EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Robinson R66 Turbine · Emergency Procedures
Overview
This document provides emergency procedures for the Robinson R66 helicopter, detailing critical actions to take in various emergency scenarios. It is intended for pilots operating the R66, offering guidance on handling power failures, engine fires, and other in-flight emergencies. The procedures are designed to ensure safety and effective response during critical situations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control and executing proper landing techniques. Each section outlines specific steps to follow based on the nature of the emergency, along with cautionary notes to prevent further complications.
- Lower collective immediately to enter autorotation during a power failure.
- Maintain rotor RPM between 95% and 106% during power failure procedures.
- For maximum glide distance, fly at approximately 90 KIAS with rotor RPM at 90%.
- In case of engine fire, pull fuel cutoff and exit the aircraft quickly after stopping the rotors.
- If experiencing loss of tail rotor thrust, close throttle and enter autorotation.
Document
Source
Originally published by robinsonstrapistorprod.blob.core.windows.net. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Emergency Procedures
- Year
- 2020
- Pages
- 12
- File size
- 412 KB
- Publisher
- robinsonstrapistorprod.blob.core.windows.net
Common. Rarer than 5% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Robinson R66 Turbine.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
Free — save the ROBINSON R66 Turbine to your watchlist and track it in one place.
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In this document
Power Failure – General
This section describes the indications of a power failure, which may stem from engine or drive system issues. Pilots are instructed to lower collective to enter autorotation and reduce airspeed to power-off Vne or below. Cautions are provided regarding the use of aft cyclic during high-speed descents and the risk of blade strikes during touchdown.
Power Failure Above 500 Feet AGL
In the event of a power failure above 500 feet AGL, pilots should lower collective to maintain rotor RPM and establish a glide at approximately 70 KIAS. The section outlines steps for selecting a landing spot and attempting a restart if time allows, as well as procedures for landing safely.
Emergency Water Landing – Power Off
This section details the steps for conducting an emergency water landing with the power off, including preparing the aircraft before contact with water and actions to take once in the water to ensure passenger safety.
Engine Fire During Start or Shutdown
Pilots are instructed to respond to engine fires during start or shutdown by cutting off fuel and shutting down the battery if necessary. The section emphasizes the importance of exiting the aircraft quickly after stopping the rotors.
Loss of Tail Rotor Thrust in Forward Flight
This section outlines the immediate actions to take if there is a loss of tail rotor thrust while in forward flight, including entering autorotation and maintaining airspeed.
Safety notes
- Do not apply aft cyclic during touchdown to prevent possible blade strike to tailcone.
- Do not attempt restart if engine malfunction is suspected before safe autorotation is established.
- Low RPM warning system is inoperative with battery and generator switches both OFF.
Full document text
SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES CONTENTS Page Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Power Failure – General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 Power Failure Above 500 feet AGL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Power Failure Between 8 and 500 feet AGL . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Power Failure Below 8 feet AGL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 Maximum Glide Distance Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Minimum Rate of Descent Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Air Restart Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Emergency Water Landing – Power Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Emergency Water Landing – Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Loss of Tail Rotor Thrust in Forward Flight . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Loss of Tail Rotor Thrust in Hover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Headset Audio Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Engine Fire During Start or Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Engine Fire in Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Electrical Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Tachometer Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Hydraulic System Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Power Turbine Governor Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7 Red Warning Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Amber Caution Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Audio Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 13 MAR 2020 3-i INTENTIONALLY BLANK SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES DEFINITIONS Land Immediately – Land on the nearest clear area where a safe landing can be performed. Be prepared to enter autorotation during approach, if required. Land as soon as practical – Landing site is at pilot’s discretion based on nature of problem and available landing areas. Flight beyond nearest airport is not recommended. POWER FAILURE – GENERAL A power failure may be caused by either an engine or drive system failure and will usually be indicated by the low RPM horn. An engine failure may be indicated by a change in noise level, nose left yaw, an engine oil pressure light, or decreasing N 1 or N2 RPM. A drive system failure may be indicated by an unusual noise or vibration, nose right or left yaw, or decreasing rotor RPM while N 2 RPM is increasing. In case of power failure, immediately lower collective to enter autorotation and reduce airspeed to power-off V ne or below. CAUTION Aft cyclic is required when collective is lowered at high airspeed. CAUTION Do not apply aft cyclic during touchdown or ground slide to prevent possible blade strike to tailcone. ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 19 OCT 2016 3-1 ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 21 FEB 2014 3-2 POWER FAILURE ABOVE 500 FEET AGL 1. Lower collective immediately to maintain rotor RPM. 2. Establish a steady glide at approximately 70 KIAS. (For maximum glide distance or minimum rate of descent, see page 3-3.) 3. Adjust collective to keep RPM between 95 and 106% or apply full down collective if light weight prevents attaining above 95%. 4. Select landing spot and, if altitude permits, maneuver so landing will be into wind. 5. A restart may be attempted at pilot’s discretion if sufficient time is available (See “Air Restart Procedure”, page 3-3). 6. If unable to restart, turn unnecessary switches and fuel valve off. 7. At about 40 feet AGL, begin cyclic flare to reduce rate of descent and forward speed. 8. At about 8 feet AGL, apply forward cyclic to level ship and raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. Touch down in level attitude with nose straight ahead. POWER FAILURE BETWEEN 8 FEET AND 500 FEET AGL 1. Lower collective immediately to maintain rotor RPM. 2. Adjust collective to keep RPM between 95 and 106% or apply full down collective if light weight prevents attaining above 95%. 3. Maintain airspeed until ground is approached, then begin cyclic flare to reduce rate of descent and forward speed. 4. At about 8 feet AGL, apply forward cyclic to level ship and raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. Touch down in level attitude and nose straight ahead. POWER FAILURE BELOW 8 FEET AGL 1. Apply right pedal as required to prevent yawing. 2. Allow helicopter to settle. 3. Raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES MAXIMUM GLIDE DISTANCE CONFIGURATION 1. Airspeed approximately 90 KIAS. 2. Rotor RPM approximately 90%. Best glide ratio is about 5.5:1 or one nautical mile per 1100 feet AGL. MINIMUM RATE OF DESCENT CONFIGURATION 1. Airspeed approximately 60 KIAS. 2. Rotor RPM approximately 90%. Minimum rate of descent is about 1300 feet per minute. Glide ratio is about 4.5:1 or one nautical mile per 1350 feet AGL. CAUTION Increase rotor RPM to 95% minimum or full down collective when autorotating below 500 feet AGL. AIR RESTART PROCEDURE CAUTION Do not attempt restart if engine malfunction is suspected or before safe autorotation is established. An immediate restart may be attempted by pressing the start button if N1 is above 20% (within approximately 10 seconds of power loss). It is not necessary to close throttle or pull fuel cutoff for immediate restart. If N1 has decayed to 20% or below, use the following procedure: 1. Fuel cutoff - Pull OFF. 2. Throttle - Closed. 3. Start button - Push and release. 4. N1 15% or above - push fuel cutoff ON. 5. After peak MGT- throttle full open. FAA APPROVED: 16 APR 2013 3-3 ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES EMERGENCY WATER LANDING - POWER OFF
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1. Follow same procedures as for power failure over land until contacting water. If time permits, unlatch doors prior to water contact. 2. Apply lateral cyclic when aircraft contacts water to stop rotors. 3. Release seat belt and quickly clear aircraft when rotors stop. EMERGENCY WATER LANDING - POWER ON 1. Descend to hover above water. 2. Unlatch doors. 3. Passengers exit aircraft. 4. Fly to safe distance from passengers to avoid possible injury by blades. 5. Switch battery and generator OFF. 6. Close throttle. 7. Keep aircraft level and apply full collective as aircraft contacts water. 8. Apply lateral cyclic to stop rotors. 9. Release seat belt and quickly clear aircraft when rotors stop. FAA APPROVED: 25 OCT 2010 3-4 LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST IN FORWARD FLIGHT Failure is usually indicated by nose right yaw which cannot be corrected by applying left pedal. 1. Immediately close throttle and enter autorotation. 2. Maintain at least 70 KIAS if practical. 3. Select landing site and perform autorotation landing. NOTE When a suitable landing site is not available, the vertical stabilizers may permit limited controlled flight at low power settings and airspeeds above 70 KIAS; however, prior to reducing airspeed, enter full autorotation. LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST IN HOVER Failure is usually indicated by right yaw which cannot be stopped by applying left pedal. 1. Immediately close throttle to reduce yaw rate and allow aircraft to settle. 2. Raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. HEADSET AUDIO FAILURE If headset audio fails, land as soon as practical. CAUTION For aircraft which provide low RPM horn through the audio system, pilot will not hear horn with a failed headset. ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 13 MAR 2020 3-5 ENGINE FIRE DURING START OR SHUTDOWN Fire may be indicated by excessive MGT or by engine fire warning light. 1. Fuel cutoff – Pull OFF. 2. Start button – Push and release. 3. Fuel valve knob – Pull OFF. 4. Battery switch – OFF when MGT decreases to 150ºC or if fire worsens. 5. If time permits, apply rotor brake to stop rotors. 6. Exit aircraft. ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT 1. Immediately enter autorotation. 2. Cabin heat – OFF (if time permits). 3. If engine is running, land immediately, then pull fuel cutoff OFF and pull fuel valve knob OFF. If engine stops running, pull fuel cutoff OFF, pull fuel valve knob OFF, and complete autorotation landing. 