The technique and procedures for entering a constant rate climb  are very similar to those previously described for a constant  airspeed climb. For training purposes, a constant rate climb is  entered from climb airspeed. Use the rate appropriate for the  particular helicopter being flown. Normally, in helicopters with  low climb rates, 500 fpm is appropriate. In helicopters capable  of high climb rates, use a rate of 1,000 fpm.  To enter a constant rate climb, increase power to the  approximate setting for the desired rate. As power is applied,  the airspeed indicator is primary for pitch until the vertical  speed approaches the desired rate. At this time, the VSI  becomes primary for pitch. Change pitch attitude by reference  to the attitude indicator to maintain the desired vertical speed.  When the VSI becomes primary for pitch, the airspeed  indicator becomes primary for power.  [Figure 8-13]  Adjust  power to maintain desired airspeed. Pitch attitude and power  corrections should be closely coordinated. To illustrate this,  if the vertical speed is correct but the airspeed is low, add  power. As power is increased, it may be necessary to lower  the pitch attitude slightly to avoid increasing the vertical rate.  Adjust the pitch attitude smoothly to avoid overcontrolling.  Small power corrections are usually sufficient to bring the  airspeed back to the desired indication.  of lead varies with the type of helicopter being flown and  pilot technique, the most important factor is vertical speed.  As a rule of thumb, use 10 percent of the vertical velocity  as the lead point. For example, if the rate of climb is 500  fpm, initiate the level off 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. If cruise airspeed is higher  than climb airspeed, leave the power at the climb power  setting until the airspeed approaches cruise airspeed, and  then reduce it to the cruise power setting. The level off from  a constant rate climb is accomplished in the same manner as  the level off from a constant airspeed climb.  A descent may be performed at any normal airspeed the  helicopter can attain, but the airspeed must be determined  prior to entry. The technique is determined by the type of  descent, a constant airspeed, or a constant rate.  If airspeed is higher than descending airspeed, and a constant  airspeed descent is desired, reduce power to a descent  power setting and maintain a constant altitude using cyclic  pitch control. This slows the helicopter. As the helicopter  The level off from a constant airspeed climb must be started  before reaching the desired altitude. Although the amount  Straight Descents (Constant Airspeed  and Constant Rate) Entry Level Off A O M  3  4  I  0  2  2  I  3  VERTICAL SPEED  THOUSAND FT PER MIN  UP  DOWN  .5  .5  33  30  24  2I  I5  I2  6  3  2 MIN TURN  DC ELEC  L R  30.0  29.9  29.8  I 0 0 F E T I  4  5  6  7  9  2  0  8  3  CALIBRATED  TO 20,000 FEET  ALT  20 20  I0 I0 I0 I0 20 20  TEST  STBY PWR  IN Hg ALg. MANIFOLD  PRESS  25 5 15 30 20 10 35 110  100  90  80  70  60  50  110  100  90  80  70  60  50  E R  %RPM  Primary power Supporting direct pitch and bank Supporting bank Primary bank Primary pitch Remains constant Figure 8-13.  Flight instrument indications in a stabilized constant-rate climb. 8-12