Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing

Objective

The lesson objective is to develop the CFI candidate’s ability to teach shallow approach and running/roll-on landing techniques in helicopters. Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate competency in teaching the aerodynamics, operational procedures, risk management, and practical execution of shallow approaches and running landings, meeting the knowledge, risk management, and skill standards outlined in ACS task HI.IX.F.

Content

Introduction to Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing

A shallow approach and running/roll-on landing is a technique where the helicopter approaches at a shallower-than-normal angle (typically 6-9 degrees instead of 12-15 degrees) and touches down with forward momentum, allowing the aircraft to roll or slide along the surface before coming to a complete stop. This technique has specific applications and requires thorough understanding of when, where, and how to execute it safely.

When to Use the Maneuver (HI.IX.F.K1)

Primary Applications:

• Confined area operations where obstacles require a shallow entry path but sufficient landing area length exists
• Slope landings where a running touchdown reduces stress on landing gear
• Rough or uneven terrain where forward momentum helps settle the aircraft naturally
• Performance-limited situations where maintaining forward airspeed conserves power

Think of this like landing a fixed-wing aircraft - we trade altitude for distance to manage energy more effectively. Unlike a normal helicopter approach where we can “drop it in,” a running landing lets us use the entire available landing area.

Aircraft Limitations and Landing Surface Considerations (HI.IX.F.K1)

Critical Limitations:

• Landing gear design limits - skid helicopters have maximum forward touchdown speeds (typically 15-25 kts depending on model)
• Ground contact angle - excessive nose-down attitude can damage tail stinger or skid shoes
• Lateral drift limits - any sideways momentum significantly increases rollover risk

Landing Surface Requirements:

• Sufficient length - minimum 2-3 times normal touchdown area
• Firm, level surface - soft ground creates high drag that can cause abrupt stops
• Surface texture effects:
  • Concrete/asphalt: low friction, predictable roll
  • Grass: moderate friction, requires power management
  • Gravel: unpredictable friction, potential for debris damage
  • Snow/ice: extremely low friction, may require different technique

Environmental Effects (HI.IX.F.K2)

Wind Effects:

• Headwind: Reduces ground roll distance but requires careful power management during transition
• Tailwind: Increases ground roll distance significantly; generally avoid running landings with tailwinds
• Crosswind: Creates lateral drift tendency; must maintain runway alignment throughout approach and roll

Weight Considerations:

• Heavy aircraft: Longer ground roll, higher approach speeds, greater kinetic energy to dissipate
• Light aircraft: Shorter ground roll but potentially more sensitive to wind effects

Temperature and Density Altitude:

• High density altitude: Reduced rotor effectiveness requires higher approach speeds
• Hot conditions: Potential for retreating blade stall at lower airspeeds
• Cold, dense air: Enhanced rotor performance allows steeper approaches if desired

Risk Management Elements

Approach Path and Landing Selection (HI.IX.F.R1)

The approach path must consider power available, obstacles, wind conditions, and landing surface length. Think like you’re planning a highway on-ramp - you need adequate distance to merge safely, clear sight lines, and an escape plan.

Key planning elements:

• Identify go-around options throughout approach
• Confirm adequate performance margins for conditions
• Verify landing surface length and condition
• Plan approach angle to clear obstacles with safety margin

Wind Hazards (HI.IX.F.R2, R3, R4)

Wind Direction Effects:

• Quartering headwinds can create control challenges during touchdown
• Tailwind components increase ground speeds exponentially
• Wind shear during approach phase can dramatically affect approach path and energy management
• Turbulence creates control difficulties precisely when smooth control inputs are critical
• Wake turbulence from other aircraft can persist longer than normal due to extended approach time

Powerplant Failure Considerations (HI.IX.F.R5)

During shallow approaches, height-velocity diagram considerations change dramatically. The shallow approach profile may place the aircraft in the “avoid area” longer than normal approaches. Plan autorotation touchdown zones and maintain situational awareness of forced landing options throughout the approach.

Collision and Surface Hazards (HI.IX.F.R6, R7)

• Wildlife on extended approach paths
• Other aircraft using standard approach patterns
• Ground vehicles on or near landing surface
• Surface hazards including potholes, debris, or soft spots that become critical during ground roll phase

Dynamic Rollover and Ground Resonance (HI.IX.F.R8, R9)

Dynamic rollover risk increases significantly during running landings because:

• One skid contacts first, creating pivot point
• Forward momentum combined with lateral wind can create rolling moment
• Pilot tendency to over-control during touchdown phase

Ground resonance risk exists if:

• Touchdown occurs with excessive vertical speed
• Surface irregularities excite resonant frequencies
• Aircraft bounces or skips during ground roll

