The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.
FM/G208 · Rotary-wing aircraft
The tail rotor counters main rotor torque. If destroyed, the aircraft will spin uncontrollably, especially at low speed or high collective. At speed, tail rotor loss may go unnoticed until slowing. Use the HUD to check for damage if available, or ask nearby aircraft for a visual inspection.
If spinning starts, immediately reduce collective to lower torque and slow the spin. Look for a landing site. Analog rudder can help counter spin. Touch down with full down-collective to minimize rotation. The higher the collective, the worse the spin.
If your tail rotor is damaged at low speeds, increase forward airspeed to stabilize the aircraft via the weathervane effect. increase altitude to 150m, lower collective fully to reduce spin, then pitch forward to gain speed. Controlled flight is possible once spinning stops. Landing will still require caution, as spin returns on slowdown.
When the engine fails, an alarm sounds and rotors begin to spin down. Instantly hold "Thrust Down" to preserve rotor RPM and descend. Keep the nose level and identify a safe landing site.
Maintain controlled descent with rotor RPM by keeping thrust down. As you near 30–50m AGL, level the aircraft and apply "Thrust Up" to use remaining rotor energy to cushion the landing. Poor timing leads to a crash; correct timing can save the aircraft and crew.
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