Low RPM.mov

While searching for Tyler Wright, we spotted some debris that could have been discarded wrappers or a garbage bag. The plan was to land on a ledge, just below the ridge. I was going to have one passenger photograph the debris so the information could be reviewed by SAR.

Well, luckily my mountain training course paid off and I shot the approach I did, just as I was pulling in power for a landing, I got a low RPM horn and needed to make a quick escape and gain airspeed to recover rotor RPM.

They turned out to be balloons...

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Low
• RPM

[mhspv06]

Very nice video. looks like some fun and challenging flying! :). Were you drooping rotor as the result of an engine limitation? or did you not have OGE capability for that alititude, I'm an S70 helo guy, so I know very little about the R44's flight characteristics, very curious however that with 3 POB and somewhat high altitude you had low rotor. Did you ever figure out why?

[kokonutz2]

@mhspv06 Thanks. I've actually since this landing had the governor serviced and not had a similar problem. I landed atop the peak in the video "360 mountain top.mov" again this weekend at 5,200ft with a heavier load and no wind without problems. The governor or magneto seemed would act up at sea level at times and suddenly produce low RPM situations without warning. It gave me a whole other appreciation keeping an ear on my RPM to recover before I got to a horn.

[longline407]

cool man, ya good recovery.  Always seems like the very second you gain comfort is when shes bites you in the ass. as regards to your camera work, props. what are you using? im thinking of getting a gopro HD. how do you like it? and would you recommend? any problems etc. cheers

[kokonutz2]

@longline407 I'm using a HD Gopro on a head strap mount.

gopro.com/camera-mounts/head-s­trap-mount/

it's perfect. Light weight, stable, and gives my head full mobility in the cockpit. I've never had it touch anything in the cabin.

[longline407]

very slick bud. what was your altitude? were you heavy?

[kokonutz2]

@longline407 If I remember correct, I was at around 5,500 ft and +10c. I had 3 passengers on, 2 of which were lighter girls. The other guy and myself were each around 200lbs so by my chart, I was right at my limits.

I was flying a R44 Raven so it doesn't have fuel injection. I've made lots of landings on a higher peak with similar loads in the area with a Raven 2 without problem. Again, was just lucky I left myself a good escape because I came in a little overconfident in my power available.

[motokid032]

That only happens to me in the simulator! Quick thinking there my friend, if you set it down it would have been hard to get back up!

[longline407]

great. thx.

[belcarrapilgrim]

thank you so much for all you have done and are doing in the search for Tyler.

Really glad you were able to pull out of that one. It is gorgeous out there.