ROD
Without resorting to theoretical issues, doesn't the rate of descent actually decrease in a high speed autorotation because of the simple fact that you also choose a very low NR in order to get the range? My previoius post of 90kts/90%NR is obviously along the same line of reasoning as the beutiful fake bucket diagrams.
I think a lot of you posters who talk about the rate of descent being higher at higher speed forget the fact that the pilot will raise the collective a) in order to avtually contain an over-RPM condition, b) lower NR to the point where the rate of descent goes down significantly to get the low ROD and thus the range.
I guess the same principle follows in the flare. Unless you have a truly !!!!ty situation, you don't want to rev up too much in the flare. Raising the collective during it will lower your ROD and slow down you ground speed at the same time.
When I was tought advanced autorotations (yes, at PPL level and at type ratings and PCs, still at PPL) we always flare with a very high collective setting and an NR of less than 100%, and the benefit of zero groundspeed easily outweighs the slightly lower NR you end up with just before touchdown. Couple to that the fact that you don't fall through in the flare and you're home safe.
Can any of you high time instructors verify this? 90/90 coupled with a low NR flare?
On a side point, after my 206 type rating a few years ago I totally fell in love with autorotations. Even the 500 and the 300 are fun and a breeze when your fear leaves you and you can concentrate on trying to master the art of beutiful autorotations!