Sample Pilot Operating Handbooks

Unfortunately, Robinson Helicopter Company has requested that I remove the R22 Pilot Operating Handbook from this site.

Helicopter Operating Handbooks

The average modern flight manual is broken down into a standard set of sections. Although the order and therefore the numbering will be different from one manual to the next, generally speaking each manual will have each one of these sections. One case where this is often not true is with older aircraft. The FAA standardized flight manuals at one point, but aircraft which were certified before that occurred will often have very non-standard handbooks. Some older airplanes have handbooks only a few pages long!

• General which normally provides overview type information about the aircraft and the manual itself. For instance, in this section the Robinson manual has descriptive data about the helicopter, a list of abbreviations and definitions used in the manual, and units conversion tables. Here is an excerpt from the Boeing Vertol CH-47 operating handbook showing an exploded view of the aircraft
• Limitations is that section of the manual which is basically an extension of the FARs. Each item in the limitations section has the force of law, and you break the law if you exceed anything in this section. Examples of the sorts of things you will find in here are airspeed restrictions, powerplant restrictions, weight and balance restrictions, and maneuver restrictions.
• Emergency Procedures is the section which gives you the manufacturers recommendations on how to handle certain emergencies you are likely to encounter in the particular aircraft.
• Normal Procedures is the section which gives you the manufactureres recommendations on how to fly the aircraft during normal usage. This is commonly where you will find the airspeeds the manufacturer recommends for best climb, best range, etc. The preflight inspection sequence is usually given in this section.
• Performance sections you charts and other information which will help you to determine before or during flight whether the intended operation is likely to be possible give conditions of density altitude, gross weight, etc. For example, the Robinson R22 handbook gives us an airspeed calibration chart, a chart for determining density alititude, in-ground-effect and out-of-ground-effect hover ceiling charts, and the height velocity diagram (dead man’s curve).
• Weight and Balance gives us general procedures for weighing the aircraft, information as to the longitudinal and lateral stations of important places in the aircraft (such as seats, baggage compartments, fuel tanks). It also gives us some charts which can be used to determine whether the CG is within limits.
• Systems Description is a section which gives a quick description of major systems in the aircraft and how they should be used.
• Handling, Servicing, and Maintenance is a section which outlines the manufacturers recommended procedures for ground handling, complying with inspections and maintenance, and general servicing that the pilot can perform such as adding oils, cleaning the exterior and interior, etc.
• Supplements is the section which describes optional equipment available from the manufacturer or third parties. For each option, there is a minature section of the pilot operating handbook including limitations, emergency procedures, performance, etc. I find it can get pretty confusing to tell the impact of performance when you have multiple options installed on the aircraft.
• Safety Tips gives some dos and don’ts, and in the case of the Robinson R22 handbook includes the Robinson Safety Notices, which are descriptions of things to do or not do based on accidents which have occurred. Very useful.