STRAIGHT CLIMBS (CONSTANT AIRSPEED AND CONSTANT RATE)
For any power setting and load condition, there is only one airspeed that will give the most efficient rate of climb. To determine this, you should consult the climb data for the type of helicopter being flown. The technique varies according to the airspeed on entry and whether you want to make a constant airspeed or constant rate climb.
 

 
ENTRY accomplish the pitch change. If the transition from To enter a constant airspeed climb from cruise airspeed, level flight to a climb is smooth, the vertical speed indiwhen the climb speed is lower than cruise speed, simul-cator shows an immediate upward trend and then stops taneously increase power to the climb power setting at a rate appropriate to the stabilized airspeed and attiand adjust pitch attitude to the approximate climb atti-tude. Primary and supporting instruments for climb tude. The increase in power causes the helicopter to entry are illustrated in figure 12-17. start climbing and only very slight back cyclic pressure is needed to complete the change from level to climb When the helicopter stabilizes on a constant airspeed attitude. The attitude indicator should be used to and attitude, the airspeed indicator becomes primary
 
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for pitch. The torque meter continues to be primary for The technique and procedures for entering a constant power and should be monitored closely to determine if rate climb are very similar to those previously the proper climb power setting is being maintained. described for a constant airspeed climb. For training Primary and supporting instruments for a stabilized purposes, a constant rate climb is entered from climb constant airspeed climb are shown in figure 12-18. airspeed. The rate used is the one that is appropriate for rate of climb is 500 f.p.m., initiate the leveloff approximately 50 feet before the desired altitude. When the proper lead altitude is reached, the altimeter becomes primary for pitch. Adjust the pitch attitude to the level flight attitude for that airspeed. Cross-check the altimeter and VSI to determine when level flight has been attained at the desired altitude. To level off at cruise airspeed, if this speed is higher than climb airspeed, leave the power at the climb power setting until the airspeed approaches cruise airspeed, then reduce it to the cruise power setting.