Aircraft Limitations Awareness (HI.IX.F.R10)

Monitor throughout approach:

• Airspeed limitations (VNE considerations during approach)
• Load factor limitations during level-off and touchdown
• Engine limitations particularly torque and temperature
• Control authority limits at high forward speeds

Situational Awareness Management (HI.IX.F.R11)

Common distraction sources during shallow approaches:

• Radio communications during critical flight phases
• Passenger concerns about unusual approach profile
• Visual illusions created by shallow approach angle
• Task saturation managing multiple approach parameters simultaneously

Common Errors (HI.IX.F.K3)

1. Excessive approach angle - negates the purpose and benefits of the technique
2. Inadequate airspeed control - too slow creates high sink rates; too fast creates control problems
3. Poor surface evaluation - attempting running landings on inappropriate surfaces
4. Failure to maintain runway alignment - lateral drift during ground roll
5. Abrupt control inputs during touchdown - can initiate dynamic rollover
6. Inadequate go-around planning - becoming committed when conditions deteriorate
7. Improper collective management - failing to cushion touchdown or reduce power appropriately

Teaching Methodology

When teaching this maneuver, emphasize the energy management concept. Unlike normal approaches where we trade speed for vertical descent control, running landings require us to manage horizontal energy throughout the approach and ground roll phases.

Use the “airplane landing” analogy but emphasize the unique helicopter considerations: we can adjust our descent rate with collective, we have better obstacle clearance capability, but we must respect our landing gear limitations.

Schedule

Equipment

Required References:

• FAA-S-ACS-29 Helicopter Instructor Practical Test Standards
• Aircraft Flight Manual/POH for specific helicopter model
• FAA-H-8083-21 Helicopter Flying Handbook
• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook

Teaching Materials:

• Whiteboard/markers for approach profile diagrams
• Aircraft performance charts
• Sectional chart for local area orientation
• Wind calculation aids/E6B computer

Aircraft Equipment:

• Properly configured training helicopter
• Adequate fuel for lesson duration
• Required safety equipment per regulations

Instructor Actions

The CFI candidate will demonstrate comprehensive teaching ability by:

1. Explaining the energy management concept using clear analogies and visual aids to illustrate how shallow approaches differ from normal approaches

2. Demonstrating approach planning by calculating required approach angles, evaluating landing surface suitability, and establishing go-around criteria for current conditions

3. Teaching risk assessment methodology by working through each risk management element systematically and showing how to evaluate changing conditions

4. Performing demonstration approaches while providing continuous narration of control inputs, sight picture changes, and decision-making process

5. Completing appropriate checklists (HI.IX.F.S1) and making proper radio calls (HI.IX.F.S2) while maintaining instructional continuity

6. Maintaining powerplant and rotor RPM (HI.IX.F.S3) within normal limits throughout the demonstration while explaining power management techniques

7. Critiquing student performance using specific, measurable feedback focused on safety and technique improvement

8. Adapting instruction based on student progress and environmental conditions

Student Actions

The evaluator (acting as student) will:

1. Ask relevant questions about technique applications, limitations, and safety considerations
2. Demonstrate understanding of approach planning and risk assessment procedures
3. Practice approach techniques under CFI candidate guidance
4. Respond appropriately to simulated emergency scenarios or changing conditions
5. Show improvement in technique execution through progressive practice
6. Complete required checklist items and radio communications as directed

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate successfully completes ACS task HI.IX.F when they demonstrate the ability to teach shallow approach and running/roll-on landing techniques such that a student pilot could:

Knowledge Standards:

• Explain when shallow approaches are appropriate and when they should be avoided
• Identify aircraft limitations affecting running landing techniques
• Describe effects of environmental conditions on approach planning and execution
• Recognize and correct common errors associated with this maneuver

Risk Management Standards:

• Assess landing surface suitability and approach path options
• Evaluate wind effects and environmental hazards systematically
• Plan appropriate responses to powerplant failures during approach phase
• Demonstrate awareness of dynamic rollover and ground resonance hazards

Skill Standards:

• Plan and execute demonstration approaches that clearly illustrate proper technique
• Maintain powerplant and main rotor RPM within normal operating limits throughout instruction
• Complete appropriate checklists and make proper radio calls while maintaining instructional flow
• Provide effective critique and guidance that leads to measurable student improvement

Instructional Standards:

• Present information in logical sequence using effective teaching methods
• Adapt instruction to changing conditions and student progress
• Demonstrate scenario-based decision making appropriate to shallow approach operations
• Maintain professional instructor demeanor while ensuring safety standards

The lesson is complete when the CFI candidate demonstrates competent instruction delivery meeting all elements of ACS task HI.IX.F and shows readiness to teach this maneuver independently.