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

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
4.3.5.2.1. Descending Turn Technique. This maneuver is flown in the same
manner as the climbing turn technique described in 4.3.5.1.1 using a 500
feet/minute descent.
4.3.6. Steep Turns. A turn is considered to be a steep turn if the angle of bank used is
larger than that required for normal instrument flying. Most helicopters use a 30° bank
for practicing steep turns.
4.3.6.1. Entry. Entry into a steep turn is accomplished in the same way as for a
normal turn. As the bank increases, the change in lift vector requires an increase in
power to maintain level flight. The use of trim in steep turns varies with individual
helicopter characteristics and pilot techniques. However, proper coordination will aid
aircraft control and reduce pilot workload. Adjust pitch to maintain airspeed as the
bank is increased.
4.3.6.2. During The Steep Turn. Pitch and power control are maintained in the same
way as in a normal turn; however, larger power adjustments may be required for a
given altitude deviation. Inadvertently varying the angle of bank during the turn
makes altitude control more difficult. Give sufficient attention to the bank pointer to
maintain a constant bank angle. Precession error in the attitude indicator is more
prevalent during steep turns. If altitude loss becomes excessive, reduce the angle of
bank as necessary to regain positive altitude control.
4.3.6.3. Rolling Out Of A Steep Turn. Be alert to correct for the more than normal
trim, pitch, and power used during the turns. Attempt to roll out at the same rate used
during normal turns. Proper pitch and bank attitude control require you to recognize
the effects of gyroscopic precession on attitude indicators. Precession is most
noticeable following a turn or change of airspeed and varies between attitude
indicators. As a result, small airspeed, altitude, and heading deviations may occur
when a wings level attitude is established on the attitude indicator following
maneuvers. Therefore, you may have to temporarily establish an adjusted pitch or
bank attitude on the attitude indicator to maintain straight and level flight with
reference to the performance instruments. The attitude indicator will gradually
resume its normal indications as the erection mechanism automatically corrects these
errors.
4.4. Emergency Descent. Basic instrument techniques may be used to safely perform an
emergency descent in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Because there is no set
procedure for executing an emergency descent, you must consider all variables when
executing an emergency descent. If your helicopter is equipped with a radar altimeter, it is a
good technique to set the low altitude warning marker at or slightly above the required flare
altitude. This will give you a reminder to start a flare if the flare altitude is reached prior to
breaking out of IMC.
4.4.1. Power-On Descent. If a long distance must be covered, then a constant airspeed
descent could be selected using higher than normal airspeeds. If a short distance is to be
covered, then a constant rate descent could be selected using high rates of descent and
slower than normal airspeeds.
4.4.2. Power-Off Descent (Autorotation). If an emergency exists that requires the