During a single engine minimum speed landing, what is the target KIAS range for the transition point?

During a single engine minimum speed landing, what is the target KIAS range for the transition point?

• A. 40-50 KIAS
• B. 45-55 KIAS
• C. 50-60 KIAS
• D. 60-70 KIAS

Answer: (C)

In a single-engine minimum speed landing, you’re aiming to transition from the approach phase to the landing configuration at an airspeed that gives you enough control and energy margin to complete the landing safely on one engine. The target range of 50–60 KIAS is chosen because it balances staying in translational lift and maintaining adequate rotor energy while still allowing a controlled descent and flare for touchdown if power is limited on one engine. If you go significantly slower, translational lift and control can suffer, increasing the risk of a hard landing or loss of control; if you go faster, you may have less margin to decelerate smoothly and land cleanly on one engine. So, 50–60 KIAS provides the optimal compromise for a stable MESL transition.

In a single-engine minimum speed landing, you’re aiming to transition from the approach phase to the landing configuration at an airspeed that gives you enough control and energy margin to complete the landing safely on one engine. The target range of 50–60 KIAS is chosen because it balances staying in translational lift and maintaining adequate rotor energy while still allowing a controlled descent and flare for touchdown if power is limited on one engine. If you go significantly slower, translational lift and control can suffer, increasing the risk of a hard landing or loss of control; if you go faster, you may have less margin to decelerate smoothly and land cleanly on one engine. So, 50–60 KIAS provides the optimal compromise for a stable MESL transition.