Expert: Mike Hicks - 12/21/2011

Question
At normal cruise speed and altitude, if you suffer tail rotor
failure would you have to enter auto rotation immediately.
Thanks Lee.

Answer
Lee,

First thanks for using AllExperts, to answer your question I will give two answers one by the book, the other by experience and testimony of others. The operators manual (depending on date and version) basically states enter autorotation, however if the aircraft is maneuverable enough to fly to a safer area, or an area with crash rescue, that is what I would do. Then enter autorotation. Now the vagueness of the answer is because tailrotor malfunctions come in couple different versions 1. loss of thrust (tailrotor stops turning or producing lift)with forward airspeed the aircraft may be flyable to a safer point to enter autorotation. 2. Loss of components where not only a loss of thrust has occurred but loss or change of center of gravity.
In case of #2 an immediate autorotation may be the only answer. I hope this answers your question, if not please let me know.

Regards,


Mike Hicks