Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09
Robinson R66 Turbine · Pilot's Operating Handbook
Overview
This document is an Emergency Checklist specifically for the Robinson R66 helicopter. It provides pilots with critical information regarding various emergency situations that may arise during flight operations. The checklist outlines fault conditions, corrective actions, and definitions for terms such as 'Land Immediately' and 'Land as Soon as Practical.' It serves as a quick reference for pilots to ensure safety and proper procedures in the event of emergencies, including engine failure, loss of oil pressure, and electrical issues. The document emphasizes the importance of consulting the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), and Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for comprehensive guidance.
- Land immediately if there is a fire in the engine compartment.
- If oil pressure drops, land immediately if confirmed; otherwise, land as soon as practical.
- Maintain a glide speed of 70 KIAS during power failure in flight.
- For engine fires, pull fuel cutoff and land immediately if the engine is running.
- If metallic particles are detected in the gearbox, land immediately if accompanied by other issues.
Document
Source
Originally published by www.heli-academy.ch. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Pilot's Operating Handbook
- Year
- 2025
- Pages
- 10
- File size
- 310 KB
- Publisher
- www.heli-academy.ch
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Performance
- Best glide speed (kt)
- 70
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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- Airworthiness Bulletin AWB 53-012 Issue 1 - 14 October 2024Other Documents
- Federal Register Index January–September 2024Supplemental Type Certificate
- ROBINSON MAINTENANCE MANUAL MODEL R66Service Bulletins
- Pilot's Operating HandbookWeight And Balance
- R66 PILOT'S OPERATING HANDBOOK AND FAA APPROVED ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUALPilot's Operating Handbook
- R22, R44 & R66 MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION KITS – 20 OCTOBER 2022Parts Catalog
- ROBINSON MODEL R66 SECTION 4 NORMAL PROCEDURESChecklist
- KI-233 Revision EService Bulletins
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In this document
Emergency Procedures
The checklist details various emergency scenarios including engine failure, loss of oil pressure, and indications of fire. For instance, if there is a fire in the engine compartment, pilots are instructed to verify the presence of fire and land immediately if confirmed. In the case of low oil pressure, immediate landing is also advised.
Fault Conditions and Corrective Actions
Each fault condition is paired with corrective actions. For example, if metallic particles are detected in the main rotor gearbox, pilots should land immediately if accompanied by other indications like noise or vibration. If no other issues are present, landing should be done as soon as practical.
Definitions of Landing Instructions
The document defines critical terms such as 'Land Immediately' which means to land in the nearest clear area, and 'Land as Soon as Practical' which allows the pilot to choose a landing site based on the situation.
Power Failure Procedures
In the event of a power failure in flight, the checklist provides a step-by-step guide for maintaining control and executing a safe landing. It includes recommended glide speeds and descent rates.
Engine Fire Procedures
The checklist outlines procedures for handling engine fires both during start on the ground and in flight, emphasizing the importance of shutting off fuel and executing an autorotation if necessary.
Safety notes
- Always refer to the POH, AFM, and RFM for detailed procedures and safety information.
- Do not attempt air restart below 2000 ft AGL if engine malfunction is suspected.
- Be prepared to enter autorotation during approach if required.
Full document text
Emergency Checkli st Robinson R66 – Warning & C aution Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! FAULT CONDITION Indicates excessive temperature or low oil pressure in main gearbox. CORRECTIVE ACTION LAND IMMEDIATELY FAULT CONDITION Indicates possible fire in engine compartment. CORRECTIVE ACTION Verify if there is a fire (fly a turn and look for signs like smoke) and, if fire is confirmed: LAND IMMEDIATELY See procedure fire on ground/flight. FAULT CONDITION Indicates loss of engine oil pressure. CORRECTIVE ACTION 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. DEFINITIONS LAND IMMEDIATELY - Land on the nearest clear area where a safe normal 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. MR TEMP/ PRESS ENGINE FIRE ENGINE OIL Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! FAULT CONDITION Indicates metallic particles in main rotor gearbox. Indicates metallic particles in tail gearbox. Indicates metallic particles in engine. CORRECTIVE ACTION If 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 NOTE 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. FAULT