Rotorcraft flight manual : chapter 5 - helicopter

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91

The regulatory framework governing pilot compliance with operating limitations specified in approved rotorcraft flight manuals, markings, and placards.

Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH)

A document that provides essential information for safe operation of a rotorcraft, often used interchangeably with Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM).

FAA-approved RFM

A regulatory document that includes up to ten sections, providing descriptive information, operating limitations, instrument markings, airspeed limitations, altitude limitations, rotor rpm limitations, powerplant limitations, weight and loading distribution, flight limitations, emergency procedures, performance information, weight and balance calculations, aircraft and systems description, handling and maintenance recommendations, optional equipment supplements, safety and operational tips.

General Information (Section 1)

Descriptive information on the rotorcraft and powerplant, including three-view drawings, dimensions, and familiarization with the helicopter's operational dimensions.

Operating Limitations (Section 2)

Necessary limitations for safe operation, including instrument markings, color coding, placards, airspeed, altitude, rotor, powerplant limitations, weight and loading distribution, and flight limitations.

Instrument Markings

Color-coded ranges on instruments indicating safe operation, such as green for continuous operation, red for maximum or minimum operation, and yellow for caution or transition areas.

Airspeed Limitations

Color coding on the airspeed indicator and placards/graphs in the aircraft, including the never exceed speed (VNE), normal operating speed range, and maximum safe autorotation speed.

Weight and Loading Distribution

Maximum certificated weights and center of gravity (CG) range, with reference to the balance computations and weight and balance section of the RFM.

Flight Limitations

Prohibited maneuvers, visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, minimum crew requirements, and pilot seat location for solo flights.

Placards

Important safety information located in a conspicuous place within the cabin, usually in the limitations section, including the VNE placard found in all helicopters.

Emergency Procedures (Section 3)

Concise checklists for various types of emergencies or critical situations, covering engine failure, tail rotor failures, fires, systems failures, restarting an engine, and ditching in water.

Performance (Section 5)

Information required by regulations and additional performance information, including calibrated versus indicated airspeed conversion graph, hovering ceiling versus gross weight charts, and height-velocity diagram.

Weight and Balance (Section 6)

Information required by the FAA for calculating weight and balance, including sample problems to compute proper data.

Aircraft and Systems Description (Section 7)

Description of all systems found on an aircraft, understandable to most pilots, but may assume higher knowledge for larger, more complex helicopters.

Handling, Servicing, and Maintenance (Section 8)

Recommended maintenance and inspections, airworthiness directive (AD) compliance procedures, ground handling procedures, and storage procedures for the helicopter.

Supplements (Section 9)

Information on optional equipment installed on the helicopter, inserted into the flight manual when the equipment is installed.

Safety and Operational Tips (Section 10)

Optional section containing information to enhance the safety of the operation, covering physiological factors, general weather information, fuel conservation procedures, external load warnings, and low rotor rpm considerations.

RFM Chapter Summary

An overview of the RFM, explanation of each section, and emphasis on the importance of following and understanding the flight manual for enhanced safety of flight.