Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will demonstrate the knowledge, risk management, and skill to perform a shallow approach and running/roll-on landing in accordance with FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.V.H. The student will explain when to use this maneuver, identify associated risks including wind effects and surface conditions, and execute the approach while maintaining effective translational lift through touchdown with ±5 knots airspeed, ±100 feet altitude, and proper ground track alignment.

Content

Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On Landing Elements (PH.V.H.K1)

A shallow approach and running/roll-on landing is executed at a reduced approach angle (typically 3-6 degrees) compared to a normal approach (6-12 degrees), allowing the helicopter to maintain effective translational lift throughout surface contact. This technique is primarily used when:

• Landing area length permits but width is restricted
• Surface conditions require minimized vertical touchdown velocity
• Crosswind conditions favor maintaining forward groundspeed
• Turbulence requires stabilized forward flight approach
• Aircraft is operating near maximum gross weight with limited power margin

Aircraft Limitations: The shallow approach requires adequate landing area length (minimum 200 feet for most training helicopters). Maximum demonstrated crosswind component per RFM must be observed. The technique is unsuitable for confined areas or obstacles on approach path.

Landing Surface Texture Effects: Hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt) provide optimal conditions for roll-on landing due to minimal friction during initial contact. Grass surfaces increase friction and may cause more abrupt deceleration. Soft or uneven surfaces can cause dynamic rollover if lateral forces develop during ground contact.

Performance Factors (PH.V.H.K2)

Wind Effects: Headwinds reduce groundspeed during approach while maintaining appropriate indicated airspeed, shortening ground roll distance. Tailwinds increase groundspeed and extend ground roll requirements. Crosswinds require drift correction during approach and careful control inputs during surface contact to prevent sideways sliding or dynamic rollover.

Weight Effects: Increased gross weight requires higher approach speeds to maintain effective translational lift, resulting in longer ground roll distances and higher power requirements during approach.

Temperature and Density Altitude: High density altitude reduces rotor efficiency, requiring higher approach speeds and longer ground roll distances. Engine power available decreases with increased density altitude, potentially limiting go-around capability.

Risk Management

Approach Path and Landing Site Selection (PH.V.H.R1): Evaluate aircraft performance charts for current weight, altitude, and temperature. Ensure landing area length exceeds required ground roll distance by minimum 50%. Select approach path clear of obstacles with 8:1 glide ratio clearance minimum.

Wind Assessment (PH.V.H.R2a): Monitor ATIS/AWOS for current winds. Observe surface wind indicators (windsocks, flags, smoke, water surface). Maximum demonstrated crosswind component typically 17 knots for most training helicopters per 14 CFR 27.233.

Windshear Recognition (PH.V.H.R2b): Monitor for sudden airspeed changes, unexpected control inputs required, or rapid altitude deviations. Windshear typically occurs near frontal boundaries, thunderstorms, or significant temperature inversions. Execute immediate go-around if windshear encountered.

Turbulence Management (PH.V.H.R2c): Light turbulence may be acceptable for shallow approaches. Moderate or greater turbulence should prompt consideration of delayed landing or alternate approach technique. Wake turbulence from preceding aircraft requires minimum 3-minute separation for light aircraft, 2 minutes for helicopters.

Engine Failure During Approach (PH.V.H.R3a): Shallow approach provides improved autorotation entry compared to steep approaches. Maintain 65 knots minimum airspeed for optimal autorotation glide ratio. Be prepared to lower collective immediately and enter autorotation if engine failure occurs.

Collision Hazards (PH.V.H.R4): Maintain visual scanning during approach. Monitor radio for traffic advisories. Use landing lights during day operations. Follow 14 CFR 91.113 right-of-way rules - helicopters give way to airplanes on final approach.

Landing Surface Assessment (PH.V.H.R5): Verify surface suitability during reconnaissance. Hard, level surfaces preferred. Avoid wet surfaces when possible due to reduced braking effectiveness. Check for debris, potholes, or surface irregularities that could cause dynamic rollover.

Dynamic Rollover Prevention (PH.V.H.R6): Maintain forward motion during ground contact. Avoid lateral control inputs that could catch skid gear. If rollover tendency develops, immediately return to flight by adding collective pitch. Critical angle typically 8-10 degrees for most skid-equipped helicopters.

