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## U nusu a l A ttitudes 

A n y man e uver  not required for no rmal helicopter instrument flight is a n un usual attitude and may be caused by any one or combination of factors, such as turbulence, disorientation, instrument failure, confusion, preoccupation with flight deck duties, carelessness in cross-checking, errors in instrument interpretation, or lack of proficiency in aircraft control. Due to the instability characteristics of the helicopter, unusual attitudes can be extremely critical. As soon as an unusual attitude is detected, make a recovery to straight-and-level flight as soon as possible with a mi nimum loss of altitude. 

To recover from an unusual attitud e, a pilot should correct bank-and-pitch attitude and adjust power as necessary. All components are changed almost si multaneously, with little lead of one over the other. A pilot must be able to perform this task with and without the at titude indicator. If the helicopter is in a climbing or desce nding turn, adjust bank, pitch, and power. The bank attitu de should be corrected by referring to the turn-and-slip indicator and attitude indicator. Pitch attitude should be c orrected by reference to the altimeter, airspeed indicator, VS I, and attitude indicator. Adjust power by referring to the airspeed indicator and manifold pressure. 

Since the displacement of the contro ls used in recovery from unusual attitudes may be greater tha n those used for normal flight, make careful adjustments as straight-and-level flight 

is approached. Cross-check t he other instruments c losely to avoid overcontrolling. 

## Common Errors During Unusual Attitude Recoveries 

1. Failure to make proper pitch correction 

2. Failure to make proper bank correction 

3. Failure to make proper power correction 

4. Overcontrolling pitch and/or bank attitude 

5. Overcontrolling power 

6. Excessive loss of altitude 

## Emergencies 

Emergencies during instrument flight are handled similarly to those occurring during VFR flight. A thorough knowledge of the helicopter and its sys tems, as well as good aeronautical knowledge and judgme nt, is the best preparation for emergency situations. Safe operations begin with preflight planning and a thorough preflight inspection. Plan a route of flight to include adequate landing sites in the event of an emergency landing. Make sure all resources, such as maps, publications, flashlights, and fire extinguishers, are readily available for use in an emergency. 

During any emergency, first fly the aircraft. This means ensure the helicopter is under control, and determine 

