Purpose
Coordinate collective, ATP, and cyclic inputs to change altitude at a constant attitude and rate; practice climb and descent techniques used in the traffic pattern.
Description
- Use the VFR scan to enter a climb in the proper climb attitude
- Use the VFR scan to enter a descent in the proper attitude
Instructional aids and pre-requisites
- Lesson FC-6 is a pre-requisite
Content
- From straight and level configuration at 75 kias, determine cruise power setting and clear area
- Initiate climb by increasing collective and add aft cyclic to enter a 60 knot attitude
- Stabilize climb at 60 kias and 500΄ per minute
- To level off, lead with forward cyclic at an altitude equal to 10% of the climb rate
- At assigned altitude and cruise airspeed, reduce collective to cruise MAP and return to straight and level configuration
- Reference VSI, airspeed indicator, and altimeter during maneuver
- From straight and level configuration at 75 kias, clear area
- Initiate descent by decreasing collective and add aft cyclic to enter a 60 knot attitude
- Stabilize descent at 60 kias and 500΄ per minute
- To level off, begin to add collective at an altitude within 10% of the climb rate
Common errors
- Not maintaining VFR scan leading to…
- Not clearing the area
- Loss of attitude reference/pitch incursions
- Improper scan or overreliance on instruments
- Overshooting because of distraction or inadequate lead
- Control coordination or hurried control inputs
Completion standards
- Area cleared before initiating maneuvers
- Airspeed within ±10 kias at completion of turn
- Altitude within ±100΄ of assigned altitude
- Heading withing ±10° of assigned
- Aircraft in trim
Teaching considerations
- None specified
Additional practice
- None specified
Additional resources
- None specified