ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL SUPPLEMENT FOR THE NOSE UTILITY MOUNT (AF-R44-1)
Robinson R44 Raven II · Flight Manual
Overview
This document is a Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement for the Robinson Helicopter models R44, R44II, and R66, specifically addressing the installation and use of the Airfilm AF-R44-1 Nose Utility Mount. It is intended for pilots and operators who have modified their helicopters with this utility mount system. The supplement provides critical information regarding limitations, procedures, performance impacts, and weight and balance considerations associated with the use of the utility mount. It is essential for ensuring safe operations when external payloads are attached to the helicopter, including cameras and sensors, and outlines necessary adjustments to airspeed limits and operational procedures. The document is FAA approved and must be used in conjunction with the basic Rotorcraft Flight Manual.
- Maximum payload weight on Nose Utility Mount: 50 lbs.
- VNE reduction of 10 KIAS for payload frontal area ≤ 0.7 ft².
- VNE reduction of 30 KIAS for payload frontal area 0.71 ft² to 1.5 ft².
- Check Nose Utility Mount security and surrounding structure for damage during preflight.
- Climb performance reduction of 75 ft/min with Nose Utility Mount installed.
Document
Source
Originally published by meekeraviation.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Flight Manual
- Year
- 2017
- Pages
- 8
- File size
- 172 KB
- Publisher
- meekeraviation.com
Common. One of the most common aircraft types we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Robinson R44 Raven II.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Robinson R44 Raven II for sale now
Free — save the R44 Raven II to your watchlist and track it in one place.
More Robinson R44 Raven IImanuals & documents
See all 45 →- U.S. AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVESAirworthiness Directives
- Emergency Checklist R44 RII – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09Checklist
- R44 SERVICE BULLETIN SB-117Service Bulletins
- ROBINSON MAINTENANCE MANUAL R44 SERIESWiring Diagram
- V-Speeds Reference for the Robinson R44 Raven IIV Speeds Reference
- Advisory Circular: Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground InstructorsTraining Manual
- ROBINSON MODEL R44 SECTION 5 PERFORMANCEPerformance Data
- Airworthiness Directives; Robinson Helicopter Company HelicoptersAirworthiness Directives
- Collision with terrain involving Robinson R44, VH-OCLOther Documents
- MANDATORY SERVICE BULLETIN - LycomingService Bulletins
- PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK AND FAA APPROVED ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUALPilot's Operating Handbook
- Clutch actuator lower bearing seizure and collision with terrain involving Robinson Helicopter Company R44, VH-KOV near Nathan River Station, Northern Territory on 16 May 2022Other Documents
If you fly the Robinson R44 Raven II, you may also be researching these.
In this document
General Information
The Nose Utility Mount (AF-R44-1) is designed for the Robinson R44/R44II and R66 helicopters, allowing for the attachment of external payloads up to 50 lbs. Typical payloads include cameras and sensors. The mount attaches at the landing light cover position and is approved for VFR operations.
Limitations
Airspeed limitations are specified for the utility mount. If a payload with a frontal area of 0.7 ft² or less is installed, the published VNE (Velocity Never Exceed) must be reduced by 10 KIAS. For payloads with a frontal area between 0.71 ft² and 1.5 ft², the VNE must be reduced by 30 KIAS. The maximum allowable frontal area for payloads is 1.5 ft².
Emergency Procedures
There are no changes to the emergency procedures from the basic Rotorcraft Flight Manual. However, it is crucial to adhere to the airspeed reductions specified when a payload is installed.
Normal Procedures
Daily or preflight checks should include verifying the security of the Nose Utility Mount and inspecting the surrounding structure for signs of stress or damage.
Performance
The installation of the Nose Utility Mount does not change hover performance but results in a reduction of climb performance by 75 ft/min.
Weight & Balance
The maximum weight for an external payload on the Nose Utility Mount is 50 lbs. The center of gravity (CG) locations for the payload must be carefully monitored to avoid exceeding limits.
Safety notes
- Ensure alternate landing light sources are installed if payload obscures the landing light beam.
- Check weight and balance prior to each flight to avoid exceeding CG limits.
