To: 4ero
taking LTE out of the equation, as this is about balance...
In the POH (Section 4 Last page) you are cautioned against out of trim and sideslipping flight maneuvers, as they would result in mast bumping and or loss of control. However there is no force behind these cautions since the information on this unnumbered page has never been officially included in the POH by virtue of an FAA signoff although it is based on an FAA priority letter sent to Robinson.
So from that standpoint you can do it.
However if you suffer loss of control Robinson helicopters can state that you were cautioned against doing this. In that case they have a strong case against pilot error.
These maneuvers are performed every day without serious consequences however there have been over 30 loss of control accidents in the R-22 and the R-44 and there must be some technical reason aside from pilot error. The Georgia Tech study pointed out that extreme flapping excursions were the result of Zero G or flying out of trim and sideslipping.
On many accidents it was determined that there was excessive flapping on the cone hinges resulting in the fracture of the blade tusk(s) when they contacted the droop stop(s). In a pure mast-bumping situation there is insufficient energy in the blades when they hit the teeter stops to fracture the blade tusk(s). There is however sufficient energy to contact the mast causing it to fracture.
What caused the blade flapping? You can refer to the Georgia Tech study or, make up your own reasons. It seems that no one wants to believe me.
