Sport Flight Instructor Helicopter - Simplified Flight Controls › XII. Special Operations › Task B. Pinnacle Operations

FH.XII.B.R15

Risk management

Forced landing.

Study note

Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 10-11
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Pinnacle and Ridgeline Operations › Takeoff
favorable glide angle and thus contributes to the chances of reaching a safe area in the event of a forced landing. If a suitable forced landing area is not available, a higher airspeed also permits a more effective flare prior…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 9-18
Chapter 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Traffic Patterns
wind with a turn to the right after 300 feet AGL or as needed to be in range of forced landing areas. When 500 feet AGL is attained, a right turn to parallel the takeoff path is made ... final approach path, the turn to final should be made considering winds and obstructions. Depending on obstructions and forced landing areas, the final approach may need to be accomplished from as high as 500 feet AGL. The landing area should…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 10-2
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Reconnaissance Procedures › High Reconnaissance
departure axes, and obstacles for both the approach and departure. The pilot should also give particular consideration to forced landing areas in case of an emergency. Altitude, airspeed, and flight pattern for a high reconnaissance are governed by wind ... size of the area, and the slope of the terrain. Always maintain safe altitudes and airspeeds and keep a forced landing area within reach whenever possible. Low Reconnaissance A low reconnaissance is accomplished during the approach to the landing area…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 10-11
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Pinnacle and Ridgeline Operations › Approach and Landing
downdrafts are encountered, it may become necessary to make an immediate turn away from the pinnacle to avoid being forced into the rising terrain. Groundspeed during a pinnacle approach is more difficult to judge because visual references are farther away ... approach. When making an approach to a pinnacle, avoid leeward turbulence and keep the helicopter within reach of a forced landing area as long as possible. On landing, take advantage of the long axis of the area when wind conditions…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 10-7
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Slope Operations
similar to the approach to any other landing area. During slope operations, make allowances for wind, barriers, and forced landing sites in case of engine failure. Since the slope may constitute an obstruction to wind passage, anticipate turbulence and downdrafts…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 7-6-5
Chapter 7. Safety of Flight › Section 6. Potential Flight Hazards › 7-6-7. Mountain Flying
potential hazards awaiting. Those familiar section lines are not present in the mountains; those flat, level fields for forced landings are practically nonexistent; abrupt changes in wind direction and velocity occur; severe updrafts and downdrafts are common, particularly near ... recommendations below. b. File a Flight Plan. Plan your route to avoid topography which would prevent a safe forced landing. The route should be over populated areas and well known mountain passes. Sufficient altitude should be maintained to permit gliding…