SIFT SIFT Emergency Procedures and Safety Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first action a helicopter pilot should take when experiencing a complete engine failure?
- Immediately radio a MAYDAY and await instructions
- Lower collective pitch immediately to enter autorotation (Correct answer)
- Apply maximum collective to slow descent
- Attempt an engine restart before taking any other action
Correct answer: Lower collective pitch immediately to enter autorotation
Upon complete engine failure, the pilot must immediately lower collective pitch to maintain rotor RPM and enter autorotation, which is the critical first step before any other action.
Question 2: What is 'autorotation' in helicopter emergency procedures?
- An automatic stabilization system that prevents rotor overspeed
- A flight condition where the rotor is driven by airflow rather than the engine, allowing a controlled descent (Correct answer)
- A procedure where the copilot takes over flight controls automatically
- An emergency engine restart procedure using rotor momentum
Correct answer: A flight condition where the rotor is driven by airflow rather than the engine, allowing a controlled descent
Autorotation is a flight condition where upward airflow through the rotor system drives the rotor blades, enabling the helicopter to descend in a controlled manner without engine power.
Question 3: What does the term 'LZ' mean in Army aviation emergency contexts?
- Low Zone — a designated low-altitude flight corridor
- Landing Zone — a pre-selected area for helicopter landing or extraction (Correct answer)
- Loss Zone — an area with known navigation signal interference
- Logistics Zone — a supply area near the forward line of troops
Correct answer: Landing Zone — a pre-selected area for helicopter landing or extraction
LZ stands for Landing Zone, a specific area designated for helicopter landing, often selected based on obstacle clearance, approach/departure paths, and surface conditions.
Question 4: What is the correct squawk code a pilot should set when declaring an emergency?
- 7600
- 7500
- 1200
- 7700 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 7700
Squawk 7700 is the universal emergency code that alerts all ATC radar facilities that the aircraft is in distress and requires immediate assistance.
Question 5: What is the primary hazard of 'wire strike' during low-level Army helicopter operations?
- Electrical arcing that ignites rotor blades
- Utility wires are difficult to see and can entangle or sever rotor blades and fuselage components (Correct answer)
- Radio interference caused by proximity to high-voltage lines
- Magnetic deviation affecting navigation instruments
Correct answer: Utility wires are difficult to see and can entangle or sever rotor blades and fuselage components
Wires are nearly invisible at low altitudes and high speeds; contact can instantly sever control cables, rotor blades, or compromise the airframe with catastrophic results.
Question 6: When executing a precautionary landing due to low fuel, what factor is most important in selecting a landing site?
- Proximity to a military installation
- Ensuring enough fuel remains for a go-around if the site proves unsuitable (Correct answer)
- Landing into the wind regardless of terrain obstacles
- Choosing the largest open area visible from altitude
Correct answer: Ensuring enough fuel remains for a go-around if the site proves unsuitable
Retaining enough fuel for a missed approach or go-around is critical; committing to a site without a fuel reserve for a second attempt can result in a forced landing with zero options.
SIFT SIFT Emergency Procedures and Safety Questions and Answers 1
What is the first action a helicopter pilot should take when experiencing a complete engine failure?