What is the maximum touchdown sink rate (ft/min) at a maximum gross weight of 8900 lb?

What is the maximum touchdown sink rate (ft/min) at a maximum gross weight of 8900 lb?

• A. 600 ft/min
• B. 400 ft/min
• C. 700 ft/min
• D. 800 ft/min

Answer: (A)

Touchdown sink rate is the vertical speed limit allowed at the moment the helicopter touches the ground, set to protect the rotor, transmission, and landing gear from excessive loads. At heavier weights, there’s more energy to absorb during contact, so the allowable rate is reduced to keep loads within safe limits. For the MH-65E at the maximum gross weight of 8,900 pounds, the limit is six hundred feet per minute. This means you should target a vertical speed at or below six hundred feet per minute as you settle onto the ground at that weight, using the collective to cushion the touchdown. Pushing beyond that rate would place higher peak loads on the landing gear and structure, especially given the higher engine/rotor power demands at that weight. At lighter weights, the envelope can be a bit higher, but at maximum gross weight you must respect the 600 ft/min limit to stay within safe operating limits.

Touchdown sink rate is the vertical speed limit allowed at the moment the helicopter touches the ground, set to protect the rotor, transmission, and landing gear from excessive loads. At heavier weights, there’s more energy to absorb during contact, so the allowable rate is reduced to keep loads within safe limits. For the MH-65E at the maximum gross weight of 8,900 pounds, the limit is six hundred feet per minute. This means you should target a vertical speed at or below six hundred feet per minute as you settle onto the ground at that weight, using the collective to cushion the touchdown. Pushing beyond that rate would place higher peak loads on the landing gear and structure, especially given the higher engine/rotor power demands at that weight. At lighter weights, the envelope can be a bit higher, but at maximum gross weight you must respect the 600 ft/min limit to stay within safe operating limits.