speed, induced drag decreases.

Reference(s):

FAA-H-8083-21A – Helicopter Flying Handbook pg. 2-5

Principles of Helicopter Flight, 2nd Edition, pg. 28
FM 3-04.203-2007 Fundamentals of Flight pg. 1-28

Other Helicopter Performance Topics

Helicopter Performance
Drag

What is the proper airspeed to fly for the best possible

range?
August 16, 2018 by ETL

When flying for range, operate the helicopter at the speed for least amount of drag.
To cover the most amount of distance, or range, with the current fuel load, the drag must
be at its minimum. This speed will be slightly higher than that used for endurance, which
maximizes the time in the air. A horsepower required curve can be used to identify this
speed. In a calm, no-wind scenario, a tangent is drawn from the zero airspeed to the
bottom of the horsepower required curve. Where the two intersect is the proper speed for
range. This speed will correspond with the lowest total drag as well. If there is a wind,
the tangent would be drawn from the headwind or tailwind component.

NOTE: Although they are related, drag is calculated in relation to indicated air speed,
whereas range is calculated in relation to true airspeed. The two are shown together to
demonstrate that minimum drag is not at the bottom of the horsepower required curve.

Reference(s):

Principles of Helicopter Flight, 2nd Edition, pg. 108

Other Helicopter Performance Topics

Helicopter Performance

What is the proper airspeed to fly for endurance?

August 16, 2018 by ETL

When flying for endurance, operate the helicopter at the speed using the least amount of
power.
To stay in the air for the longest amount of time, power use must be at its minimum in
order to conserve fuel. When looking at the horsepower required curve, the best speed for
endurance is the speed that corresponds with the bottom of the curve. This speed does
not correlate with the lowest drag. The speed for endurance will be slightly less than that
needed for range.

Reference(s):

Principles of Helicopter Flight, 2nd Edition, pg. 111

Other Helicopter Performance Topics

Helicopter Performance
Drag

How does density altitude affect helicopter

performance?
August 16, 2018 by ETL

A high-density altitude decreases helicopter performance.

About the Author

Bradley J. Fenster loves aviation and has a passion for teaching. Brad is the owner and the
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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