Helicopter Hazards
The four aerodynamic conditions that kill helicopter pilots most often. The PPL covers recognition; the CPL standard is faster recognition, correct recovery the first time, and the situational awareness to avoid the entry conditions in the first place. Each hazard below has its own deep-dive page covering operational entry conditions, recognition cues, and recovery technique.
The four hazards
Settling with Power (VRS)
Three conditions, five operational scenarios, and the Vuichard recovery vs the standard. Most common civilian VRS scenarios are downwind approaches and steep approaches into confined areas.
Dynamic Rollover
Lateral rollover around a stuck skid. Develops in less than a second. Three conditions, three scenarios. Recovery is collective — never cyclic alone.
Retreating Blade Stall
The high-airspeed limit. Conducive conditions: high gross weight, low rotor RPM, high DA, turbulence. Five-step recovery. The recovery feels wrong — drill it anyway.
Ground Resonance
Self-energizing oscillation in fully-articulated rotor systems. Can destroy the aircraft in seconds. Two recoveries depending on rotor RPM. Teetering rotors immune by design.