P2 Flashcards
What are the types of drag?
- Parasite = Non-lifting portions of helicopter.
- Profile = Friction of rotor blades through air.
- Induced = Production of lift; high angles of attack produce more.
- Total Drag = Sum of all drag.
What occurs during airflow in a hover – In Ground Effect (IGE)?
Increased efficiency within 1 rotor disk. Reduced rotor-tip vortices caused by horizontal airflow buildup. Reduced drag allows more lift with less power.
What happens during airflow in a hover – Out of Ground Effect (OGE)?
Requires more power due to increased induced flow. Higher AOA needed to produce lift, resulting in more drag on the blade.
What is dissymmetry of lift?
Difference in lift between advancing and retreating blades. Compensated by blade flapping and cyclic feathering.
What is the blade flapping effect?
• Advancing Blade: Flaps up (reduced AOA).
• Retreating Blade: Flaps down (increased AOA).
What is the translating tendency in helicopters?
Tail rotor thrust causes helicopter to drift right. Countered by left cyclic input.
What is the transverse flow effect?
Occurs at 10–20 knots:
• Front disk = more lift.
• Rear disk = descending airflow = less lift.
Causes right rolling motion; corrected by left cyclic.
When does effective translational lift (ETL) occur?
Occurs at 16–24 knots. Rotor blades outrun vortices, entering clean air. Improved efficiency and performance.
What are the conditions for settling with power?
- Vertical descent >300 ft/min.
- Low airspeed (<ETL).
- 20–100% power applied.
What conditions are conducive to settling with power?
• Steep approach.
• Downwind approach.
• Hover above max ceiling.
• OGE hover, low altitude control.
What is dynamic rollover?
Lateral rolling when pivot point prevents motion. Causes a rolling motion if critical angle is exceeded.
What are the causes of dynamic rollover?
- Human Factors (inattention).
- Inexperience.
- Inappropriate control inputs.
- Loss of visual reference.
What are the IIMC procedures?
- Announce – “I am IIMC.”
- Attitude – Level wings.
- Heading – Maintain/turn only to avoid obstacles.
- Torque – Adjust for climb.
- Trim – Maintain.
- Airspeed – Adjust as necessary.
- Altitude – Adjust to VFR altitude.
What does AR 95-1 state about lights?
Anti-collision lights must be used unless conditions prevent safety.
What are the deviations allowed under AR 95-1?
Individuals may deviate from AR 95-1 during emergencies.
What is the currency requirement for flying?
Must fly once every 60 days to maintain currency.
What are the fuel requirements for VFR and IFR?
• VFR: 20 min reserve fuel.
• IFR: 30 min reserve fuel.
Weather (WX) - Icing
No flight into known or forecast severe icing.
Weather (WX) - Turbulence
• No flight into known or forecast extreme turbulence.
• No flight into known severe turbulence.
Weight & Balance (365-4) – PC Responsibilities
- Completed form is onboard aircraft.
- Accuracy of computations (signature).
- Weight & CG remain within allowable limits throughout the flight.
Weight & Balance – Class 2 Aircraft
• Aircraft where weight/CG limits can be exceeded by loading.
• Records must be reviewed at least every 12 months.
Weight & Balance – When to Weigh
• Overhaul / Major Repair.
• Modifications >1% of basic weight.
• Every 12 months (Class 1) or 24 months (Class 2).
WX Brief
• Info from a U.S. Military weather facility.
• Valid for 1 hr 30 min from forecast time.
ALSE (P-1)
- Survival Radio (CSEL).
- ID tags.
- Approved flight helmet.
- Flight suit.
- Boots.
- Gloves.
Oxygen Requirements
• Above 10,000 ft PA = 1 hr.
• Above 12,000 ft PA = 30 min.
• Above 14,000 ft PA = Continuous.
• Above 18,000 ft PA = Pre-breathe 30 min prior.
Stress Types
- Psychosocial – Job, Illness, Family.
- Environmental – Altitude, Speed, Cold, Aircraft Design.
- Physiological – Drugs, Self-Medication, Exhaustion.
Cognitive Stress
Failure to focus on here and now. Includes:
• Musts/Shoulds.
