CSP
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E
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1
ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT MANUAL
Optional Equipment
Emergency Floats
MD 500E
(Model 369E)
Revision 14
9
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32
FAA Approved
PART III
EMERGENCY AND
MALFUNCTION PROCEDURES
EMERGENCY FLOAT INFLATION
If emergency occurs at airspeeds greater than maximum
permissible float inflation speed, i.e., 81 knots IAS at less than 6,000
feet altitude, 77 knots IAS at 6,000 feet altitude and above, reduce
speed to an appropriate value prior to float inflation. Do not exceed
airspeed limits of the EMERGENCY FLOATS INFLATED V
NE
placard.
NOTE
:
Inflations have been demonstrated up to 90 knots IAS in autorotation and in
powered flight.
Procedures:
Check float circuit breaker IN.
Actuate float inflation switch. (Only momentary switch actuation is re-
quired.)
Inflation should be accomplished at 2,000 feet or less above landing sur-
face to minimize differential pressure change with altitude change.
For over−water operation in conditions near the Height−Velocity Diagram,
immediate pilot reaction will be required to ensure float inflation prior to
water contact.
Make a normal landing approach. Minimize forward speed prior to water
contact. Recommended water contact speed 10 knots or less. Do not lower
collective until forward speed is 5 knots or less. Landings have been dem-
onstrated at gross weights up to 3,000 pounds and touchdown speeds up
to approximately 10 knots.
If emergency occurs at night over water, the dual landing lights should
not be illuminated above 1000 feet in order to preserve battery power. Ap-
proach and landing as noted above.
NOTE
:
Landings should be made with the helicopter as level as possible laterally and
the nose of the helicopter slightly high. One
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float
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first landings may produce
undesirable but controllable yaw.
CAUTION
