Flight Instructor for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating › VII. Hovering Maneuvers › Task E. Slope Operations

HI.VII.E.S3

Skill

Properly approach the slope considering wind effect and obstacles.

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. 10-8
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Slope Operations › Technique
Technique Refer to Figure 10-6. At the termination of the approach, if necessary, move the helicopter slowly toward the slope, being careful not to turn the tail upslope. Position the helicopter across the slope at a stabilized hover headed ... into the wind over the intended landing spot (frame 1). Downward pressure on the collective starts the helicopter descending. As the upslope skid touches the ground, hesitate momentarily in a level attitude, then apply slight lateral cyclic in the direction…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 10-7
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Slope Operations
Slope Operations Prior to conducting any slope operations, be thoroughly familiar with the characteristics of dynamic rollover and mast bumping, which are discussed in Chapter 11, Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards. The approach to a slope is similar to the approach ... 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. Slope Landing A pilot usually lands…
Helicopter Flying Handbook p. 10-10
Chapter 10: Advanced Flight Maneuvers › Confined Area Operations › Approach
preselected departure path when it is not visible while sitting in the confined area. Figure 10-8. If the wind velocity is 10 knots or greater, expect updrafts on the windward side and downdrafts on the lee side of obstacles ... Plan the approach with these factors in mind, but be ready to alter plans if the wind speed or direction changes. Approach A high reconnaissance should be completed before initiating the confined area approach. Start the approach phase using…
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge p. 16-13
Chapter 16: Navigation › Dead Reckoning › Wind Triangle or Vector Analysis
means of computations based on time, airspeed, distance, and direction. The products derived from these variables, when adjusted by wind speed and velocity, are heading and GS. The predicted heading takes the aircraft along the intended path ... country flying. The heading and GS, as calculated, is constantly monitored and corrected by pilotage as observed from checkpoints. Wind Triangle or Vector Analysis If there is no wind, the aircraft’s ground track is the same as the heading…
Aviation Weather Handbook p. 10-14
10 Wind › 10.6 Local Winds › 10.6.5 Mountain-Plains Wind System
Valley Breeze A valley breeze (see Figure 10-19) is a wind that ascends a mountain valley during the day. Air in contact with the sloping terrain becomes warmer (less dense) than air above the valley. This is because ... contact with the sloping terrain heats up faster than air above the valley. Figure 10-19. Valley Breeze Pressure gradients develop (along a horizontal reference) with lower pressure over the warmer sloping terrain and higher pressure over the cooler valley…