After Landing, Parking, and Securing

Objective

Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to safely complete after-landing, parking, and securing procedures for a helicopter in accordance with FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A standards. The student will demonstrate proper helicopter shutdown procedures, conduct a thorough postflight inspection, document any discrepancies, and secure the aircraft while maintaining awareness of safety considerations including rotor downwash effects, passenger safety, and airport security requirements.

Content

Helicopter Shutdown Procedures

Proper shutdown procedures are critical for aircraft longevity and safety. Following manufacturer’s checklist procedures ensures systems are secured in the correct sequence. The typical shutdown sequence includes:

1. Flight Control Check: Ensure cyclic, collective, and anti-torque pedals move freely before shutdown
2. Engine Parameters: Monitor engine temperatures and pressures during shutdown sequence
3. Electrical Systems: Secure electrical components in proper order to prevent voltage spikes
4. Fuel System: Position fuel valves as specified by manufacturer
5. Rotor Brake Application: Apply rotor brake only when rotor RPM decreases to manufacturer-specified range

Per 14 CFR 91.7(b), no person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. Proper shutdown procedures contribute to maintaining this airworthiness.

Securing the Helicopter

Aircraft securing involves multiple components:

• Control Locks: Install control locks to prevent control movement during wind conditions
• Tie-downs: Secure the helicopter using appropriate tie-down procedures for wind conditions
• Covers: Install protective covers as required for weather protection
• Security: Lock cabin doors and secure access panels per 14 CFR 1542 airport security requirements where applicable

Postflight Inspection Requirements

14 CFR 91.7(a) requires the pilot-in-command to determine that the aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The postflight inspection serves as preparation for the next flight by identifying discrepancies that could affect airworthiness.

Systematic postflight inspection includes:

1. Airframe Inspection: Check for damage, loose fasteners, fluid leaks
2. Engine Compartment: Inspect for oil leaks, loose connections, foreign objects
3. Flight Controls: Verify control system integrity and freedom of movement
4. Landing Gear: Inspect skids, wheels, or floats for damage
5. Rotor System: Check main and tail rotor blades for damage, track, and security

Documenting Discrepancies

14 CFR 91.405(c) and 43.9 establish requirements for maintenance record entries. Pilots must document:

• Aircraft Logbook Entries: Record flight time and any discrepancies discovered
• Maintenance Discrepancy Documentation: Write clear, specific descriptions of problems
• Corrective Action Requirements: Note if aircraft is grounded pending maintenance

Use precise language: “Left skid tube shows 2-inch crack at station 85” rather than “skid damaged.”

Risk Management - Activities and Distractions

Postflight procedures require the same attention as preflight. Common distractions include:

• Passenger conversations during shutdown
• Ground personnel approaching during rotor operation
• Radio communications during critical shutdown phases
• Weather concerns affecting urgency

Maintain sterile cockpit procedures during shutdown sequence until rotors stop completely.

Risk Management - Parking in Congested Areas

Rotor diameter creates significant hazard zones. Robinson R22 main rotor diameter is 25 feet 2 inches; tail rotor adds additional clearance requirements. Consider:

• Approach Path Clearance: Ensure adequate clearance for other aircraft operations
• Ground Personnel Safety: Establish safe approach zones for ground support
• Property Protection: Account for rotor downwash effects on nearby aircraft and equipment
• Emergency Access: Maintain clear egress paths for emergency situations

Risk Management - Airport Security Procedures

14 CFR Part 1542 establishes airport security requirements. Key considerations:

• SIDA Badge Requirements: Secure Identification Display Area access at controlled airports
• Vehicle Operations: Follow airport vehicle operation procedures
• Restricted Area Access: Understand movement limitations in controlled areas
• Security Reporting: Know procedures for reporting security concerns

Risk Management - Passenger Disembarkation Safety

Rotor systems create unique hazards during passenger operations:

• Rotor Downwash: Creates significant wind and debris hazards
• Approach/Departure Paths: Passengers must approach from designated safe zones
• Supervision Requirements: Maintain visual contact with passengers until clear of hazard zones
• Brief Passengers: Provide clear safety instructions before disembarkation

Think of rotor wash like an invisible tornado - it extends well beyond the visible rotor disc and can knock people down or blow debris at dangerous speeds.

