ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL SUPPLEMENT. TO THE BELL MODEL UH-1H ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL for the APICAL EMERGENCY FLOAT KIT

Transcription

1 SUPPLEMENT TO THE for the APICAL EMERGENCY FLOAT KIT This supplement is to be used when the rotorcraft is modified by the installation of the Apical Float Kit for UH-1H helicopters. The information contained herein supplements or supersedes the basic manual only in those areas listed herein. For limitations, procedures, and performance information not contained in this supplement, consult the basic Rotorcraft Flight Manual.

2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION...2 SECTION I - OPERATING LIMITATIONS...4 TYPE OF OPERATION...4 FLIGHT WITH OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED...4 AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS...4 ALTITUDE...5 FLOAT ARMING...5 SECTION II - NORMAL PROCEDURES...6 EXTERIOR CHECK...6 INTERIOR CHECK...7 IN-FLIGHT OPERATIONS...7 BEFORE LANDING OVER WATER...7 SECTION III - EMERGENCY AND MALFUNCTION PROCEDURES..8 INADVERTENT FLOAT INFLATION IN FLIGHT...8 ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS...8 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE...9 EMERGENCY DITCHING...9 EGRESS AFTER WATER LANDING...10 SECTION IV - PERFORMANCE DATA...10 FIGURES Figure 1 Manual Emergency Float Inflation Handle...3 Figure 2 Pressure Temperature Chart...7 Page 1 of 10

4 INTRODUCTION The Apical Emergency Float Kit No consists of six emergency floats attached to the main skid-tubes, inflation reservoirs and both a manual and electrical inflation system. The emergency floats will allow the helicopter to float in water after an emergency landing situation. The floats are automatically activated when the EMERG FLTS switch is in the ARMED position and when any two of the four water activated switches (one forward and one aft) on the bottom of the fuselage come in contact with the water. An EMERG FLTS caution light mounted on the instrument panel illuminates when the system is ARMED. Each Kit configuration consists of two forward floats, two mid floats, and two aft floats. A circuit breaker labeled FLTS PWR is located on the center console panel. Page 2 of 10

5 A manual inflation handle is located on the center console. The EMER INFLATION handle provides manual activation of the emergency flotation system in the event the floats fail to inflate automatically. SAFETY LATCH Figure 1 Manual Emergency Float Inflation Handle Page 3 of 10

6 TYPE OF OPERATION SECTION I - OPERATING LIMITATIONS The Emergency Floats shall be used only for assistance in an emergency, over-water ditching. Inflation of emergency floats during forward flight is prohibited. Flight with inflated floats is prohibited. FLIGHT WITH OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED When an internal or external hoist is installed, the hoist cable antichafing skid guard shall be installed. Fixed passenger steps shall not be installed concurrently with the Emergency Floats. Prior installation of Dart Aerospace Ltd. folding steps, P/N D and P/N D , is required. AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS Inflation of emergency floats during forward flight is prohibited. Flight after landing with floats inflated is prohibited. WARNING SERVERE NOSE UP PITCHING WILL OCCUR IF EMERGENCY FLOATS ARE INFLATED IN FORWARD FLIGHT OR DESCENT. Page 4 of 10

7 Maximum forward speed for ditching: o 35 knots in calm water o 15 knots in rough water Rate of descent should be reduced as low as possible upon water contact. ALTITUDE Maximum pressure altitude for inflation of emergency floats is 10,000 feet. Helicopter operation above 10,000 feet is permitted provided the EMERG FLTS switch is in the OFF position and EMERG FLTS caution light is extinguished. FLOAT ARMING Floats shall not be armed: 1. Over Land 2. Above 60 KIAS 3. Above 600 Feet AGL 4. Above 10,000 Feet PLACARDS FLOAT INFLATION OR OPERATION IN FORWARD FLIGHT IS PROHIBITED Page 5 of 10

8 WEIGHT AND CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITATIONS No change. Refer to the rotorcraft flight manual for allowable limits. EXTERIOR CHECK SECTION II - NORMAL PROCEDURES Check float covers for condition and proper closure. Ensure floats stowed and properly secured to the skid gear. Check inflation hoses and tubing for condition and security. Check for correct reservoir pressure. See Figure 2. An arming switch is mounted on the center console. Before flight over water move the switch to the ARMED position and check that the EMERG FLTS caution light is illuminated on the pilot s instrument panel. Return switch to the OFF position. Page 6 of 10

9 Cylinder Pressure Limits Nom Min Pressure (psig) Ambient Temperature ( F) INTERIOR CHECK Figure 2 Pressure Temperature Chart Float inflation pull handle lever is secure under its safety latch IN-FLIGHT OPERATIONS FLOATS switch OFF upon reaching 600 feet above water and an airspeed of 60 KIAS or above, or when over land; ensure that the EMERG FLTS caution light is no longer illuminated. Page 7 of 10

10 After Landing FLOATS switch OFF; ensure that the EMERG FLTS caution light is no longer illuminated BEFORE LANDING OVER WATER FLOAT switch ARMED when below 600 feet above the water and airspeed of 60 KIAS or less; check FLOAT caution light illuminated. SECTION III - EMERGENCY AND MALFUNCTION PROCEDURES INADVERTENT FLOAT INFLATION IN FLIGHT In event of unintended inflation, reduce airspeed, adjust rate of descent to 200 fpm or less, and land as soon as possible. Avoid landing on terrain which could damage float bags. ELECTRICAL INFLATION SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS Floats Caution Light Illuminated while the Floats Switch is off: If the EMERG FLTS caution light illuminates while the FLOATS switch is OFF, pull the EMER FLOATS circuit breaker to preclude an inadvertent float deployment. If the EMERG FLTS caution light remains illuminated after pulling the circuit breaker, land as soon as possible. Page 8 of 10

11 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE In the event of an electrical system inflation failure, operate float inflation handle lever, located on the pilot side center console, upon water contact to inflate floats. Operation of the pull handle lever is accomplished by first pulling on tab of safety latch, then by pulling on handle lever. See Figure 1. EMERGENCY DITCHING WARNING CREW AND PASSENGER DOORS SHALL REMAIN CLOSED DURING DITCHING. WARNING SEVERE NOSE UP PITCHING WILL OCCUR WHEN EMERGENCY FLOATS ARE INFLATED. At 100 feet altitude execute a moderate cyclic flare to reduce airspeed. Adjust collective and cyclic pitch sufficiently to touchdown in a nose-up attitude with forward speed and rate of descent as low as possible. After water touchdown, complete shutdown, check for damage, and determine if helicopter should be abandoned. Page 9 of 10

12 EGRESS AFTER WATER LANDING Ensure rotor is stopped prior to egress. Crew egress should be accomplished by opening crew door, of if necessary, by jettisoning crew doors. Passenger egress should be accomplished by pushing out passenger door windows, this is done by pulling up on the window latch lever if needed and pushing out the window where it is marked EMERGENCY EXIT PUSH HERE. PERFORMANCE SECTION IV - PERFORMANCE DATA No change from basic manual. Page 10 of 10