Fly Neighborly Guide - Helicopter Association International

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Fly Neighborly Guide4 How to Operate Helicopters Quietly4 How to Operate HelicoptersQuietlyIn this section, general information is presented on how to fly a helicopter more quietly.Such information applies to the operation of all helicopters. The flight techniques givenin this section are also general in nature and vary somewhat according to the actualhelicopter being flown. Manufacturers have developed recommended noise abatementprocedures for specific models and, when available, these should be followed. Theinformation on HAI’s Web site, www.rotor.com, represents data currently availablefrom the manufacturers. As new data becomes available, HAI will periodically updatethe Web site. In some cases, the noise abatement information is also available in thespecific Rotorcraft Flight Manual. When noise abatement information is not availablefor a specific helicopter model, the flight techniques in the following sections should befollowed. This information is also helpful to supplement the information supplied by amanufacturer.4.1 GeneralIncreasing the distance/separation from noise-sensitive areas is the most effective meansof noise abatement.4.2 Ground OperationsAlthough startup and shutdown procedures are relatively quiet and are usuallyshielded from noise-sensitive areas, it is good practice to reduce the amount of timespent on the ground with the rotor turning. This reduces the noise exposure to groundhandling crews and heliport/airport personnel.Minimize the duration of warm-up or cool-down periods (typically two to threeminutes, although, on some engines it can be as short as 30 seconds). Do not idle at theheliport for extended periods of time.When feasible, park with the rotors running with the nose of the helicopter directed intothe wind to minimize noise. If the wind speed is above 5 knots, avoid parking with thenose 15 degrees or more from the approaching wind. This will minimize tail rotor noise.4.3 Hover / Hover Taxi /Ground TaxiWhen hover turning, make the turn in the direction of the main rotor rotation. Thisminimizes the anti-torque thrust required and, therefore, minimizes the level of noisegenerated by the anti-torque system. Keep the turn rate to as low as practical.4.4 Takeoff and Climb (Departure)Takeoffs are reasonably quiet operations, but you can limit the total ground areaexposed to helicopter sound by using a high rate-of-climb and making a smooth transitionto forward flight. The departure route should be over areas that are least sensitiveto noise.4.5 Enroute and Cruise Flyovern Fly at least at the heights recommended in the Fly Higher Chart (Figure 4).n Fly at the highest practical altitude when approaching metropolitan areas.10produced by the Helicopter Association International n Fly Neighborly Committee
Fly Neighborly Guide4 How to Operate Helicopters Quietlyn Select a route into the landing area over the least populated area.n Follow major thoroughfares or railway tracks.n Avoid flying low over residential and other densely populated areas.n If flight over noise-sensitive areas is necessary, maintain a low to moderate airspeed.n Select the final approach route with due regard to the type of neighborhood surroundingthe landing area, and the neighborhood’s sensitivity to noise. Assessthis sensitivity beforehand for each landing area. Some guidelines are:n Keep the landing area between the helicopter and the most noise-sensitivebuilding or area on approach.n If the landing area is surrounded by noise-sensitive areas, approachusing the recommended noise abatement approach procedure or at thesteepest practical glideslope.n Avoid flying directly over hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and otherhighly noise-sensitive facilities.4.6 Turns (Maneuvers)As a general rule, avoid rapid, ‘high g’/high bank angle turns. When the flight operationrequires turns, perform control movements smoothly.4.7 Descent/Approach and LandingThe approach techniques presented below are designed to avoid the impulsive (BVI)noise generated by the main rotor. These techniques typically use a glideslope that is afew degrees steeper than a normal approach. In addition to avoiding high BVI regimes,steep approaches ensure a greater height over the noise-sensitive area. Once the transitionfrom cruise to the approach glideslope has been made, the airspeed and rate ofdescent can be ‘tailored’ to fit local conditions, avoid unsafe regimes, and still guaranteeminimum noise.4.7.1 Small/light helicoptersFollow one of the noise abatement flight techniques given below and illustrated inFigure 5.n When commencing approach, first establish a rate-of-descent of at least 500 fpm,then reduce airspeed while increasing the rate-of-descent to 700-800 fpm.n Hold the rate-of-descent to less than 200 fpm while reducing airspeed to50-60 knots/60-70 mph, then increase the rate-of-descent to 700-800 fpm.n At a convenient airspeed between 45 and 60 knots/50-70 mph, set up anapproach glideslope while maintaining the 700-800 fpm or greater rate-of-descent.n Increase the rate-of-descent if main rotor BVI noise is heard, or if a steeperglideslope is required.n Just prior to the ‘flare,’ reduce the airspeed below 50 knots/60 mph beforedecreasing the rate-of descent.n Execute a normal flare and landing, decreasing the rate-of-descent and airspeedappropriately.11produced by the Helicopter Association International n Fly Neighborly Committee
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Fly Neighborly Guide - Helicopter Association International

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