Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards

Today, helicopters are quite reliable. However, emergencies do occur, whether a result of mechanical failure or pilot error, and should be anticipated. Regardless of the cause, the recovery needs to be quick and precise. By having a thorough knowledge of the helicopter and its systems, a pilot is able to handle the situation more readily. Helicopter emergencies and the proper recovery procedures should be discussed and, when possible, practiced in flight. In addition, by knowing the conditions that can lead to an emergency, many potential accidents can be avoided.

CONTENTS

• Autorotation
• Vortex Ring State
• Retreating Blade Stall
• Ground Resonance
• Dynamic Rollover
• Low-G Conditions and Mast Bumping
• Low Rotor RPM and Rotor Stall
• System Malfunctions
• Multiengine Emergency Operations
• Lost Procedures
• VFR Flight into Instrument Meteorological Conditions
• Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear