Helicopter Airspeeds Overview

Introduction

• Presenter: Jacob
• Focus: Crucial air speeds every helicopter pilot should know
• Objective: Understanding air speeds and their impact on flight efficiency

Key Airspeeds

VBE (Velocity Best Endurance)

• Definition: Maximum Endurance Airspeed
• Importance: Provides the greatest airborne time per unit of fuel consumed
• Application: Useful for maximizing aerial time during tasks like filming
• Calculation: Found using cruise charts; least fuel flow while maintaining flight

Vy (Maximum Rate of Climb)

• Definition: Airspeed for fastest climb rate per unit of time
• Importance: Expedites climbing to cruising altitude
• Relation to VBE: Often similar to VBE; both may be listed together in manuals

Vx (Best Climb Angle)

• Definition: Airspeed for greatest altitude gain per given distance
• Importance: Ideal for exiting confined areas
• Comparison with Vy: Vy is best for time efficiency, Vx is best for distance efficiency

VBR (Velocity Best Range)

• Definition: Maximum Range Airspeed
• Importance: Provides greatest range per unit of fuel
• Calculation: Fuel flow per hour divided by airspeed; seek highest ratio
• Application: Best for transitioning from point A to B efficiently

VH (Maximum Speed)

• Definition: Max speed based on power setting
• Calculation: Intersect chart at max power to determine max speed

VNE (Velocity Never Exceed)

• Definition: Maximum safe speed for helicopter
• Importance: Exceeding VNE can cause retreating blade stall

Conclusion

• Overview of crucial helicopter airspeeds
• Emphasis on safety and efficiency in flight operations
• Reminder to check other resources and videos for detailed insights
• Encouragement to subscribe and engage with content