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Given the following information, what is the minimum height allowed to fly along the take-off path until reaching VTOSS, if a Performance Class 1 helicopter takes-off from a FATO and experiences an engine failure after the Take-off Decision Point at 30 ft?

  • A
    15 ft
  • B
    An adequate margin
  • C
    35 ft
  • D
    30 ft

Refer to figure.
Take-off decision Point (TDP) is the first point from which a continued take-off capability is assured within the TODAH and is the last point in the take-off path which a rejected take-off is assured within the Rejected Take-off Distance Available (RTODAH).

In the past, helicopters certified in Category A would have had, at the least, a "clear area procedure". This procedure is analogous to an aeroplane Category A procedure and assumes a runway or FATO (either metalled or grass) with a smooth surface suitable for an aeroplane take-off.

According to CAT.POL.H.205 - Take-off: The helicopter is assumed to accelerate down the FATO (runway) outside of the height-velocity (H-V) diagram:

  1. If the helicopter has an engine failure before TDP, it must be able to land back on the FATO (runway) without damage to helicopter or passengers;
  2. If there is a failure at or after TDP the aircraft is permitted to lose height providing it does not descend below a specified height above the surface (usually 15 ft,if the TDP is above 15 ft).

NOTE:
According to CAT.POL.H.200-General:

  • Helicopters operated in Performance Class 1 shall be certified in Category A or equivalent as determined by the Agency.

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