What defines a power-on landing in helicopter operations?

What defines a power-on landing in helicopter operations?

• A. Landing both skids of the helicopter fully while on full power
• B. Landing with engines off and rotor idle
• C. Touching down on one skid while in ground effect
• D. Powering down before contact

Answer: (A)

Power-on landing is defined by touching down with the rotor system still powered and at proper RPM, with both skids firmly on the ground and the helicopter under power at contact. The key idea is that you maintain engine power up to and including the moment of touchdown, keeping the rotor loaded and the aircraft controllable. This contrasts with power-off landings, where the rotor is unloading and the helicopter descends in autorotation after engines are shut down or left idle. Landing on one skid or touching down after powering down before contact are not power-on landings because they involve incomplete touchdown or no power being used at contact.

Power-on landing is defined by touching down with the rotor system still powered and at proper RPM, with both skids firmly on the ground and the helicopter under power at contact. The key idea is that you maintain engine power up to and including the moment of touchdown, keeping the rotor loaded and the aircraft controllable. This contrasts with power-off landings, where the rotor is unloading and the helicopter descends in autorotation after engines are shut down or left idle. Landing on one skid or touching down after powering down before contact are not power-on landings because they involve incomplete touchdown or no power being used at contact.