OBJECTIVES:

In this lesson, the student will learn how to fly a cross and downwind transitions, recognizing the symptoms and the effect on aircraft performance.

LESSON CONTENT:

1. Fully brief the effect of wind on ground track and distance, weathercock effect and the power required.
2. Emphasize the dangers involved when doing downwind transitions (Vortex ring state, and the increased ground distance required etc.)
3. Begin with crosswind transitions (left and right) using a line feature on the ground for ease of demonstration:
   • Establish a steady hover, crosswind.
   • Elect a suitable reference point on the horizon, aligned with the ground line feature if available.
   • Do hover checks, note power required to hover and surplus power available
   • Execute the transition the same as into wind transitions, indicating to the student the increase in ground distance required to go through transition and the difficulty to maintain a constant ground position without drifting left or right.
4. Align the helicopter downwind along a line feature:
   • Establish a steady hover, downwind
   • Elect a suitable reference point on the horizon, aligned with the ground line feature if available.
   • Do hover checks, note power required to hover and surplus power available
   • Gently ease cyclic forward to allow the helicopter to start to accelerating
   • Indicate to the student the increase in amount of power required, increased ground distance needed to go through transition up to 40kts and back to the hover as well as the increased level of difficultly in keeping the helicopter straight and aligned with the reference point and ground line feature.
5. Emphasize the dangers of descending through transition (Vortex)
6. Ensure that the student understands that cross wind and downwind transitions are unfavorable and are only performed when no other option is available. (Into wind)

COMPLETION STANDARDS:

At the completion of this exercise the student will be able to: lift off into wind, establish a steady hover cross or downwind, transition to forward flight and set up a climb to assigned altitude, fly straight and level, establish a descent and transition back to a hover and touch down. The student will be fully aware that downwind transitions are unfavorable, and a crosswind transition should always be considered ahead of a downwind transition provided an into wind, ideal transitional path is not available. The student will be able to correctly interpret the sensation of a downwind transition, and its effect on power and aircraft controllability to serve as a contrast to that of a favorable into wind transition. This exercise will further develop safe decision-making as a prelude to succeeding advanced exercises.