Normal Approach

28 Apr, 2026

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Purpose and Objective

A normal approach allows a helicopter to transition from altitude to a hover. The maneuver should be completed with a constant approach angle and a consistent airspeed reduction, all the way to their spot.

Maneuver

1. Identify the landing site and the flight path to the spot. Either a straight-in approach, base entry or downwind entry.

2. Right before turning base in a pattern, or once the landing site coincides with your reference mark for a normal approach angle, start a slight descent by lowering the collective.

3. As early as possible determine that your reference mark and pace are appropriate. For your reference mark, look across the windscreen to line up the spot with the top of the trim strings. The approach pace should be at a “brisk walking pace”.

4. If the approach is within a normal approach standard, lower carb heat no lower than 200 feet AGL and 30 KTS. If the approach is not within normal approach standards, initiate a go-around.

5. As the helicopter approaches the spot, we reduce our airspeed while maintaining our apparent pace and steady descent by applying slight aft cyclic pressure. At this point we will have to slightly support our descent by raising the collective.

6. Once we feel the vibrations of transverse flow, slightly raise the collective and apply forward cyclic pressure to maintain our reference mark and pace. Attempt to keep these vibrations as much as possible.

7. When the helicopter is over the landing site, raise the collective to eliminate any further descent and apply aft cyclic as necessary to stop any forward movement. 22” of MAP is the magic number.

Maneuver Principles

• The motion parallax effect for that brisk walking pace, further away will seem slower, closer will seem faster.
• The vibrations of transverse flow are are span, and can be played around in.
• Aim just sightly after your spot. You’ll most likely be landing short.

Common Errors

• Not enough forward cyclic when transitioning through effective translation lift.
• Not identifying the correct approach angle or airspeed early on in the approach.

Performance Standards

Private Pilot for Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating ACS, Area of Operation V, Task B

Highlights

• Establish and maintain a normal approach angle and rate of closure.
• Arrive at the termination point, on the surface or at a stabilized hover, ±4 feet.

#maneuver