Emergency Procedures

Helicopter Autorotation & Touchdown Execution

FAA Ref: FAA-S-ACS-15 Area VI Task B (Straight-In Autorotation in a Single-Engine Helicopter)

Scenario & Physics Summary

Converting aircraft potential energy (altitude) and kinetic energy (airspeed) into rotor inertia to land safely following engine failure.

Interactive 3D Visual Plates & Scenario Media

Helicopter Autorotation & Touchdown Execution Plate 1

Plate 1: Helicopter Autorotation & Touchdown Execution

Helicopter Autorotation & Touchdown Execution Plate 2

Plate 2: Helicopter Autorotation & Touchdown Execution

Aerodynamic & Operational Physics

Upward airflow through the rotor disc turns the blades during descent (autorotative region).
Three blade zones: Driven Region (blade tip, creates drag), Driving Region (middle 25-70%, produces autorotative force), Stall Region (root area).
Flare at 40-75ft AGL converts forward speed to rotor RPM boost, reducing rate of descent. Level skids and cushion touchdown with remaining collective.

FAA Exam Gotcha Alert

FAA Exam Trap: Lowering collective IMMEDIATELY upon engine failure is vital to prevent rotor RPM decay below critical recovery limit (80-90%).

Frequently Asked Questions & Exam Explanations

What provides rotor rotation during an autorotation?

Upward relative wind passing through the rotor disc during power-off descent creates an accelerating aerodynamic force in the driving region.

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