CONDITION Indicates generator failure. CORRECTIVE ACTION Turn off non- essential electrical equipment and switch GEN to RESET and back to ON. If light stays on: LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL FAULT CONDITION Indicates approximately five gallons of usable fuel remaining. The engine will run out of fuel after ten minutes at cruise power. CORRECTIVE ACTION LAND IMMEDIATELY Caution: Do not use low fuel caution light as a working indication of fuel quantity. FAULT CONDITION Indicates fuel filter contamination. CORRECTIVE ACTION If no other indication of a problem exists: LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL If light is accompanied by erratic engine operation: LAND IMMEDIATELY MR CHIP TR CHIP ENGINE CHIP GEN LOW FUEL FUEL FILTER Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! FAULT CONDITION Indicates rotor speed below 95% RPM. Note: Horn is provided by speakers in the side of the instrument console on earlier aircraft (HB-ZWH) 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. CORRECTIVE ACTION To restore RPM IMMEDIATELY LOWER COLLECTIVE, verify throttle full open and, in forward flight, apply aft cyclic. NOTE: Light is disabled when collective is full down. FAULT CONDITION Indicates baggage compartment door, fuel filler cowl door, or an engine cowl door is not closed. Note: Depending on your R66 Mode,l not all doors are equipped with a sensor. As of 01/2023 HB-ZWH has only a sensor for the fuel filler cowl door. CORRECTIVE ACTION LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL FAULT CONDITION Indicates air filter contamination or blockage. CORRECTIVE ACTION Engine is operating on unfiltered air via filter bypass doors. LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL …and inspect filter. FAULT CONDITION While annunciator panel test button is depressed, indicates Engine Monitoring Unit status. CORRECTIVE ACTION Steady illumination of the annunciator means normal EMU operation. A slowly flashing indication (once every two seconds) or no illumination means there is a fault in the EMU’s senders or circuitry. A fast-flashing indication (four times per second) is given if the EMU has detected an exceedance. A fault or exceedance indication should be investigated and reset by a qualified mechanic prior to the next flight. LOW RPM COWL DOOR AIR FILTER EMU Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! FAULT CONDITION Indicates rotor brake is engaged. CORRECTIVE ACTION Release IMMEDIATELY in flight or before starting engine. 01/2023 n/a HB-ZWH FAULT CONDITION Indicates hydraulic system is switched off. CORRECTIVE ACTION Switch hydraulic system back on (switch located on the cyclic). CONDITION The green ANTI-ICE annunciator is activated by a pressure switch in the anti-ice air line, indicating when anti- ice is ON and functioning. Note: Electrical power to the anti-ice solenoid is required to switch anti-ice OFF (system is fail-safe ON). NOTES Engine anti-ice must be on for operation in visible moisture in ambient temperatures at or below 4°C (40°F). A solenoid-actuated valve controlled by the anti-ice switch allows hot compressor discharge air to flow to the compressor nose bearing support. Engine anti-ice degrades aircraft performance. With engine anti-ice on, add 10 °c to OAT. 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. Note: 01/2023 HB-ZWH is not equipped with this system. 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
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ten seconds, then turn igniter switch OFF to stop starter. Note: 01/2023 HB-ZWH is not equipped with this system. ROTOR BRAKE HYD ANTI ICE Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Emergency Checkli st Robinson R66 - Proc edures Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! PROBLEM POWER FAILURE IN FLIGHT A power failure may be caused by either an engine or drive system failure. INDICATION ACTION 1. Collective down, maintain attitude (aft cyclic, right pedal) 2. Establish steady glide • Rec. Glide Speed: 70 KIAS | RPM 95 – 106 % • Min. ROD: 60 KIAS | RPM 90 % • Max. Glide: 90 KIAS | RPM 90 % 3. Select landing spot and 4. If unable to restart, turn unnecessary switches and fuel valve off. 5. At about 40 feet AGL, begin cyclic flare to reduce rate of descent and forward speed. 6. 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. 8 – 500 ft AGL Straight in landing 500 – 1000 ft AGL Select landing spot, if possible into wind > 2000 ft AGL After established Autorotation, air restart maybe attempted PROBLEM POWER FAILURE IN HOVER A power failure may be caused by either an engine or drive system failure. ACTION 1. Apply right pedal as required to prevent yawing. 2. Allow aircraft to settle. 3. Raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. TASK AIR RESTART PROCEDURE CAUTION: Do not attempt restart if engine malfunction is suspected or before safe autorotation is established. Caution: Air restarts not recommended below 2000 ft AGL. ACTION 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. LOW RPM NOISE & VIBRATION OIL PRESSURE DECRASIN G RPM N1 or N2 DECREASING ROTOR RPM OIL P LIGHT GEN LIGHT YAW LOW RPM Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! PROBLEM LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST IN FORWARD FLIGHT Mechanical error, bird or object strike, material fatigue. INDICATION Failure is usually indicated by nose right yaw which cannot be corrected by applying left pedal. ACTION 1. Immediately enter autorotation. 2. Maintain at least 70 KIAS if practical. 3. Select landing site, roll throttle off into overtravel spring, 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. PROBLEM LOSS OF TAIL ROTOR THRUST IN HOVER Mechanical error, bird or object strike, material fatigue. INDICATION Failure is usually indicated by nose right yaw which cannot be corrected by applying left pedal. ACTION 1. Immediately roll throttle off into overtravel spring and allow aircraft to settle. 2. Raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. PROBLEM HEADSET AUDIO FAILURE ACTION If headset audio fails, land as soon as practical. Note: For aircraft which provide low RPM horn through the audio system, pilot will not hear horn with a failed headset. RIGHT YAW LEFT PEDAL HAS NO EFFECT RIGHT YAW LEFT PEDAL HAS NO EFFECT x x x Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! PROBLEM ENGINE FIRE DURING START ON GROUND INDICATION • Visible Fire/Smoke • Smell of smoke • Abnormal Indications • Excessive MGT • Engine Fire Warning Light ACTION 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 150 °C or if fire worsens. 5. If time permits, apply rotor brake to stop rotors. 6. Exit helicopter. PROBLEM ENGINE FIRE IN FLIGHT INDICATION • Visible Fire/Smoke • Smell of smoke • Abnormal Indications • Excessive MGT • Engine Fire Warning Light ACTION 1. Immediately enter autorotation. 2. Cabin heat – OFF (if time permits). 3. Landing ▪ 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 helicopter. PROBLEM ELECTRICAL FIRE IN FLIGHT INDICATION • Visible Fire • Smell of smoke • Visible Smoke • Abnormal Indications ACTION 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 helicopter. Caution: Low RPM warning system is inoperative with battery and generator switches both off. Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! PROBLEM TACHOMETER FAILURE INDICATION • No Tacho readout • Unusual indication ACTION 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. PROBLEM POWER TURBINE GOVERNOR FAILURE INDICATION • Rise or Fall N2 RPM ACTION 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. PROBLEM TAIL ROTOR CONTOL PROB- LEM IN FLIGHT (STUCK PEDAL) Pedal blockage, mechanical failure INDICATION Left or right yaw which can’t be corrected by applying opposite pedal input. ACTION 1. Stabilize flight with appropriate power setting and speed (around 70 kts) 2. If possible, get safe distance to ground (ca. 1000 ft AGL) 3. Verify problem with different power settings 4. Verify minimum safe speed to control yaw with tail fin 5. Select suitable landing spot, if possible hard surface 6. Perform running landing ROTOR TACH FAIL ENGINE TACH FAIL DUAL TACH FAIL LOW, HIGH ERRATIC RPM YAW YAW Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! PROBLEM HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FAILURE INDICATION 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. ACTION 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. PROBLEM RIGHT ROLL IN LOW “G” CONDITION ACTION Gradually apply aft cyclic to restore positive “G” forces and main rotor thrust. Do not apply lateral cyclic until positive “G” forces have been established. PROBLEM UNCOMMANDED PITCH, ROLL OR YAW RESULTING FROM FLIGHT IN TURBULENCE. ACTION Gradually apply controls to maintain rotor RPM, positive “G” forces, and to eliminate sideslip. Minimize cyclic control inputs in turbulence; do not overcontrol. PROBLEM INADVERTENT ENCOUNTER WITH MODERATE, SEVERE, OR EXTREME TURBULENCE. ACTION If the area of turbulence is isolated, depart the area; otherwise, land the helicopter as soon as practical. INFORMATION PER FAA AD 95-26-04 Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW Information only! Always refer to POH, AFM, RFM! PROBLEM TAIL ROTOR CONTOL PROB- LEM IN HOVER (STUCK PEDAL) Pedal blockage, mechanical failure INDICATION Left or right yaw which can’t be corrected by applying opposite pedal input. ACTION RIGHT YAW 1. Immediately roll throttle off into overtravel spring and allow aircraft to settle. 2. Raise collective just before touchdown to cushion landing. LEFT YAW 1. Counteract yaw by increasing torque (raise collective) 2. Settle the aircraft using inertia PROBLEM EMERGENCY WATER LANDING INDICATION Same as Power Failure in Flight. ACTION POWER OFF 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. POWER ON 1. Descend to hover above water. 2. Unlatch doors. 3. Passenger exit aircraft. 4. Fly to safe distance from passenger to avoid possible injury by rotors. 5. Switch battery and alternator OFF. 6. Roll throttle off into overtravel spring. 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. YAW YAW Emergency Checklist R66 – Heli Academy V1.0 2025-09 | SW