Ground Resonance Awareness (PH.V.H.R7): Ensure proper rotor RPM before touchdown per RFM. Be prepared to add collective and return to flight if ground resonance develops. Ground resonance occurs when main rotor frequency matches landing gear natural frequency, typically between 90-100% rotor RPM.

Aircraft Limitations (PH.V.H.R8): Observe maximum gross weight per 14 CFR 27.25. Monitor engine and transmission parameters within normal limits per RFM. Respect center of gravity limits per weight and balance calculations.

Situational Awareness (PH.V.H.R9): Prioritize aircraft control over radio calls or checklist items during approach phase. Maintain awareness of approach angle, airspeed, and ground track. If distracted or disoriented, execute go-around and reestablish situational awareness.

Regulatory References

• 14 CFR 27.233 - Limit Pilot Force and Torque
• 14 CFR 27.25 - Weight Limits
• 14 CFR 91.113 - Right-of-Way Rules
• 14 CFR 91.126 - Operating on or in the Vicinity of an Airport
• FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook Chapter 11

Schedule

Equipment

• Aircraft: Training helicopter (R22, R44, or equivalent)
• References: FAA-H-8083-21B Helicopter Flying Handbook, aircraft RFM
• Materials: Airport diagram, approach path planning chart
• Visual aids: Approach angle diagram, landing surface texture examples
• Safety equipment: Current sectional chart, emergency checklist
• Communication: Aviation radio, airport frequency reference

Instructor Actions

1. Brief student on shallow approach theory emphasizing 3-6 degree approach angle compared to normal 6-12 degree approach
2. Explain when to use shallow approach technique using analogy of airplane approach versus normal helicopter approach
3. Demonstrate wind assessment techniques using windsock and surface indicators
4. Show approach path planning using 8:1 obstacle clearance rule and landing distance calculations
5. Explain effective translational lift requirements during surface contact - “keep the helicopter flying until the skids touch”
6. Demonstrate first approach with detailed narration of control inputs and visual references
7. Point out approach angle visual references and airspeed control during demonstration
8. Show proper flare technique to reduce vertical velocity while maintaining forward momentum
9. Demonstrate surface contact with skids parallel to ground track and continued forward motion
10. Coach student through first practice approach with emphasis on angle and airspeed control
11. Provide immediate feedback on approach angle deviations and control input timing
12. Guide student through crosswind correction techniques during subsequent approaches
13. Emphasize go-around decision points if approach becomes unstabilized
14. Monitor student for proper checklist completion and radio communications
15. Debrief each approach highlighting successful elements and areas needing improvement

Student Actions

• Complete pre-landing checklist items per aircraft RFM
• Make appropriate radio position reports and landing announcements
• Demonstrate wind direction assessment using visual references
• Establish shallow approach angle (3-6 degrees) using visual references and airspeed control
• Maintain 65-75 knots indicated airspeed during approach (aircraft specific)
• Apply crosswind correction to maintain ground track alignment
• Execute proper flare technique to reduce vertical velocity while maintaining forward motion
• Make smooth touchdown with skids parallel to intended ground track
• Maintain directional control during ground roll using antitorque pedals and cyclic
• Demonstrate go-around procedure if approach becomes unstabilized
• Apply runway incursion avoidance procedures including proper radio communications
• Verbalize risk assessment factors including wind, surface conditions, and aircraft performance
• Show proper recognition and response to potential dynamic rollover conditions

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates satisfactory performance when able to perform shallow approach and running/roll-on landing per FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.V.H within the following standards:

• PH.V.H.S1: Completes appropriate checklist items without prompting
• PH.V.H.S2: Makes radio calls using proper phraseology and timing
• PH.V.H.S3: Maintains rotor RPM within normal operating range (±5%) throughout approach
• PH.V.H.S4: Establishes and maintains shallow approach angle (3-6 degrees) with airspeed ±5 knots of target speed
• PH.V.H.S5: Determines wind direction accurately and maintains ground track within ±10 degrees with appropriate crosswind correction
• PH.V.H.S6: Maintains effective translational lift through surface contact with skids touching down parallel to ground track (±5 degrees)
• PH.V.H.S7: Makes smooth, coordinated control inputs during surface contact maintaining directional control within ±10 degrees of intended heading
• PH.V.H.S8: Demonstrates runway incursion avoidance through proper radio communications and visual scanning
• Knowledge: Explains when to use shallow approach technique and identifies minimum three risk factors
• Risk Management: Correctly assesses wind conditions, surface suitability, and aircraft performance limitations before each approach