Hello
Has anyone got any good advice or tips when flying (B206) in strong gusty hot winds over open flat deserts or near hills/ranges ?? Is it best to reduce speed/power and lower or gain height ?? Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
spencer17
19th Nov 2007, 08:11
Actually we don't have hot winds or deserts up here in Scotland but sometimes it's a little bit breezy.:rolleyes:
In these (very rare:E) cases I reduce power setting and speed and if possible gain some altitude. Makes live easier, really.
Spencer17
arismount
19th Nov 2007, 18:05
In turbulence, reduce airspeed about 20% below max cruise. In a B206, around 85 knots or so. It will make for a more comfortable ride for the passengers.
The first and most important rule of mountain flying is: never put the aircraft in a position where a turn toward lower terrain is not possible.
Exact knowledge of aircraft weight and performance capabilities, plus your own personal limitations, is a must.
When flying over ridges, approach them from a 45 deg angle if possible. If you must approach them dead on, climb an additional 500 to 1000 feet before approaching the ridge.
The most severe wind velocities/turbulence can be avoided if you cross a ridge line high enough. For a rule of thumb, use 1/2 the height of the ridge above the valley floor. Example: Ridge 1000 feet above valley floor, cross ridge at least 500 feet above highest point of ridge line.
Allow yourself much more space or altitude when crossing a ridge into the wind, because you will encounter downdrafts on the near side.
There are many other tips and tricks of mountain flying. Most all the books on the subject are written from an airplane perspective but you can read between the lines and adapt them to helicopters. An internet search should be helpful.