What would you do at 70 knots in an R44 when the tail rotor instantly fails?
That’s not a trick query—it’s one of the crucial important emergency procedures you’ll ever face. And consider it or not, within the final 30 months of Remaining Strategy Programs (FAC), we’ve had a minimum of three candidates confidently give me the incorrect reply over Zoom earlier than they ever made it to Indiana.
As a substitute of following the Pilot’s Working Handbook (POH), they began explaining some artistic “instructor-taught” maneuver—utilizing the throttle to control the nostril and “limp again house.” Sounds intelligent? Unsuitable. That reply = instantaneous check-ride failure.
The Reality About Tail Rotor Failures
Right here’s the exhausting actuality: when that large bang occurs, the nostril yaws violently, and the tail rotor is gone—perhaps the driveshaft snapped, perhaps the gearbox failed, perhaps the blades flew off.
The POH is obvious, whether or not you’re flying Robinson or Enstrom: Instantly enter autorotation.
There’s no “nicely, my teacher mentioned…” in a real emergency. You want a transparent, decisive motion. Attempting to “fly it house” not solely ignores the producer’s process—it dangers making a foul scenario worse.
The place the Confusion Comes From
Someplace alongside the road, this unhealthy lesson is being handed round. And it’s not only one scholar—it’s a number of. Instructors are educating pilots to “work the throttle, maintain it straight, and stick with it.”
The POH does point out that if an appropriate touchdown web site isn’t instantly accessible, the vertical stabilizers might allow restricted managed flight at low energy and speeds above 70 knots. However even then, it says: enter autorotation, discover your touchdown spot, after which re-enter autorotation for the touchdown.
It doesn’t say: “simply hold flying and hope for the perfect.”
One other Verify-Experience Lesson: Expired FAR/AIM
Whereas we’re right here, let’s add one other professional tip from current FAC member John. John confirmed up able to rock—however he additionally introduced alongside final yr’s FAR/AIM. Properly tabbed, color-coded, all arrange… and expired.
You can not present as much as a check-ride with expired references. Interval. Charts, FAR/AIM, something. If it’s outdated, the examiner gained’t settle for it.
(John’s story ended nicely—his spouse sat down that night time and moved all his tabs over to a brand new ebook. However don’t depend on being that fortunate!)
The Remaining Strategy Course Benefit
That is precisely why pilots from all around the nation hold coming to H.O.G.S. for finish-ups. We don’t simply prep your flying—we prep every part. From POH procedures to ACS necessities to creating certain your paperwork is squared away.
No extra ready weeks for a flight slot. No extra hoping your teacher sticks round. No extra check-rides derailed by lacking logbooks or expired references.
🚁 With the Remaining Strategy Course, you get:
One-on-one flight coaching & floor help till you’re prepared.
An examiner who’s been with us for 25 years and is aware of what to anticipate.
A clear, environment friendly path from prep to cross.
Free Sources
Takeaway
In case your teacher is educating you to “work the throttle” on a tail rotor failure, they’re educating you the incorrect lesson. The POH is obvious. Examiners are clear. And your security is dependent upon making the correct name.
So, hold your coaching sharp, your supplies updated, and your logbooks clear. That’s the way you cross the trip—and the way you stroll away from emergencies.
