Section 4: Flight Operations
Flying the Bambi MAX
2012 Bambi Max Operations Manual
(Version A)
8
Section 4: Flight Operations
Flying the Bambi MAX
The Bambi MAX should be flown in accordance with the United States Forest Service recommendations
limiting all helicopters, other than tandem rotor, to a maximum 80 KIAS while conducting external cargo
hook operations.
The recommended never exceed speed (VNE) for the Bambi MAX is 80 KIAS, however, this is not a flight
manual limitation. Speeds above 80 KIAS should be approached with caution and any decision to exceed
this speed should be based on flight characteristics, aircraft flight manual limitations, aircraft/bucket config-
uration and load stability, etc.
Any change that exceeds our recommendation should be formally authorized in your company’s external
load specifications.
A suggested flight procedure is to build up speed slowly with the Bambi MAX, under prevailing conditions,
to determine a safe maximum flying speed. In order to reduce drag on the bucket when empty, it can be
flown in a valve open position by pressing the release mechanism once while in forward flight.
The dead weight of the load ensures different handling characteristics than when flying empty. As a result,
the Bambi MAX does not ‘pulse’ or ‘throb’ under load in flight.
Important Note
Bambi buckets can operate in any atmospheric conditions where icing conditions are not present.
If icing conditions are encountered during operations, in flight or on the ground, SEI cannot guar-
antee the reliable operation of the valve actuating mechanisms nor related components.
Operating the Bambi MAX at 0
°
C or below may have adverse effects on the operation of the buck-
et and also to the fabrics used in its manufacture. Please refer to this manual for information related
to proper storage.
