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Old 2nd Nov 2020, 17:39
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Join Date: Apr 2000
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There is also LTA - loss of tail rotor authority where you reach the pedal stop and still the unintended yaw continues. It is why some aircraft have a reducing crosswind limit with increasing density altitude.

As an example, the Wessex MAUM was 13,600Lbs but in Cyprus at the top of Troodos, the PA was 6,500 and the OAT often in excess of 20 deg C which could leave the DA in excess of 9000'.

The yaw envelope of the venerable old girl narrowed markedly up there and we were limited to 12,500 lbs for landing at the top and coming to a hover wasn't an option.

I took a visiting (Ex-84 Sqn) pilot up there and let him fly the approach as he had done it before when he had been in theatre but I reminded him about the yaw problem we might encounter.

We lost too much speed on short finals and reached the left pedal stop and started to yaw right - the only solution was to turn right, lower the collective slightly and try to get airspeed on. I succeeded but it taught me a lot about yaw control!
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