Outline the autorotation entry and recovery sequence for the UH-60 and the role of rotor RPM control during descent.

Outline the autorotation entry and recovery sequence for the UH-60 and the role of rotor RPM control during descent.

• A. Maintain altitude and power the engine to sustain rotor RPM; disregard rotor RPM.
• B. Increase collective to increase rotor RPM and pitch for climb after touchdown; maintain.
• C. Push the cyclic to maintain orientation; do not worry about RPM.
• D. Lower collective to maintain rotor RPM, maintain airspeed, adjust pitch for best glide and flare; ensure rotor RPM remains within safe range; recover by leveling and set landing.

Answer: (D)

In autorotation you don’t rely on engine power; you rely on a controlled rotor speed fed by the airstream. The key is to keep rotor RPM in the green by using the collective and cyclic together. Lowering the collective reduces blade pitch and rotor drag, which allows rotor RPM to rise toward the safe range as you descend. You also maintain a practical glide speed (best glide) so the forward motion and airframe orientation deliver steady energy into the rotor system and give you good control authority. The cyclic is used to hold the rotor disc in a stable attitude and to shape the descent toward the intended landing area. As you near the ground, you perform a flare by adjusting pitch to decelerate and reduce rate of descent while keeping rotor RPM within safe limits, then level the helicopter and set up the landing with a final contact on the collective to cushion. This sequence ensures rotor RPM stays controlled throughout the descent and you land safely.

In autorotation you don’t rely on engine power; you rely on a controlled rotor speed fed by the airstream. The key is to keep rotor RPM in the green by using the collective and cyclic together. Lowering the collective reduces blade pitch and rotor drag, which allows rotor RPM to rise toward the safe range as you descend. You also maintain a practical glide speed (best glide) so the forward motion and airframe orientation deliver steady energy into the rotor system and give you good control authority. The cyclic is used to hold the rotor disc in a stable attitude and to shape the descent toward the intended landing area. As you near the ground, you perform a flare by adjusting pitch to decelerate and reduce rate of descent while keeping rotor RPM within safe limits, then level the helicopter and set up the landing with a final contact on the collective to cushion. This sequence ensures rotor RPM stays controlled throughout the descent and you land safely.