Flight Instructor for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating › V. Preflight Procedures › Task D. Before Takeoff Check

HI.V.D.R3

Risk management

Hazardous effects of downwash.

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. 9-10
Chapter 9: Basic Flight Maneuvers › Taxiing › Air Taxi
effects of rotor downwash in wheel-type helicopters. [Figure 9-11] Surface taxiing in skid type helicopters is generally not recommended due to the high risk of dynamic rollover; for more information, refer to Chapter 11, Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 2-12
Chapter 2: Aerodynamics of Flight › Airflow and Reactions in the Rotor Disk › Induced Flow (Downwash)
Since the induced flow velocities are decreased, the AOA is increased, which…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 11-18
Chapter 11: Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards › System Malfunctions › Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE)
This, in turn, decreases the AOA in the tail rotor blades. Pilots…
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge p. G-13
Glossary › Domestic Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
Bent in one direction or another while on the ground to apply trim forces to the control surface. Ground effect. The condition of slightly increased air pressure below an airplane wing or helicopter rotor system that increases the amount ... within approximately one wing span or one rotor diameter from the ground. It results from a reduction in upwash, downwash, and wingtip vortices, and provides a corresponding decrease in induced drag. Ground proximity warning system (GPWS). A system designed…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 11-9
Chapter 11: Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards › Vortex Ring State
Common Errors 1. Failure to use sufficient proper antitorque pedal when power…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 7-6-10
Chapter 7. Safety of Flight › Section 6. Potential Flight Hazards › 7-6-11. Emergency Airborne Inspection of Other Aircraft
time to plan (i.e., in an emergency situation), coupled with the stress involved in a perceived emergency can be hazardous. b. The pilot in the best position to assess the situation should take the responsibility of coordinating the airborne intercept ... involved. c. Some of the safety considerations are: 1. Area, direction and speed of the intercept; 2. Aerodynamic effects (i.e., rotorcraft downwash); 3. Minimum safe separation distances; 4. Communications requirements, lost communications procedures, coordination with ATC; 5. Suitability of diverting…