Operational Requirements – XI. Emergency Operations, Task B: Powerplant Failure at Altitude in a Single-Engine Helicopter

Objective

The CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach and explain powerplant failure at altitude in a single-engine helicopter, including proper altitude, airspeed, and location considerations, minimum altitude requirements for initiation and recovery, and the complete autorotation procedures from simulation to recovery, meeting the performance standards of ACS task HI.18.H.

Content

Powerplant Failure at Altitude - Introduction

A powerplant failure at altitude in a single-engine helicopter requires immediate action to establish autorotation and prepare for a forced landing. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft that can glide considerable distances, helicopters must rely on stored kinetic and potential energy to maintain rotor RPM and control during descent.

Critical Altitude and Location Considerations

Altitude Requirements (HI.XVIII.H.K2)

• Minimum altitude for simulation: 1,000 feet AGL
• Mandatory power recovery: 500 feet AGL or above
• This 500-foot buffer provides adequate margin for recovery and prevents uncommitted autorotations below safe altitudes

Airspeed Considerations (HI.XVIII.H.K1)

• Entry airspeed affects initial energy available for rotor RPM maintenance
• Higher airspeeds provide more kinetic energy but require more aggressive flare
• Lower airspeeds may result in immediate rotor RPM decay requiring rapid cyclic forward movement

Location Selection (HI.XVIII.H.K1)

• Always position helicopter within gliding distance of suitable landing areas
• Consider wind direction and obstacles in flight path planning
• Maintain awareness of terrain features, urban areas, and emergency landing sites

Risk Management Elements

Pre-Maneuver Risk Assessment (HI.XVIII.H.R1)

• Verify minimum 1,000 feet AGL before simulation
• Ensure suitable forced landing areas within glide range
• Check weather conditions won’t compromise autorotation performance
• Confirm aircraft weight and center of gravity within limits

Execution Risk Management (HI.XVIII.H.R2)

• Monitor altitude continuously during descent
• Initiate power recovery no lower than 500 feet AGL
• Maintain positive aircraft control throughout maneuver
• Be prepared for actual powerplant failure during simulation

Autorotation Procedures

Immediate Actions

1. Lower collective immediately to maintain rotor RPM
2. Apply forward cyclic to establish autorotative airspeed
3. Adjust pedals to maintain heading
4. Identify and prepare for approach to landing area

Descent Management

• Maintain 65-75 KIAS (aircraft specific) for best glide ratio
• Use collective to control rotor RPM within green arc
• Use cyclic to control airspeed and flight path
• Use pedals to maintain heading and trim

Energy Management

• Monitor rotor RPM closely - primary flight instrument during autorotation
• Trade altitude for airspeed when rotor RPM decays
• Conserve rotor energy for flare and touchdown phases

Teaching Methodology

When instructing autorotations, emphasize the analogy of a falling maple seed - the helicopter must maintain rotor disc loading to autorotate effectively. Use progressive instruction starting with simulated power failures at higher altitudes, gradually reducing altitude as student proficiency increases while always maintaining ACS minimums.

Schedule

Equipment

• FAA-H-8083-21A Helicopter Flying Handbook
• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot’s Operating Handbook
• Height-velocity diagram for specific aircraft
• Sectional chart of local area
• Whiteboard or visual aids for autorotation profiles
• Calculator for glide ratio computations

Instructor Actions

The CFI candidate will demonstrate teaching autorotation at altitude by:

1. Explaining altitude requirements - clearly stating the 1,000 feet AGL minimum for initiation and 500 feet AGL maximum for recovery completion per HI.XVIII.H.S1 and HI.XVIII.H.S2

2. Demonstrating pre-maneuver planning - showing how to assess altitude, airspeed, location factors, and suitable landing areas within glide range

3. Performing simulated autorotation - executing power reduction at minimum 1,000 feet AGL, establishing proper autorotative descent, and completing power recovery by 500 feet AGL

4. Teaching energy management concepts - explaining rotor RPM control through collective manipulation and airspeed control through cyclic inputs

5. Identifying common errors - such as late collective lowering, improper airspeed control, or delayed power recovery

6. Emphasizing risk management - discussing safety considerations including altitude monitoring, weather factors, and emergency landing site selection

Student Actions

The student (evaluator acting as student) will:

1. Ask relevant questions about altitude requirements, energy management, and autorotation procedures

2. Identify suitable landing areas when prompted during location selection discussion

3. Demonstrate understanding of risk factors through scenario-based questions

4. Practice altitude and airspeed callouts during demonstration phases

5. Recognize simulated errors when CFI candidate demonstrates common mistakes

6. Participate in emergency procedure discussions regarding actual vs. simulated powerplant failures

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate successfully completes HI.18.H when they demonstrate the ability to teach powerplant failure at altitude and can:

• Explain altitude requirements stating minimum 1,000 feet AGL for simulation initiation and maximum 500 feet AGL for power recovery completion (HI.XVIII.H.S1, HI.XVIII.H.S2)

• Teach altitude, airspeed, and location considerations ensuring student understands positioning requirements for safe landing achievement during actual powerplant failure (HI.XVIII.H.K1)

• Demonstrate complete autorotation sequence from power reduction through recovery while maintaining positive aircraft control and proper energy management

• Emphasize risk management principles including pre-maneuver planning, altitude monitoring, and emergency landing site selection (HI.XVIII.H.R1, HI.XVIII.H.R2)

• Identify and correct common errors in autorotation technique while maintaining instructional flow

• Answer technical questions accurately regarding autorotation aerodynamics, energy management, and emergency procedures per ACS standards

The lesson is complete when the CFI candidate demonstrates competency in teaching all knowledge, risk management, and skill elements required by HI.18.H while maintaining appropriate altitude restrictions and safety margins throughout instruction.