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terminate at the hover altitude with the rate of descent and groundspeed reaching zero at the same time. Approaches are categorized according to the angle of descent as normal, steep, or shallow. In this chapter, concentration is on the normal approach. Steep and shallow approaches are discussed in the next chapter. 

Use the type of approach best suited to the existing conditions. These conditions may include obstacles, size and surface of the landing area, density altitude, wind direction and speed, and weight. Regardless of the type of approach, it should always be made to a specific, predetermined landing spot. 

## Normal Approach to a Hover 

A normal approach uses a descent angle of between 7° and 12°. 

## Technique 

On final approach, at the recommended approach airspeed and at approximately 300 feet AGL, the helicopter should be on the correct ground track (or ground alignment) for the intended landing site, but the axis of the helicopter does not 

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have to be aligned until about 50-100 feet AGL to facilitate a controlled approach. [Figure 9-20]  Just prior to reaching the desired approach angle, begin the approach by lowering the collective sufficiently to get the helicopter decelerating and descending down the approach angle. With the decrease in the collective, the nose tends to pitch down, requiring aft cyclic to maintain the recommended approach airspeed attitude. Adjust antitorque pedals, as necessary, to maintain trim. Pilots should visualize the angle from the landing point to the middle of the skids or landing gear underneath them in the cockpit and maneuver the helicopter down that imaginary slope until the helicopter is at a hover centered over the landing point or touching down centered on the landing point. The most important standard for a normal approach is maintaining a consistent angle of approach to the termination point. The collective controls the angle of approach. Use the cyclic to control the rate of closure or how fast the helicopter is moving towards the touchdown point. Maintain entry airspeed until the apparent groundspeed and rate of closure appear to be increasing. At this point, slowly begin decelerating with slight aft cyclic, and smoothly lower the collective to maintain approach angle. Use the cyclic to maintain a rate of closure equivalent to a brisk walk. 

At approximately 25 knots, depending on wind, the helicopter begins to lose effective translational lift. To compensate for loss of effective translational lift, increase the collective to maintain the approach angle, while maintaining the proper rpm. The increase of collective pitch tends to make the nose rise, requiring forward cyclic to maintain the proper rate of closure. 

As the helicopter approaches the recommended hover altitude, increase the collective sufficiently to maintain the hover. Helicopters require near maximum power to land because the inertia of the helicopter in a descent must be overcome by lift in the rotor system. At the same time, apply aft cyclic to stop any forward movement while controlling the heading with antitorque pedals. 

## Common Errors 

1. Failing to maintain proper rpm during the entire approach. 

2. Improper use of the collective in controlling the angle of descent. 

3. Failing to make antitorque pedal corrections to compensate for collective changes during the approach. 

4. Maintaining a constant airspeed on final approach 

