Robinson R44 Flashcards
Three Conditions Requiring Autorotation
Power Failure
Drivetrain Failure
Oil Pressure Failure
Tachometer Failure
If rotor or engine tachometer malfunctions in flight, use remaining tachometer to monitor RPM. If it is not clear which tachometer is malfunctioning or if both tachometers malfunction, allow governor to control RPM and land as soon as practical.
NOTE:
Each tachometer, the governor, and the low RPM horn are on separate power circuits. A special circuit allows the battery to supply power to the tachometers with the battery and alternator switches both off. (Low RPM horn and Governor are inoperative)
Low Rotor Horn
The horn activates simultaneously with the Low Rotor Caution Light and indicates rotor speed below 97% RPM. To restore RPM, lower collective, roll throttle on and, in forward flight apply aft cyclic. Horn and light are disabled when collective is full down.
Carbon Monoxide Light
Indicates elevated levels of carbon monoxide (CO) in cabin. Shut off heater and open nose and door vents. If hovering, land or transition to forward flight. If symptoms of CO poisoning (headache, drowsiness, dizziness) accompany light, land immediately.
Loss of Tail Rotor Thrust (Hover)
Failure is usually indicated by nose right yaw which cannot be stopped by applying left pedal
Immediately roll throttle off into overtravel spring and allow aircraft to settle
Raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing
Land as Soon as Practical
Landing site is at pilot’s discretion based on nature of problem and available landing areas. Flight beyond nearest airport is not recommended.
Brake Light
Indicates rotor brake is engaged. Release immediately in flight or before starting engine.
Starter will not operate with rotor brake engaged
Air Restart Procedure
CAUTION
Do not attempt restart if engine malfunction is suspected or before safe autorotation is established (or below 2000’ AGL)
- Mixture – Full Rich
- Throttle – Closed, then cracked slightly
- Actuate starter with left hand
Governor Failure
If engine RPM governor malfunctions, grip throttle firmly to override the governor, then switch governor off. Complete flight using manual throttle control.
STARTER ON Light
Indicates starter motor is engaged. If light does not go out when ignition switch is released from start position, immediately pull mixture off and turn battery switch off.
Vortex Ring State Recovery
(Vichuard)
Raise collective to takeoff power
Left Pedal (as required)
Right Cyclic
Engine Fire (In Flight)
- Enter autorotation
- Cabin Heat – OFF (if time permits)
- Cabin Vent – ON (if time permits)
- If engine is running, perform normal landing, then pull fuel mixture OFF and shut fuel valve OFF;
If engine stops running, shut fuel valve OFF and complete autorotation landing - Battery switch – OFF
- If time permits, apply rotor brake to stop rotors
- Exit helicopter
Power Failure (Above 500 Feet AGL)
- Lower collective immediately to maintain rotor RPM
- Establish a steady glide at approximately 70 KIAS
- Adjust collective to keep RPM between 97 and 108% or apply full down collective if light weight prevents attaining above 97%
- Select landing spot and, if altitude permits, maneuver so landing will be into wind
- A restart may be attempted at pilot’s discretion if sufficient time is available (>2,000 AGL)
- If unable to restart, turn unnecessary switches and fuel valve off
- At about 40 feet AGL, begin cyclic flare to reduce rate of descent and forward speed
- At about 8 feet AGL, apply forward cyclic to level ship and raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing
- Touch down in level attitude with nose straight ahead
M/R TEMP Light
Indicates excessive temperature of main rotor gearbox
NOTE
If light is accompanied by any indication of a problem such as noise, vibration, or temperature rise, land immediately.
If there is no other indication of a problem, land as soon as practical.
High RPM Warble
Indicates rotor speed is approaching 108% RPM limit. Raise collective as required to control RPM.
Maximum Glide Distance Configuration
- Airspeed approximately 90 KIAS
- Rotor RPM approximately 90%
Best glide ratio is about 4.7:1 or one nautical mile per 1,300 feet AGL
CLUTCH Light
Indicates clutch actuator is on, either engaging or disengaging clutch. When switch is in the ENGAGE position, light stays on until belts are properly tensioned. Never take off before the light goes out.
NOTE
Clutch light may come on momentarily during run-up or during flight to re-tension belts as they warm up and stretch slightly. This is normal. If however, the light flickers or comes on in flight and does not go out within 10 seconds, pull CLUTCH circuit breaker and land as soon as practical. Reduce power and land immediately if there are other indications of drive system failure (be prepared to enter autorotation).
OIL Light
Indicates loss of engine power or oil pressure.
Check engine tachometer for power loss. Check oil pressure gauge and, if pressure loss is confirmed, land immediately.
Continued operation without oil pressure will cause serious engine damage and engine failure may occur.
LOW FUEL Light
Indicates approximately three (3) gallons of usable fuel remaining. The engine will run out of fuel after ten (10) minutes at cruise power (18 gph)
Caution
Do not use low fuel caution light as a working indication of fuel quantity.
Electrical Fire (In-Flight)
- Battery and Alternator switches - OFF
- Open cabin vents
- Land immediately
- Pull mixture OFF and shut fuel valve OFF
- If time permits, apply rotor brake to stop rotors
- Exit the helicopter
Note:
Low RPM warning system and governor are inoperative with battery and alternator switches both OFF
Full Throttle Light
Indicates engine near full throttle. The governor will be ineffective because it cannot increase throttle to maintain RPM. Lower collective as required to extinguish light
CAUTION
Above 4,000 feet, throttle-collective correlation and governor are less effective. Therefore, power changes should be slow and smooth.
CAUTION
At high power settings above 6,000 feet, the throttle is frequently wide open and RPM must be controlled with collective.
Fuel Filter Light (RAVEN II)
Indicates fuel strainer contamination. If no other indications of a problem, land as soon as practical. If light is accompanied by aux fuel pump warning light or erratic engine operation, land immediately.
Power Failure (Between 8 feet and 500 feet AGL)
- Lower collective immediately to maintain rotor RPM
- Adjust collective to keep RPM between 97% and 108% or apply full down collective if light weight permits attaining above 97%
- Maintain airspeed until ground is approached, then begin cyclic flair to reduce rate of descent and forward speed
- At about 8 feet AGL apply forward cyclic to level ship and raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing
- Touchdown in level attitude with nose straight ahead
Engine Fire Light
Indicates possible fire in the engine compartment
Execute Engine Fire Procedure
Illuminates at 275 degrees +/- 10 degrees
