18-12 Flight Checks
NOTE
Run-up and shutdown helicopter throughout procedure as
required per R66 Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) Section 4.
NOTE
Refer to § 18-15 for track & balance troubleshooting procedures.
WARNING
Tail rotor balancing equipment must be removed for flight.
WARNING
Do not exceed V
NE
of helicopter during flight checks.
1. Prepare helicopter for main rotor track and balance per § 18-11.
2. As required, make a photocopy of Figure 18-2; use copy to record flight data. Check
main rotor blade track in a hover and record data. Maximum blade spread in a hover
is 0.25 inch. Adjust track per § 18-13 as required, record change, and recheck blade
track in a hover. Repeat step as required until blade track is within limits.
3. Check main rotor balance in a hover and record data. Maximum vibration allowance is
0.2 ips (inches per second). Adjust balance per § 18-14 as required, record data, and
recheck balance in a hover. Repeat step as required until main rotor balance is within
limits.
4. Fly helicopter at 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, and 140 knots. Check main
rotor blade track at each airspeed and record data. Maximum blade spread between
airspeeds is 3/8 inch. Adjust trim tab(s) per § 18-13 as required and record data.
Repeat step as required until blade track is within limits.
5. Recheck main rotor balance in a hover per step 3.
6. Perform autorotation RPM check per § 18-16. Recheck main rotor balance in a hover
per step 3.
7. Evaluate collective trim, longitudinal cyclic trim, and lateral cyclic trim. Adjust as
required. Recheck main rotor balance in a hover per step 3.
8. Remove track and balance equipment. Torque stripe fasteners. Reinstall removable
controls, as required.
APR 2017 Chapter 18 Track and Balance Page 18.5