Task F (continued — skills only from prior page)

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the CFI candidate will demonstrate the ability to teach approach and landing procedures in helicopters. The candidate will effectively explain and demonstrate proper approach angles, wind correction techniques, effective translational lift management, directional control after surface contact, runway incursion avoidance, and common error analysis as specified in ACS task HI.X.A.

Content

Teaching Approach and Landing Procedures

Effective helicopter approach and landing instruction requires systematic presentation of technique, error recognition, and progressive skill development. The CFI must understand both the aerodynamic principles and instructional methods to develop competent pilots.

Approach Angle and Rate of Closure (HI.X.A.S1)

The recommended approach angle varies by helicopter type but typically ranges from 8-12 degrees. Think of the approach like a gentle ski slope rather than a cliff—too steep creates excessive sink rates and requires large power increases, while too shallow extends the approach unnecessarily and may result in ground contact before the intended landing point.

Rate of closure involves both horizontal and vertical velocity management. Teach students to visualize the approach path as a predictable glide slope where small control inputs maintain the desired flight path. Use the concept of “riding the rails” where consistent attitude and power settings keep the helicopter on a stable approach trajectory.

Wind Direction Determination and Ground Track Maintenance (HI.X.A.S2)

Wind awareness begins before entering the traffic pattern. Effective instructors teach multiple wind indicators: windsocks, smoke, water surface patterns, vegetation movement, and dust or debris patterns. The “wind triangle” concept helps students understand how wind affects ground track—the helicopter’s nose must point into the wind to maintain the desired ground track.

For crosswind corrections, teach the “crab method” where the helicopter maintains a heading angle into the wind sufficient to track straight down the approach path. The amount of correction depends on wind strength and approach speed—stronger winds or slower approach speeds require greater heading corrections.

Effective Translational Lift Management During Surface Contact (HI.X.A.S3)

Effective translational lift (ETL) occurs between 16-24 knots airspeed and provides approximately 25% more lift efficiency. During approach and landing, students must understand that losing ETL requires increased collective to maintain altitude. The key teaching point is recognizing the “settling” sensation as ETL diminishes and adding power smoothly to compensate.

Maintaining landing gear parallel to ground track prevents side loads on the landing gear and potential dynamic rollover. Teach students to “keep the skids pointed where you’re going” throughout the approach and landing sequence.

Directional Control After Surface Contact (HI.X.A.S4)

Once on the ground, the helicopter transitions from aerodynamic control to ground handling characteristics. Antitorque pedals become less effective as rotor wash decreases, while ground friction becomes the primary directional control method. Smooth, deliberate inputs prevent overcorrection and maintain positive aircraft control.

The critical period occurs during the first few seconds after touchdown when students often make abrupt control inputs. Teach the concept of “following through” the landing with continued attention to aircraft control until the helicopter is completely settled and collective is fully lowered.

Runway Incursion Avoidance (HI.X.A.S5)

Helicopter operations at airports require heightened awareness of runway environments. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters can land on taxiways, ramps, and designated helicopter landing areas, but must maintain awareness of active runways and aircraft traffic patterns.

Key procedures include monitoring ground control frequency, understanding airport signage and markings, maintaining visual contact with other aircraft, and using proper radio phraseology. When operating near active runways, always coordinate with ATC and maintain awareness of aircraft on approach or departure.

Common Errors and Correction Techniques (HI.X.A.S6)

Approach Angle Errors:

• Too steep: Results in high sink rates, requires excessive power increases, creates hard landings
• Too shallow: Extends approach, may result in ground contact before intended point, inefficient

Wind Correction Errors:

• Insufficient correction: Allows drift from intended ground track, creates angled approaches
• Excessive correction: Causes S-turns, unstable approach path, confusion about wind conditions

ETL Management Errors:

• Failing to recognize ETL loss: Creates hard landings, altitude deviations
• Excessive power addition: Causes ballooning, unstable approaches

Ground Control Errors:

• Overcontrolling: Creates pilot-induced oscillations, potential loss of control
• Inadequate control: Allows weathervaning, directional deviations

Instructional Techniques

Use progressive instruction starting with demonstration flights, followed by guided practice with decreasing instructor assistance. Chair flying exercises help students visualize approach procedures and practice decision-making processes. Video analysis of approach techniques provides visual reinforcement of proper procedures.

Error correction should be immediate but allow students to recognize problems when possible. Use positive reinforcement for correct techniques and clear, specific guidance for corrections.

Schedule

Equipment

• FAA-H-8083-4 Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook
• FAA-S-ACS-29 Helicopter ACS
• Airport diagram and sectional chart
• Helicopter with dual controls
• Teaching aids: approach angle diagram, wind triangle illustration
• Video recording equipment (if available)
• Whiteboard or teaching surface for error analysis

Instructor Actions

The CFI candidate will demonstrate teaching approach and landing procedures by:

1. Establishing Approach Parameters (HI.X.A.S1): Chair fly and demonstrate proper approach angle establishment using visual references and power/attitude coordination. Show rate of closure management through consistent control inputs and explain the relationship between approach angle and required power changes.

2. Wind Correction Demonstration (HI.X.A.S2): Demonstrate wind direction assessment using available indicators and show proper crab angle establishment. Execute approach with deliberate crosswind correction while explaining heading vs. track concepts to the student.

3. ETL Management Teaching (HI.X.A.S3): Demonstrate recognition of ETL loss through aircraft response and show proper power application timing. Emphasize landing gear alignment with ground track throughout approach and landing phases.

4. Ground Control Instruction (HI.X.A.S4): Show proper control technique during and after touchdown, emphasizing smooth inputs and continued attention to aircraft control. Demonstrate recovery techniques for common ground handling errors.

5. Safety Procedures (HI.X.A.S5): Explain and demonstrate runway incursion avoidance procedures appropriate to the operating environment, including radio procedures and visual scanning techniques.

6. Error Analysis (HI.X.A.S6): Present common approach and landing errors using specific examples, demonstrate recognition techniques, and show appropriate correction methods for each error type.

Student Actions

The student (evaluator) will:

1. Observe instructor demonstrations and ask clarifying questions about approach techniques and error recognition
2. Practice approach procedures under instructor guidance with decreasing assistance levels
3. Demonstrate understanding of wind correction principles through practical application
4. Show recognition of ETL effects and proper power management during approach phases
5. Execute proper ground handling techniques following instructor demonstration
6. Identify and discuss common errors when presented with scenarios or video examples
7. Respond appropriately to instructor corrections and demonstrate improved technique

Completion Standards

The CFI candidate successfully completes this lesson when they demonstrate the ability to teach approach and landing procedures per ACS standards HI.X.A by:

• HI.X.A.S1: Teaching establishment and maintenance of recommended approach angles (8-12 degrees typical) and proper rate of closure through demonstration and explanation of power/attitude relationships
• HI.X.A.S2: Effectively instructing wind direction determination methods and demonstrating ground track maintenance with appropriate crosswind correction techniques
• HI.X.A.S3: Teaching recognition and management of effective translational lift during approach and landing phases while maintaining landing gear parallel to ground track
• HI.X.A.S4: Demonstrating and explaining smooth, timely, and correct control inputs after surface contact to maintain positive directional control
• HI.X.A.S5: Teaching appropriate runway incursion avoidance procedures for helicopter operations in airport environments
• HI.X.A.S6: Effectively analyzing and teaching correction techniques for common approach and landing errors through clear explanation and practical demonstration

Performance meets standards when the CFI candidate demonstrates teaching ability through clear explanations, proper demonstrations, effective error recognition and correction, and appropriate use of instructional techniques that promote student learning and safety.