May
22
Written by:
CyclicAuthority
5/22/2010 3:35 PM
When I started my commercial training, one of the first things my instructor taught me was a commercial approach, basically an approach flown at 50-60 knots until you are in ground effect, then a quick stop. I suppose it was fun to fly, but for the life of me, I have yet to find this type of approach documented in a text book or a PTS, or really anywhere.
Last week, my school brought in a 3000 hour EMS pilot to fly with each instructor to make sure we are all on the same page with our instruction, and to give us some pointers which I have to admit, were fantastic. He pointed out some ways to teach things that I hadn't seen before and that I feel will make me a better pilot and a better instructor.
This is when he asked me if I knew what a commercial approach was, and if I taught it to my students. I stumbled a bit, and said I had been taught it, but I honestly didn't know what the point was or what the textbook definition was. To my surprise, he agreed. He admitted that it might be his limited experience in EMS, Oil Rigs, and Grand Canyon tours, but if he tried to fly what either of us were originally taught to be a 'commercial approach' in any of those jobs, he really wouldn't need to bother coming in the next day.
So, if anyone out there has an employer, or a type of job that encourages or even requires this type of an approach, please let me know. Otherwise, from now on, a commercial approach is a normal/steep/shallow approach as appropriate, flown to commercial standards, and the maneuver I was originally taught is a hotdog maneuver and has no business in commercial operations.
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Re: Cyclic Authority - Is there such a thing as a 'commercial approach'?
sounds like a stuck pedal approach/quick stop.
Shallow approach = 5 degree angle (manifold press 2 in below hover power to a run on landing)
Normal approach = 10 degree angle
Steep approach = 15 degree angle (slow walking pace/ speed above ETL) to avoid settling with power.
I've used these numbers throughout my own training to maintain consistency.
By parker08 on
2/11/2011 9:59 PM
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Re: Cyclic Authority - Is there such a thing as a 'commercial approach'?
I'm going to have to agree with cyclic authority on thslis also. I'm a entry level pilot, but understand that a prudent approach can be conducted without excessive airspeed and aggressive manuevering. seems like a way to set yourself up for a "norm" that may come out when you don't have the power for that kind of maneuvering. however I was taught how to execute this maneuver, there has never been necessity to use it. its good knowledge to have in the right hands I suppose.
By helicopterpilot88 on
7/26/2011 8:54 PM
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