R22 parameters

Rotor Research Pty Ltd Helicopter Info Site

This site contains knowledge and safety information freely given to enhance the aviation industry. See what our lawyers make us say these days by reading our disclaimer at the bottom of this page - the times are indeed a-changing!

Tc’s R22 pilot tips and notes: “Doc 1”

Limited power or very heavy or very hot/high:

Keep Engine RPM at the top of the green. Be very familiar with the Power V RRPM chart

As an aside:

For a helicopter to double the speed - it needs current power x 8.

Disc loading:

For the R22/R44 is about 2.5lbs per sq foot - best at hover.

Needs only 66% power at IGE hover, others 75-80%. This is a good feature of the R22.

Best range:

	Actual 75 Kts.
	Published 83 Kts in all wind conditions.
	Tail wind above 30 Kts - use72 Kts.
	Headwind above 30 Kts - use max cruise power.

Being a smart pilot:

Reminder - keep the IAS above 60 Kts and fly above 500 ft AGL

The bottom line:

If you do not feed energy to the rotor by:

	engine power
	IAS (flare)
	Altitude

Then it will take energy from itself and RRPM will rapidly decay.

The climb situation is the worst case: See the climb very critical chart.

The R22 has a low inertia rotor as is the case with many other helicopters.

Real life saving energy is in more altitude and airspeed!