinds can complicate turn coordination
• Increased altitude provides buffer for wind-related complications

Turn Requirements (HI.XVIII.G.K2 & K3)

The maneuver requires either:

• Two 90-degree turns in the same direction, OR
• One continuous 180-degree turn

The 180-degree turn refers to ground track change, not exact reciprocal heading. This distinction is crucial because:

• Wind drift affects ground track versus heading relationship
• Students often confuse heading change with ground track change
• Proper execution requires visual reference to ground features, not just compass heading

Critical Altitude Limitation (HI.XVIII.G.K4)

Rolling out of turns by 300 feet AGL is non-negotiable. Failure to meet this requirement mandates immediate power recovery and go-around, resulting in unsatisfactory task completion. This altitude provides:

• Final descent phase preparation time
• Energy management for landing flare
• Safety buffer for landing area obstacles

Risk Management Strategies

Entry Altitude Management (HI.XVIII.G.R1) Always verify adequate altitude before entry. Consider:

• Current density altitude effects on autorotation performance
• Wind conditions requiring higher entry altitude
• Terrain clearance throughout maneuver path
• Emergency landing area accessibility

Altitude Awareness During Turns (HI.XVIII.G.R2) Constant altitude monitoring prevents violation of 300-foot AGL limitation:

• Use altimeter cross-checks with visual references
• Establish rate-of-descent parameters early in maneuver
• Brief abort procedures before maneuver initiation
• Maintain situational awareness of mandatory recovery point

Teaching Techniques for Autorotation with Turns

Progressive Instruction Method:

1. Chair-fly the maneuver emphasizing altitude awareness
2. Demonstrate straight-ahead autorotation review
3. Introduce single 90-degree turn autorotation
4. Progress to continuous turning autorotation
5. Emphasize energy management throughout turns

Common Student Errors:

• Excessive collective reduction during turn entry
• Poor coordination causing rotor RPM decay
• Altitude management neglect during turn concentration
• Confusion between heading and ground track changes

Energy Management During Turns: During autorotation turns, students must understand that:

• Bank angle increases rotor disc loading
• Increased collective may be required to maintain rotor RPM
• Turn coordination affects autorotation glide performance
• Aggressive turns can lead to retreating blade stall

Schedule

Equipment

Required References:

• FAA-S-ACS-29 Helicopter Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating ACS
• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• FAA-H-8083-9 Aviation Instructor’s Handbook
• Helicopter Flight Manual/POH

Visual Aids:

• Autorotation performance charts
• Height-velocity diagram
• Altitude awareness demonstration materials
• Ground reference markers for turn visualization

Flight Equipment:

• Airworthy helicopter with current inspection
• Sectional chart with practice area identified
• Adequate fuel for multiple demonstrations
• Emergency landing area survey complete

Instructor Actions

The CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Explain entry procedures while maintaining altitude awareness, emphasizing minimum 700-foot AGL requirement and wind condition considerations

2. Demonstrate proper autorotation entry at appropriate altitude while narrating collective reduction, rotor RPM management, and initial turn coordination

3. Execute required turns (two 90-degree same direction OR one 180-degree turn) while explaining ground track versus heading concepts and maintaining energy management

4. Maintain continuous altitude awareness throughout maneuver, calling out altitude at regular intervals and demonstrating roll-out completion by 300 feet AGL

5. Explain energy management principles during turns, including bank angle effects on rotor disc loading and coordination requirements

6. Demonstrate recovery procedures showing smooth transition from autorotation to power recovery while explaining the decision-making process

7. Brief abort procedures before maneuver execution, explaining when and how to execute power recovery if altitude limitations are approached

8. Identify and correct common student errors through effective demonstration and clear explanatory techniques

Student Actions

The evaluating DPE will observe the CFI candidate’s ability to:

1. Present clear pre-maneuver briefing covering all ACS knowledge requirements, risk management items, and completion standards

2. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of altitude requirements, turn specifications, and energy management principles

3. Execute the maneuver safely while providing continuous instruction and maintaining situational awareness

4. Show proper decision-making regarding abort procedures and altitude management throughout the maneuver

5. Display effective teaching techniques appropriate for advanced maneuver instruction

6. Answer questions about autorotation with turns theory, techniques, and safety considerations

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate demonstrates instructional competency in autorotation with turns per ACS task HI.18.G when able to:

1. Teach entry altitude requirements clearly explaining minimum 700 feet AGL standard and higher altitude needs in strong wind conditions

2. Demonstrate turn requirements by executing either two 90-degree turns in same direction or one continuous 180-degree turn while explaining ground track change concepts

3. Maintain altitude awareness throughout maneuver with roll-out completion by 300 feet AGL, demonstrating understanding of mandatory recovery requirements

4. Execute energy management during turns while explaining coordination techniques and rotor RPM maintenance strategies

5. Display risk management by properly briefing abort procedures and demonstrating appropriate decision-making throughout maneuver execution

6. Show teaching proficiency through clear explanations, effective demonstrations, and ability to identify/correct common student errors related to autorotation with turns

Performance meets ACS standards when the candidate demonstrates the knowledge, risk management, and skill elements of HI.18.G while displaying competent instructional ability appropriate for advanced helicopter emergency procedures training.