• Responsibility of Choice.
Fatigue (P-2)
- Acute – 2 sleep periods cured by rest.
- Chronic – Successive acute cycles (weeks to recover).
- Motivational Exhaustion – Burnout.
Hypoxia (P-2) – Definition
Insufficient oxygen in the body. Don’t self-medicate above 10,000 ft PA.
Types of Hypoxia
- Hypoxic – Not enough O2 in air (altitude).
- Hypemic – Blood can’t carry O2 (CO poisoning).
- Histotoxic – Tissue can’t use O2 (cyanide/drugs).
- Stagnant – Poor circulation (high Gs).
Stages of Hypoxia
- Indifferent (0–10,000’).
- Compensatory (10,000–15,000’).
- Disturbance (15,000–20,000’).
- Critical (>20,000’).
Spatial Disorientation (P-2)
Pilot’s erroneous perception of position, attitude, or motion.
Types of Spatial Disorientation
- Type 1 – Unrecognized (most dangerous).
- Type 2 – Recognized (SD is realized).
- Type 3 – Incapacitating (loss of control).
Systems Affecting Spatial Disorientation
- Visual – Most important.
- Vestibular – Semicircular canals detect angular acceleration.
- Somatosensory – Joint/muscle pressure.
- Auditory – Balance and motion cues.
Visual Illusions
- Vection – Induced motion illusion.
- False Horizon.
- Confusion – Ground lights.
- Height Perception.
- Crater Illusion.
- Fascination – Task fixation.
- Autokinesis – Light appears to move.
Somatogravic Illusions
Caused by acceleration/deceleration:
1. G-Excess Illusion – Feels like climbing when nose is down.
2. Elevator Illusion – Upward thrust makes nose pitch down.
Coriolis Illusion
Most dangerous; head movement during turn can cause tumbling sensation.
Fuel Requirements
• VFR: 20-minute reserve.
• IFR: 30-minute reserve.
What is the altitude range for Class A airspace?
From 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600, including airspace overlying waters within 12 nautical miles of the U.S. coastline. Operations in Class A airspace require IFR clearance.
What defines Class B airspace?
Class B airspace extends from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding major airports, with individually tailored boundaries resembling an inverted wedding cake. Operations require ATC clearance.
What is the altitude range and configuration for Class C airspace?
From the surface to 4,000 feet above airport elevation (MSL) with a core area of a 5 NM radius and an outer area of a 10 NM radius extending 1,200–4,000 feet above airport elevation. Two-way radio communication with ATC is required.
What distinguishes Class D airspace?
Class D airspace extends from the surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation (MSL), surrounding airports with an operational control tower. Two-way radio communication with ATC is required.
What is Class G airspace?
Class G is uncontrolled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D. It does not require ATC clearance or communication.
What is prohibited airspace, and why is it established?
Prohibited areas restrict all flight activity for reasons of national security or other significant concerns. Examples include sensitive government installations.
What is the difference between restricted areas and warning areas?
Restricted areas limit access due to hazardous activities (e.g., artillery, firing, aerial gunnery), while warning areas denote hazards to non-participating aircraft, often over international waters.
What is a Military Operations Area (MOA)?
MOAs separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic. Nonparticipating IFR traffic may transit MOAs if cleared by ATC.
How long should a pilot wait to fly after donating blood?
72 hours if donating 200cc or more; consult a flight surgeon.
What is the recommended wait time after scuba diving before flying?
24 hours to avoid decompression sickness.
What are the wait times for flying after using anesthesia?
Local anesthesia requires a 12-hour wait; consult medical guidance for others.
What are common exogenous factors that could affect flight performance?
Fatigue, hypoxia, stress, medication effects, and middle ear discomfort during altitude changes.
What is the “Post-Roll (Gillingham) Illusion”?
A misperception where a pilot incorrectly senses bank recovery after a roll, leading to overcorrection.
How can a pilot prevent spatial disorientation?
Trust instruments, avoid flying in poor visibility without training, and perform frequent cross-checks.
What is the recommended treatment for spatial disorientation?
Transfer controls to another pilot if possible, and rely on instruments to reorient.
