1. Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness
Wind and Flight Conditions
That Can Lead to “LTE”

2. Effects of Wind on the Tail Rotor
How Much Power is Available?
How Much Pedal Authority Do You Have Remaining
What is the Wind Strength and
Direction

3. Effects of Wind on the Aircraft
As helicopter pilots during takeoffs and approaches we try to keep the wind, even small amounts of wind, in front of the aircraft. At the very least no more than 90 degrees off the nose on either the left or right side of the aircraft. Down wind approaches and takeoffs (wind on the tail) exposes us to flight characteristics and power demands that can have disastrous results particularly with a very heavy helicopter and high density altitude conditions..
During Hover Operations near the ground the Helicopter Pilot will have to operate the aircraft in conditions with the wind in a variety of angles to the aircraft. It is imperative that the pilot understand the impact on the aircraft from both a controllability stand point and power demand. In short, a helicopter pilot needs to anticipate and understand the control imputes and power that will be required when turning the helicopter in a hover with the wind at various angles to the aircraft. Lets look at the basic concepts……

4. Crosswind Components and Power Demands on the Tail Rotor
In all conditions cyclic will have to be repositioned to maintain your position over the ground
Lowest Power Setting Steadiest Pedal
Critical Side
Highest Power Setting
Variable, erratic Pedal Positions
Heavy Left Pedal
Left Lateral cyclic
2nd Highest Power Setting.
Heavy Left or Right Pedal.
Relatively same Power Setting as Wind Off the Nose
More use of both pedals to steady the aircraft, Aft Cyclic

5. Crosswind Components and Power Demands on the Tail Rotor
From What Direction?
What Crosswind speed is mentioned in the Schweizer 300C Flight Manual?
17 Knots
Is this a Limitation?

6. Making it work….. Pilot must consider:
Current wind direction and speed around the aircraft.
Direction the Pilot is going to maneuver the aircraft and wind changes that will be encountered.
Maintain smooth and immediate application of pedals to insure Positive Control of the aircraft

7. Crosswind Components on the Tail Rotor by Definition
Critical Side
Wind direction from 210 degrees to 330 degrees off the left side of the aircraft

8. By Definition: Tail Rotor Vortex Ring State Region
Power Setting will be highest with wind from this direction.
Pedal movement will be erratic and require the pilot to make quick possibly large corrections to control yaw. LEFT AND RIGHT pedal will be required.
Some left lateral cyclic will be required to hold position.

9. Crosswind Components on the Tail Rotor by Definition
Wind Direction
From 285 degrees to 315 degrees

10. By Definition: Main Rotor Interference Region
Power Settings will be close to the same as with wind on the nose to maintain hover.
As the tail rotor moves through the main rotor tip vortices there can be very rapid and abrupt yaw movements and power demands.
If control of the helicopter becomes difficult pedal movement needs to be coordinated to reposition the tail out of the main rotor interference area while maintaining positive control of yaw rate
Cyclic as required.

11. Crosswind Components on the Tail Rotor
Wind from 150 degrees to 210 degrees

12. By Definition: Weathercock Stability Region
Power Setting required to maintain hover will be about the same as wind off the nose.
Pilot will have to shift back and forth on both pedals. These movements become larger as wind gets stronger.
Aft cyclic will be required to maintain hover position and keep the tail down.

13. Corrective Action : SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
Pilot should at all times be aware of the wind direction, general speed and in particular if there is a gust spread.
Anticipate the reaction of the aircraft when operating in crosswind conditions
Make positive and immediate corrections on the tail rotor pedals maintaining control of your heading.
Operate the aircraft based on its limitations as well as your personal limits
Preplan approaches to allow for taxi operations that will give you the best advantage.

14. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Is the problem LTE or Tail Rotor Failure?
How can You as a Pilot Make That Decision?
____________ ______________
What situations can possibly result in LTE?
What situations can lead to tail rotor failure?
What Types of Tail Rotor Failure may Occur?
How will the Helicopter react to a tail rotor failure?
In a Hover? In Forward Flight?

15. What Types of Tail Rotor Failure may Occur?
1. __________________________________
2.__________________________________
3.__________________________________
Partial Tail Rotor Failure
Total Tail Rotor Failure
Catastrophic Tail Rotor Failure

16. What can Fail………

17. SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Is the problem LTE or Tail Rotor Failure?
How can You as a Pilot Make That Decision?
____________ ______________
What situations can possibly result in LTE?
What situations can lead to tail rotor failure?
What Types of Tail Rotor Failure may Occur?
How will the Helicopter react to a tail rotor failure?
In a Hover? In Forward Flight?

18. Review: MATCH THE HELICOPTER TO THE MOST APPROPRIATE STATEMENT1 2 3 4 5
WIND
DIRECTION
WEATHERCOCK STABILITY REGION________
MAIN ROTOR INTERFERENCE REGION__________
TAIL ROTOR VORTEX RING STATE REGION________
CONSIDERED CRITICAL SIDE____________
CROSS WIND SITUATION REQUIRING THE MOST POWER_______________
CROSS WIND SITUATION REQUIRING THE MOST AFT CYCLIC________________