This part of the DCS AH-64D Apache guide describes landing a helicopter.
We present step by step how to land.
We describe different types of approaches for landing: rolling landing and VMC Approach to Hover / Ground landing.
We choose the direction of the approach and possible departure, if the landing has to be aborted.
There may also be a transition from OGE to IGE.
Note that the OGE requires more engine torque to stay in a hover.
Landing configuration
ArmamentA / StoSAFE,GND ORIDEtoOFF.
Rear wheel locked -UNLOCKlight is off.
ASECountermeasures SystemOFForSAFE(or as desired).
Parking brake released (handle in).
Usually it is waypoint numberC51created at the beginning of the mission.
The distance to the landing site and its location will appear on the IHADSS.
The cyclic is used to reduce the speed.
The collective controls altitude.
Raising the collective and the engine torque increase altitude, lowering the collective reduces altitude.
The rate of descent in feet per minute is also very important when descending.
It is shown by the small chevron on the altimeter tape.
The thick line in the middle is 0 ft / min - level flight.
The little dashes above and below are increments of 100 feet / minute.
As you get closer to touchdown, the slower you should descend.
It is also a good indicator to get an idea of whether the helicopter is going down or up.
When operating the collective, you should always pay attention to the vertical speed chevron.
The cyclic and the collective have a direct impact on each other.
In the Transition mode of the IHADSS display, the flight path vector is very helpful.
The cyclic will control the vector’s position sideways, and the collective: up or down.
Another helpful indicator is the cockpit frame above the CPG’s helmet.
When descending, you’re able to use the ALTITUDE and ATITUDE HOLD Force Trim modes.
Activation of ATTITUDE HOLD is confirmed by the box around the speed indicator on the IHADSS.
Landing VMC Approach To Hover / Ground
At approx.
2-3 kilometers to the landing site, fly at an altitude of approx.
500-300 feet and a speed of 70-50 knots.
Place the flight path vector (FPV) slightly above the landing spot and continue your approach.
Control the descent speed.
Use the Force Trim Attitude Hold mode if necessary.
At a distance of 1.5-1 kilometer, pull the cyclic slightly and start reducing the speed to approx.
Watch your altitude and adjust the collective position to continue steady descending.
If it is active, turn off Attitude Hold mode with the Force Trim AT button (left).
Below 10 knots, considerable pressure on the left anti-torque pedal will be required.
Below 50 feet and at a speed of approx.
The Force Trim Atitude Hold mode will be very helpful in such situations.
Just control the rate of descent with the collective.
If the Apache is still rolling, use the wheel brakes to bring the aircraft to a full stop.
After stopping, taxi to the parking space or apply the parking brake.
Rolling Landing
Position the helicopter in front of the runway.
At a distance of approx.
2-1.5 km, start your approach from an altitudet of approx.
500 feet and a speed not exceeding 50 knots.
Steer the helicopter to put the flight path vector slightly above the chosen touchdown point on the runway.
Descent rate should be around 400-300 feet / minute at this stage.
Control the collective to maintain FPV position above the touchdown spot.
Lower the collective gently to maintain the descent rate at approx.
200 feet per minute.
Just above the runway, at altitude of approx.
Continue decelerating while keeping an eye on descend rate at 200 feet / minute.
The closer you are to the ground, the descend rate should drop to approx.
100 feet / min.
Also, be careful not to slow down too much and get into a hover.
The helicopter should touch the runway at speed between 30-15 knots.
Once you feel “light on wheels”, lower the collective to idle position.
Wait for the tail wheel to touch the runway.
At this speed, do not use the wheel brakes to slow down.
Pull the cyclic stick as in reverse taxi and the helicopter will naturally decelerate to 5-7 knots.
Exit the runway and continue taxiing to the parking spot.
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