Helicopter Height Velocity Diagram

In every Pilot's Operating Handbook, normally in the performance section, we find the particular helicopter's Height Velocity diagram. What does this graph mean? Simply put, in my opinion, it means that if we fly the helicopter at a speed height (above ground level) combination that puts us in the shaded area of the graph we will not have enough TIME to recover and gain rotor Rpm in the event of an engine failure. For example if we should hover at 50 feet above ground level and experience an engine failure by the time we've lowered the collective pitch and moved the cyclic forward to gain speed we would run out of height before we attain the desired speed rotor rpm combination for a stabilized autorotation as per the manufacturer's recommendation. By the way a lot of books and pilots refer to this graph as the "dead man's curve".

"So what now?" a lot of students ask me. I believe that in order to utilize a helicopter for a certain mission one will and have to spent time in the "dead man's curve". Let's look at a couple of examples: power line maintenance; game capturing; logging; law enforcement and even general flying when one does any form of confined area landing. Obviously there are many more examples. My answer to students is normally plane and simple: "don't spent time in the dead man's curve if it's not necessary". If your work or mission dictates that you fly there by all means but don't make it a habit for your every day flying.

Why then does the manufacturer put the graph in the Pilot's Operating Handbook, normally with the words: "avoid flight in the shaded area of the height velocity diagram"? One reason might be to "cover" themselves, because invariably any engine failure that occurs while the helicopter is in the shaded area of the height velocity diagram results in serious injury or even fatality. I am by no means insinuating that's the only reason.

A last thought on this subject, if a person is VERY concerned about flying in the height velocity diagram I think one should consider in these modern times how many engine failures occur in a helicopter. I personally believe that most helicopter accidents are due to pilot error and not to engine or mechanical failure. I can't emphasize the fact more that if you don't need to spent time in the dead man's curve then don't and if you do try and minimize your time spent there.

By Harry Cameron

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Aviation Lawyer: Whether Passenger, Pilot or Owner, You May

If you or a family member has been the victim of an airplane accident, you should find an Aviation Lawyer (Attorney) to help you. It is important to contact an Aviation Lawyer because of the highly specialized nature of Aviation Law. An Aviation Lawyer will understand law involving the industry, the mechanics of aircraft, types of aircraft, and how defects in these put passengers at risk. Aviation Lawyers do not just work for passengers, but for pilots and aircraft owners as well.

Aviation Law is a very specialized area of law that regulates the operation, safety and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft facilities. Despite increased safety standards, accidents still happen due to the widespread use of air travel which speeds up the wear and damage to airplane parts and mechanisms, and the complex nature of overlying airspace. This airplane wear and damage as well as pilot mistakes cause unnecessary accidents.

Aviation Law began in 1926 with the formation of the Air Commerce Act which regulated the use of aircraft in interstate or foreign business. The next step that Aviation Law took was in 1938 with the Civil Aeronautics Act which created a five person panel which dealt with aircraft, facility, and aviation law within the United States. Then the FAA, the Federal Aviation Agency, was created.

Violations of Aviation Law which justify the seeking of an Aviation Lawyer include (but are not limited to) Aviation Accident Law, FAA License Violation, Aviation Business Disputes, minimizing ownership liability, aircraft ownership problems, sale or purchase of aircraft, negotiating or enforcing contracts, warranty compliance, major overhaul or maintenance deficiencies, loss of use and “down time” claims, first and third party denial of insurance coverage/claims, security breaches, product liability avoidance, fractional ownership contracts, FAA regulatory approval, protection of aviation business, governmental investigations, and hazardous substance transport violations.

Since 2000, the aviation industry has been in financial difficulty due to changes in world economy, the entrance of low-cost carriers, SARS, war, and, of course, terrorism. These factors have led airlines to cut any costs they can to maintain their fragile financial balance. Thus, accidents still occur despite the increased security and safety laws and precautions. These accidents are unnecessary and if you or a family member has been a victim of airline negligence or outright, purposeful ignorance, you should contact an Aviation Lawyer who can help you.

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