Bladestrike:
I think you will find that with time the 76 will seem less and less slippery. I can see the logic behind your company wanting to maintain 50 KIAS. If you are flying an 'A' model then it is pretty close to VTOSS (52 Kts) a bit of a trade off for simplicity.
I've found over the years that the hardest thing people find about the 76 is getting it to stop. Most pilots who get they're endorsement on the 76 have come off a Bell system (under-slung, semi-rigid head) that reacts much better to a cyclic flare for deceleration.
With a Sikorsky product like the 76 (fully articulated) plus add the forward mast tilt (requiring a nose-high attitude for hover) the problem is a little different.
You will find that by shooting your approach with the head loaded up (ie. 40-45% Q) and 45-50 KIAS, all you require at the bottom is a small flare of 9-10 degrees and an increase in power to about 70% Q to stop the A/C.
Just think of the collective as a big speed brake! BTW, on the 'A++' we use 45 KIAS through 200' with not more than 600 fpm ROD, down to 50' and about 8 degrees of flare at the bottom. This is the primary RFM CAT 'A' approach profile. On the Rig we use 1/2 mile back, 500', 40% Q and 45 KIAS crossing the deck edge at 35 KIAS and 55% Q. Works quite nice actually.
To HOGE:
I agree CAT 'B' is a kinder, gentler approach but I don't think you'll find an offshore operation in the world where CAT 'B' is approved for the 76. It's all CAT 'A' or Class 1.
Cheers, OffshoreIgor
[This message has been edited by offshoreigor (edited 18 January 2001).]