Full document text
Airfilm Camera Systems 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Georgetown, CA 95634 Supplement No. AF-R44NM-007 FAA APPROVED ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL SUPPLEMENT FOR THE NOSE UTILITY MOUNT (AF-R44-1) ROBINSON HELICOPTER MODEL R44/R44II AND R66 REGISTRATION #: _____________ SERIAL #: ____________ The information in this supplement is FAA approved material and must be attached to the FAA Approved Robinson R44/R44II and R66 Rotorcraft Flight Manual when the rotorcraft has been modified by the installation of Airfilm AF- R44-1 Utility Mount System in accordance with STC SR02660LA The information contained herein supplements or supersedes the information in the basic Rotorcraft Flight Manual only in those areas listed herein. For Limitations, Procedures and Performance information not contained in this Supplement, consult the basic Rotorcraft Flight Manual. FAA APPROVED: ____________________________ Manager, Flight Test Branch, ANM-160L Federal Aviation Administration Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office Transport Airplane Directorate FAA APPROVED DATE: ________________________ Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA Page i LOG OF PAGES Rev No. Pg No. Date Description of Change FAA Approved N/C All 11/21/17 Initial Release Mgr, Flight Test Branch ANM-160L, FAA, Los Angeles ACO, Transport Airplane Directorate Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA FAA Approved: 11/21/2017 Page 1 of 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE SECTION 1 – GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................ 2 SECTION 2 – LIMITATIONS ............................................................... 3 OPERATION ................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED . AIRSPEED ............................................................................................ 3 PLACARDS........................................................................................... 3 LANDING LIGHT......................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED . SECTION 3 – EMERGENCY PROCEDURES.................................... 4 SECTION 4 – NORMAL PROCEDURES ............................................ 5 PREFLIGHT .......................................................................................... 5 SECTION 5 - PERFORMANCE ............................................................ 5 SECTION 6 – WEIGHT & BALANCE................................................. 6 TABLE OF FIGURES FIGURE ........................................................................................... PAGE FIGURE 1. R44 NOSE UTILITY M OUNT INSTALLATION ................................ 2 FIGURE 2 UTILITY M OUNT PAYLOAD DEPICTION ....................................... 6 Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA FAA Approved: 11/21/2017 Page 2 of 6 SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORMATION NOSE UTILITY MOUNT INFORMATION The Nose Utility Mount (AF-R44-1) attaches to the nose of the Robinson R44/R44II and R66 helicopter to provide a means for attaching external payload up to 50 lbs. Typical payloads could include but are not limited to: cameras, sensors, and searchlights. The nose utility mount attaches at the position of the landing light cover located at FS 2.36/WL 42.0/BL 0.0 Searchlight/camera/sensor payloads are attached either direct or with the use of DT-1-1 and DT-1-11 (dovetail). The mount is approved for VFR Operations. Figure 1. R44 Nose Utility Mount installation Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA FAA Approved: 11/21/2017 Page 3 of 6 SECTION 2: LIMITATIONS AIRSPEED LIMITS AIRSPEED LIMITS FOR UTILITY MOUNT • Reduce the published VNE by 10 KIAS with a payload installed on the Nose Utility Mount having a total frontal area of 0.7 ft 2 or less. • Reduce the published VNE by 30 KIAS with a payload installed on the Nose Utility Mount having a total frontal area of .71 ft 2 to 1.5 ft 2 . • No airspeed reduction with only the Utility Mount installed. KINDS OF OPERATION LIMITATIONS NOSE UTILITY MOUNT LIMITATIONS The payload limited to a maximum allowable frontal area of 1.5 ft 2 . and a weight of 50 lbs. If the payload obscures the landing light beam, or produces reflections in the cockpit, and an alternate landing light sources are not installed or nonfunctional, the aircraft is restricted to day VFR conditions only. Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA FAA Approved: 11/21/2017 Page 4 of 6 SECTION 2: LIMITATIONS (cont’d) PLACARDS In clear view and readable by pilot in flight: SECTION 3: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES No change from the basic Rotorcraft Flight Manual. WITH A PAYLOAD INSTALLED ON THE NOSE UTILITY MOUNT REDUCE THE PUBLISHED VNE BY: 10 KIAS when payload frontal area of .7 ft 2 or less. 30 KIAS when payload frontal area of .71 ft 2 to 1.5 ft 2 . Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA FAA Approved: 11/21/2017 Page 5 of 6 SECTION 4: NORMAL PROCEDURES
Show full textShow less
DAILY OR PREFLIGHT CHECKS 12a. Nose Utility Mount: Nose Utility Mount & payload hardware … Check security Nose Structure around Mount………….Check for signs of stress, distortion, fatigue cracking or other damage SECTION 5: PERFORMANCE o Hover Performance – No Change o Climb Performance – 75 ft/min reduction Airfilm Camera Systems Supplement for Robinson Helicopter 6245 Aerodrome Way, Hangar #2 Models R44/R44II and R66 RFM Georgetown, CA 95634 when modified with the Airfilm Utility Mount System Supplement No AF-R44NM-007 STC Number SR02660LA FAA Approved: 11/21/2017 Page 6 of 6 SECTION 6: WEIGHT & BALANCE The Nose Mount payload CG Locations are: DESCRIPTION Weight (lbs) STATION (in) BL (in) Nose Utility Mount Payload (50 Max) Use Actual Payload 2.36 0.0 DT-1-1 Dovetail (Optional) 2.4 2.36 0.0 The maximum weight of an external payload on the nose mount is 50 pounds. Figure 2 Utility Mount Payload Depiction CAUTION The longitudinal CG can be easily exceeded with a nose mounted payload attached. Check weight & balance prior to each flight
775 Robinson R44 Raven II parts for sale
See all →
Parts listed for sale by vetted eBay sellers — confirmed on eBay at checkout.