Settling with Power (vortex ring state)

Front Range Helicopters

Definition of Settling
with Power or Vortex Ring State
 FAA Definition: A transient condition of
downward flight (descending through
air that just previously was accelerated
downward through the rotor) during
which the main rotor is being forced to
operate at angles of attack above
maximum. Blade stall begins near the
hub and progresses outward as the rate
of descent increases.
Definition of Settling
with Power or Vortex Ring State
 Ok…….lets try again….something easier to
understand……
 Settling with power is descending in a near vertical
attitude where the descent rate causes an upward
flow through the rotor system that begins to exceed
the induced flow coming down through the rotor
system. If continued, a stalled condition will result
that begins at the rotor head and works it way
outward along the blade as more collective is added
in an attempt to arrest the descent. The addition of
collective pitch and power only increases the decent
rate and stall.
Definition of Settling
with Power or Vortex Ring State
 In very simple terms the helicopter is
descending near vertically at a rate that
overpowers the rotor systems ability to
generate lift regardless of the amount
of collective and power applied. In short
we are settling into our own down
wash……. Now lets look at how that
happens……
The Aerodynamics of
Settling with power (Vortex Ring State)

As the helicopter
descends the rate
of descent up flow
begins to interfere
with the rotors
ability to produce
sufficient induced
flow to maintain
altitude.
Pilot tries to
compensate by
increasing collective
pitch and power.
The Aerodynamics of
Settling with power (Vortex Ring State)
As rate of descent
increases the up flow
begins to over ride the
induced flow and as our
pilot continues to
increase collective pitch
blade tip vortices enlarge
and a set of vortices
become established
along the length of the
blade.
The Aerodynamics of
Settling with power (Vortex Ring State)
At this point the helicopter is
settling into it’s own down
wash. Pitch angle is very
high and the blades are
entering a stalled condition,
starting at the rotor mast.
Allowed to continue the stall
will develop over the length
of the entire blade, cyclic
control will be lost and
without corrective action on
the pilots part the helicopter
will impact the ground.
The Aerodynamics of
Settling with Power (Vortex Ring State)
Another diagram of the airflow transition during settling with power

Vertical descent begins to

impede induced flow from the
main rotor

Descent rate increases and some

reversal of flow begins. This is
the beginning of vortex ring state

Fully developed vortex

ring state (settling with
power)
Conditions Leading to
Settling with Power
 A powered descent at low or approaching “0”
airspeed (out of ETL)*
 Steep Approach (greater than 35 degrees)*
 Descent Rate exceeding 300 FPM*
 Downwind Approach*
 High Density Altitude conditions*
 Hard Flair at the Bottom of the Approach with an
abrupt addition of collective.
 Any out of ground effect hover operations.
Particularly when the aircraft is heavy and high DA
conditions exist.
 Low rotor rpm in combination with any of the above.
Symptoms of Settling
with Power
 Aircraft vibration, usually associated with
main rotor resulting in cyclic stick shake
 Random yawing, rolling or pitching moments.
 Excessive left pedal application to correct yaw
rate.
 Increasing descent rate and altitude lose with
application of power.
 Reduction of cyclic effectiveness (aircraft
feels sloppy)
How to Avoid Settling
with Power
 The Best way for a pilot to avoid getting into
settling with power is early recognition of the
conditions that lead to settling with power…
 BASICALLY…..AVOID FLIGHT OPERATIONS
AND CONFIGURATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH
ITEMS ON THE LIST!!!!! This is particularly
important when you combine items from the
list and you are flying a heavy helicopter in
high DA conditions.
Make Your Own List
 What Flight Maneuvers and Configurations can you think of that
may get you into the potential for settling with power?
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Recovery from
Settling with Power
Let’s go back to the basic concepts of settling
with power:
 The helicopter is descending near vertically
with near “0” air speed
 There is a large pitch angle on the blades
(high power/a lot of collective)
 Additional collective and slower forward
airspeed makes the problem worse.
Recovery from
Settling with Power
To recover we have to get the rotor
system flying again.
 Pilot should increase forward airspeed
with the cyclic (get above ETL).
 Reduce collective pitch slightly to
decrease the angle of attack on the
blades, eliminate the stalled condition.
Recovery from
Settling with Power
During the recovery :
 Expect a loss in altitude, potentially 300 to 500 ft
and more if vortex ring state is fully developed……
This is why getting into settling with power on an
approach or low level maneuvering is dangerous!
 If you are close to the ground and reduction of
collective is not practical apply forward cyclic and
be prepared to complete a run on landing.
 Maintain your RPM and cushion the touch down
with the collective
Question:
 Where else could the Helicopter
experience Vortex Ring State?
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 What conditions would cause this

situation?
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