Ground resonance is primarily a problem in a fully-articulated rotor system.

In these
systems, ground contact can jolt the aircraft and produce a shock wave that can resonate
in the aircraft. This resonance can then destroy the aircraft in a short amount of time.
Basically, the helicopter will shake itself apart. Ground resonance is the reason that many
helicopter’s landing gear has some sort of damping feature, such as shocks or OLEO
struts. Many helicopters also have damping features within the rotor system as well, such
as the 300CB. Should ground resonance be suspected and rotor RPM allows, the pilot
should immediately lift the helicopter off the ground, stopping the resonance. Recovery
from ground resonance is one reason to keep rotor RPM at flight speed until the collective
is completely down. If unable to lift off, an option is to immediately lower collective and
shut down the rotor. Wheeled type helicopters are at increased risk as the wheels do not
flex horizontally.

Reference(s):

FAA-H-8083-21A – Helicopter Flying Handbook pg. 11-11

Principles of Helicopter Flight, 2nd Edition, pg. 162
FM 3-04.203-2007 Fundamentals of Flight pg. 1-68

Other Helicopter Flight Conditions

Flight Conditions / Maneuvers

What is a dynamic rollover?

August 16, 2018 by ETL

A dynamic rollover is a catastrophic event where rotor thrust pulls the helicopter sideways
around a pivot point, such as from catching a skid on an object.

There are three conditions needed for a dynamic rollover: lift, pivot point, and sideways
movement. The cyclic has only so much ability to tilt, usually 5-8 degrees. Should the
helicopter landing gear/skid become caught on an object, that skid may become a pivot
point for the helicopter to tip or roll over. Once airborne, the pendular action of a
helicopter makes it quite easy for the angle to exceed the cyclic’s compensation
capability.
Aerodynamics (28)
Aeromedical Factors (3)
Airport / Heliport Operations (5)
Flight Conditions / Maneuvers (17)
General (1)
Helicopter Performance (11)
Helicopter Systems (6)
Maintenance Issues (10)

Navigation and Airspace (14)

Pilot Certificates (12)

Regulations (23)
Risk Management (10)
Weather / Atmosphere (17)
Weather Factors (23)
Weather Services (8)

About the Author

Bradley J. Fenster loves aviation and has a passion for teaching. Brad is the owner and the
i h li t i t t f ETL A i ti Pi t l i t fl B d t l
primary helicopter instructor for ETL Aviation. Prior to learning to fly, Brad spent several
years in the military. Brad was a Special Warfare Combat Craft Crewman in the U.S. Navy
and he was also a Ranger-qualified infantry officer in the Army. Brad is a father and lives in
Lexington, Kentucky with his beautiful wife and two cats.

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