4. If time permits, apply rotor brake to stop rotors. 5. Exit aircraft. ELECTRICAL FIRE 1. Battery and generator switches – OFF. 2. Open cabin vents. 3. Land Immediately. 4. Pull fuel cutoff OFF and pull fuel valve knob OFF. 5. If time permits, apply rotor brake to stop rotors. 6. Exit aircraft. NOTE Low RPM warning system is inoperative with battery and generator switches both OFF. ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 21 FEB 2014 3-6 ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 16 APR 2013 3-7 TACHOMETER FAILURE If rotor or N2 tachometer malfunctions in flight, use remaining tach to monitor RPM. If it is not clear which tach is malfunctioning or if both tachs malfunction allow power turbine governor to control RPM and land as soon as practical. NOTE The rotor tach, N2 tach, and low RPM warning horn are each on separate circuits. A special circuit allows the battery to supply power to the tachs with the battery and generator switches both OFF. HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE Hydraulic system failure is indicated by heavy or stiff cyclic and collective controls. Loss of hydraulic fluid may cause intermittent and/or vibrating feedback in the controls. Control will be normal except for the increase in stick forces. 1. HYD Switch - Verify ON. 2. If hydraulics not restored, HYD Switch - OFF. 3. Adjust airspeed and flight condition as desired for comfortable control. 4. Land as soon as practical. A run-on landing is recommended if a suitable landing surface is available. POWER TURBINE GOVERNOR FAILURE Governor failure is indicated by a rise or fall of N2 RPM. If N2 overspeeds, attempt to control RPM with throttle. If N2 underspeeds, verify throttle is full open and reduce collective to control RPM. If governor failure is suspected, land as soon as practical. If manual RPM control is not possible, lower collective, close throttle, and complete autorotation landing per power failure procedures. ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 21 FEB 2014 3-8 RED WARNING INDICATORS MR TEMP/ PRESS Indicates excessive temperature or low oil pressure in main gearbox. Land immediately. ENGINE FIRE Indicates possible fire in engine compart- ment. See procedures on page 3-6. ENGINE OIL Indicates loss of engine oil pressure. If oil pressure gage confirms pressure loss, land immediately. Otherwise, land as soon as practical. N1 below 50% RPM indicates a possible flameout and an air restart may be attempted. AMBER CAUTION INDICATORS MR CHIP Indicates metallic particles in main gearbox. See note below. TR CHIP Indicates metallic particles in tail gearbox. See note below. ENGINE CHIP Indicates metallic particles in engine. See note below. NOTE If chip light is accompanied by any indication of a problem such as noise, vibration, or temperature rise, land immediately. If there is no other indication of a problem, land as soon as practical. Break-in fuzz will occasionally activate chip lights. If no metal chips or slivers are found on detector plug, clean and reinstall (tail gearbox must be refilled with new oil). Hover for at least 30 minutes. If chip light comes on again, have affected gearbox serviced before further flight. ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES FAA APPROVED: 13 MAR 2020 3-9 AMBER CAUTION INDICATORS (cont’d) GEN Indicates generator failure. Turn off non- essential electrical equipment and switch GEN to RESET and back to ON. If light stays on, land as soon as practical. LOW FUEL Indicates approximately five gallons of usable fuel remaining. The engine will run out of fuel after 10 minutes at cruise power. CAUTION Do not use LOW FUEL as a working indication of fuel quantity. FUEL FILTER Indicates fuel filter contamination. If no other indication of a problem exists, land as soon as practical. If light is accompanied by erratic engine operation, land immediately. LOW RPM Indicates rotor speed below 95% RPM. To restore RPM, immediately lower collective, verify throttle full open and, in forward flight, apply aft cyclic. COWL DOOR Indicates baggage compartment door, fuel filler cowl door, or an engine cowl door is not closed. Land as soon as practical. AIR FILTER Indicates air filter contamination or blockage. Engine is operating on unfiltered air via filter bypass doors. Land as soon as practical and inspect filter. EMU While annunciator panel test button is depressed, indicates Engine Monitoring Unit status. See description in Section 7. ROTOR BRAKE Indicates rotor brake is engaged. Release immediately in flight or before starting engine. HYD (if installed) Indicates hydraulic system is switched off. FAA APPROVED: 21 JUN 2021 3-10 ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 3 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AUDIO ALERTS R66 helicopters provide the following audio alerts: LOW RPM HORN Horn is provided by speakers in the side of the instrument console on earlier aircraft or through the audio system on later aircraft. The horn activates simultaneously with LOW RPM on the annunciator panel and indicates rotor speed below 95% RPM. To restore RPM, lower collective, verify throttle full open, and, in forward flight, apply aft cyclic. Horn is disabled when collective is full down. HIGH RPM WARBLE On later aircraft, a warble (high/low tone) in the audio system indicates rotor speed is approaching the 106% RPM limit. Raise collective as required to control RPM. HIGH TORQUE/MGT BEEP On later aircraft, a beeping tone in the audio system indicates either engine torque above 100% or MGT above 782°C (above 5-minute limits). Lower collective to reduce power. A beeping tone during start indicates MGT above 860°C. To avoid exceeding 927°C start limit, immediately pull fuel cutoff OFF, wait ten seconds, then turn igniter switch OFF to stop starter.