BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
visibility. It is important to immediately transition to instrument references any time you
become disoriented or when outside visual references become unreliable.
4.2.1. Preparing For The ITO. Before performing an ITO, perform an adequate beforetakeoff
check of all flight and navigation instruments to include publications. Select the
appropriate navigational aids to be used for the departure, and set the navigation
instruments and switches as required. The ATC clearance and departure procedures must
be thoroughly understood before takeoff. It is a good operating practice to have the
appropriate instrument approach procedure charts available in the event an instrument
approach is necessary immediately after takeoff. Review of the approach for an
emergency return should include frequencies, final approach course, DH or MDA, and
minimum safe, sector, or emergency safe altitudes. Brief all crewmembers on specific
duties during an emergency return.
4.2.2. Performing The ITO From A Hover Or The Ground. In helicopters, an ITO may
be accomplished from a hover or from the ground as visibility restrictions permit.
Normally, a composite takeoff is accomplished using normal VMC procedures and
combining reference to the flight instruments with outside visual references to provide a
smooth transition from VMC to IMC flight. Helicopter ITOs may have to be
accomplished entirely on instruments due to restrictions to visibility induced by rotor
downwash on dust, sand, or snow. This downwash may reach 60 to 100 knots,
depending upon the size and weight of the aircraft. Since helicopters often operate from
unprepared or remote locations in the presence of loose dirt or snow, downwash can
easily result in the loss of visual references. This downwash also effects pitot-static
instrumentation. In fact, aircrew manuals warn that airspeed indications should be
considered unreliable when forward airspeed is less than 25 to 40 knots, depending upon
size and weight of aircraft. Additionally, altimeters and vertical velocity indicators will
actually indicate a loss of altitude as power is applied for takeoff. Prior to takeoff, the
attitude indicators should be adjusted by aligning the adjustment knobs with the zero trim
dots (the J-8 attitude indicator is adjusted by aligning the miniature aircraft with the 90°
bank indexes). These settings will provide a constant attitude reference for the ITO
regardless of aircraft attitude at the time of adjustment. After the aircraft is aligned with
the runway or takeoff pad, to prevent forward movement of helicopters equipped with
wheel-type landing gear, set the parking brakes or apply the toe brakes. If the parking
brake is used, it must be unlocked prior to the ITO. Apply sufficient friction to the
collective pitch control to minimize over controlling and to prevent collective pitch creep.
However, in order not to limit pitch control movement, the application of excessive
friction should be avoided.
4.2.3. The Takeoff. After rechecking all instruments for proper operation, start the
takeoff (Figure 4.2) by applying collective pitch to a predetermined power setting.
Ensure power applied is sufficient to gain airspeed and altitude simultaneously and to
prevent settling to the ground. (Helicopters with wheel-type landing gear may also elect
to make running takeoffs if operating from smooth surfaces.) As power is applied and
the helicopter becomes airborne, maintain the desired heading with the pedals, check for
positive climb indications, and set the desired ITO pitch attitude as specified in the flight
manual. When a positive climb indication is obtained, adjust the pitch attitude as
specified in the flight manual. As soon as the takeoff attitude is established, crosscheck