No More Fulldowns

[vaqueroaero]

The FAA has finally decided that full down autorotations are to be removed from the flight syllabus. It is now no longer a requirement at any level.
Date: April 10, 2006
To: All Regional Flight Standards Division Managers
Manager, Regulatory Support Division, AFS-600
Manager, Civil Aviation Registry, AFS-700
Manager, General Aviation and Commercial Division, AFS-800
From: James J. Ballough, Director, Flight Standards Service, (original signed by John M. Allen)
Prepared by: John D. Lynch
Subject: Elimination of the Simulated Power-off Autorotation to a Touchdown Task on the Flight Instructor - Rotorcraft Helicopter and Gyroplane Practical Test
I have decided to eliminate the simulated power-off autorotation to a touchdown task from the Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft Helicopter, and Gyroplane, FAA-S-808 1 -7A. Effective the date of this memorandum, the requirement for performing a touchdown autorotation on the Flight Instructor-Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) practical test is no longer required.
Furthermore, this memorandum eliminates the need for the National Resource Inspector Program designation for aviation safety inspectors who conduct proficiency checks and practical tests in helicopters that require applicants to perform the simulated power-off autorotation to a touchdown task. This National Resource Inspector Program designation was established when FAA Notice 8700.39, Requirements for Simulated Power-Off Autorotation to a Touchdown, was issued. FAA Notice 8700.39 expired on March 21,2006.
As a result of eliminating the simulated power-off autorotation to a touchdown task from the practical test, there are no other requirements for performing touchdown autorotation in helicopters on proficiency checks or practical tests. Therefore, aviation safety inspectors and designated pilot examiners are no longer authorized to require applicants to perform the simulated power-off autorotation to a touchdown task on the Flight Instructor-Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) practical test.
I am requesting that this memorandum be distributed to all Flight Standards District Offices and the Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, for dissemination to aviation safety inspectors, designated pilot examiners, part 141 pilot schools, and the other helicopter training providers in areas of jurisdiction.
Until the Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft, Helicopter, and Gyroplane, FAA-S-808 1 -7A, is revised, please comply with the policy contained in this memorandum. If you should have further questions, please contact Inspector John D. Lynch, Certification and General Aviation Operations Branch, AFS-810, at [phone].
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