WIND
`
`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 ini tiating
`the confined area approach. Start the approach phase using
`the wind and speed to the best possible advantage. Keep in
`mind areas suitable for forced land ing. It may be necessary to
`choose a crosswind approach that is over an open area, then
`one directly into the wind that is over trees. If these conditions
`exist, consider the possibility of making the initial phase of
`the approach crosswind over the open area and then turn ing
`into the wind for the final portion of the approach.
`
`Always operate the helicopter as close to its normal capabilities
`as possible, taking into consideration the situation at hand. In
`all confined area operations, with the exception of a pinnacle
`operation (see next section, Takeoff), the angle of descent
`should be no steeper than necessary to clear any barrier with
`the tail rotor in the approach path and still land on the selected
`spot. The angle of climb on takeoff should be normal, or not
`steeper than necessary to clear any bar rier. Clearing a barrier by
`a few feet and maintaining normal operating rpm, with perhaps
`a reserve of power, is better than clearing a barrier by a wide
`mar gin but with a dangerously low rpm and no power reserve.
`
`Always make the landing to a specific point and not to some
`general area. This point should be located well forward,
`away from the approach end of the area. The more confined
`the area is, the more essential it is that the helicopter land
`precisely at a definite point. Keep this point in sight during
`the entire final approach.
`
`When flying a helicopter near obstacles, always consider
`the tail rotor. A safe angle of descent over bar riers must be
`established to ensure tail rotor clearance of all obstructions.
`After coming to a hover, avoid turning the tail into obstructions.
`
`Takeoff
`A confined area takeoff is considered an altitude over
`airspeed maneuver where altitude gain is more important to
`airspeed gain. Before takeoff, make a reconnaissance from
`the ground or cockpit to determine the type of takeoff to
`be performed, to determine the point from which the take-
`off should be initiated to ensure the maximum amount of
`available area, and finally, how to maneuver the helicopter
`best from the landing point to the proposed take off position.
`
`If wind conditions and available area permit, the heli-
`copter should be brought to a hover, turned around, and
`hovered forward from the landing position to the take off
`position. Under certain conditions, sideward flight to the
`takeoff position may be preferred, but rearward flight may
`be necessary, stopping often while moving to check on the
`location of obstacles relative to the tail rotor.
`
`When planning the takeoff, consider the direction of the wind,
`obstructions, and forced landing areas. To help fly up and
`over an obstacle, form an imaginary line from a point on the
`leading edge of the helicopter to the highest obstacle to be
`cleared. Fly this line of ascent with enough power to clear
`the obstacle by a safe distance. After clearing the obstacle,
`maintain the power setting and accelerate to the normal climb
`speed. Then, reduce power to the normal climb power setting.
`
`Common Errors
`1. Failure to perform, or improper performance of, a high
`or low reconnaissance.
`2. Approach angle that is too steep or too shal low for the
`existing conditions.
`3. Failing to maintain proper rpm.
`
`10-10
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