Rotorcraft
Bell 412EPI Wins Cat A Takeoff Approval
Bell 412EPI twin’s backup Cat A takeoff adds capability to the twin-engine helicopter.

Bell Helicopter recently received FAA certification for a new Category A (Cat A) takeoff procedure for the Bell 412EPI twin-engine helicopter.

The Cat A backup takeoff requires the pilot of a twin-engine helicopter, starting from a hover, to climb the helicopter vertically and slightly backward while maintaining visual contact with the takeoff spot. This backward vertical climb continues to a defined decision point at which time the pilot lowers the nose of the aircraft to increase airspeed and initiate a normal, forward climb. In the event of an engine failure before the decision point is reached, a properly executed backup procedure allows a safe single-engine descent and landing to the takeoff spot. If an engine failure occurs after the decision point, the aircraft has the capability to accelerate to a safe forward speed, begin climbing and continue flying on one engine.