Schedule

Equipment

• Aircraft (helicopter appropriate to student’s training level)
• Aircraft flight manual/pilot’s operating handbook
• Manufacturer’s checklists
• Aircraft maintenance logbooks
• Tie-down equipment and control locks
• Aircraft covers (if available)
• Flashlight for inspection
• FAA-S-ACS-15 (Private Pilot - Helicopter ACS)
• 14 CFR Parts 43, 91, 1542
• FAA-H-8083-21B (Helicopter Flying Handbook)
• Sample discrepancy documentation forms
• Airport diagram and security procedures (if applicable)

Instructor Actions

1. Brief student on lesson objectives and explain the critical importance of proper postflight procedures for safety and aircraft longevity
2. Demonstrate proper shutdown procedures following manufacturer’s checklist, emphasizing the sequence and explaining each step’s purpose
3. Show correct technique for rotor brake application and explain timing considerations based on rotor RPM decay
4. Demonstrate systematic postflight inspection technique, showing how to identify common discrepancies and potential safety issues
5. Explain and show proper documentation techniques using actual aircraft logbooks and sample discrepancy entries
6. Demonstrate aircraft securing procedures including control locks, tie-downs, and covers as applicable
7. Discuss risk management scenarios including congested ramp operations, passenger safety, and security procedures
8. Guide student through complete postflight sequence, providing coaching and feedback
9. Review common errors and their consequences, using specific examples from experience
10. Evaluate student performance against ACS completion standards and provide specific feedback
11. Assign practice requirements and explain expectations for independent postflight procedures

Student Actions

1. Listen actively to instruction and ask questions about procedures that are unclear
2. Follow along with checklist procedures during instructor demonstration
3. Practice shutdown procedures under instructor supervision, demonstrating proper sequence and timing
4. Conduct systematic postflight inspection using manufacturer’s checklist and identifying any discrepancies
5. Practice proper documentation techniques by making sample logbook entries
6. Demonstrate aircraft securing procedures including proper installation of control locks and tie-downs
7. Discuss risk management scenarios and explain decision-making process for various situations
8. Complete independent postflight sequence while instructor observes and evaluates
9. Self-assess performance and identify areas needing improvement
10. Demonstrate understanding of regulatory requirements for aircraft condition and documentation

Completion Standards

The student demonstrates satisfactory performance when able to:

1. Minimize rotor downwash hazards during hovering operations by maintaining appropriate distance from personnel and property, and positioning aircraft to reduce debris and wind effects (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)

2. Park in appropriate area considering safety of nearby persons and property by selecting location with adequate clearance for rotor diameter plus safety margins, clear of aircraft traffic patterns, and in designated helicopter parking areas where available (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)

3. Complete appropriate checklists by following manufacturer’s shutdown checklist procedures in correct sequence, verifying all items are accomplished, and ensuring aircraft systems are properly secured (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)

4. Conduct postflight inspection using systematic approach covering all required inspection items, identifying any discrepancies or abnormal conditions, and documenting findings clearly and accurately in appropriate maintenance records (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)

5. Secure the helicopter by properly installing control locks, applying tie-downs as required for conditions, installing covers when appropriate, and locking aircraft access points (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)

6. Demonstrate risk management by maintaining awareness of airport security procedures, ensuring passenger safety during disembarkation and ramp movement, and avoiding distractions during critical shutdown phases (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)

7. Document discrepancies using clear, specific language that enables maintenance personnel to understand and address issues, and properly record flight time and aircraft condition in maintenance logbooks per 14 CFR requirements (FAA-S-ACS-15 PH.X.A)