be considered during the takeoff. Planning should include suitable forced landing areas. Begin the takeoff by increasing r.p.m. to the normal range with the collective full down. Then, move the cyclic toward the slope (frame 1). Holding cyclic toward the slope causes the downslope skid to rise as you slowly raise the collective (frame 2). As the skid comes up, move the cyclic toward the neutral position. If properly coordinated, the helicopter should attain a level attitude as the cyclic reaches the neutral position. At the same time, use antitorque pedal pressure to maintain heading and throttle to maintain r.p.m. With the helicopter level and the cyclic centered, pause momentarily to verify everything is correct, and then gradually raise the collective to complete the liftoff (frame 3). After reaching a hover, take care to avoid hitting the ground with the tail rotor. If an upslope wind exists, execute a crosswind takeoff and then make a turn into the wind after clearing the ground with the tail rotor. There are several things to consider when operating in confined areas. One of the most important is maintaining clearance between the rotors and obstacles forming the confined area. The tail rotor deserves special considera- tion because, in some helicopters, you cannot always see it from the cabin. This not only applies while making the approach, but while hovering as well. Another consider- ation is that wires are especially difficult to see; however their towers, serve as an indication of their presence and approximate height. If any wind is present, you should also expect some turbulence. [Figure 10-8] Something else for you to consider is the availability of forced landing areas during the planned approach. You should think about the possibility of flying from one alternate landing area to another throughout the approach, while avoiding unfavorable areas. Always leave yourself a way out in case the landing cannot be completed or a go-around is necessary. A high reconnaissance should be completed before ini- tiating the confined area approach. Start the approach phase using the wind and speed to the best possible advantage. Keep in mind areas suitable for forced land- ing. It may be necessary to choose between an A confined area is an area where the flight of the heli- copter is limited in some direction by terrain or the presence of obstructions, natural or manmade. For example, a clearing in the woods, a city street, a road, a building roof, etc., can each be regarded as a confined area. Generally, takeoffs and landings should be made into the wind to obtain maximum airspeed with mini- mum groundspeed. 10-7 APPROACH CONFINED AREA OPERATIONS COMMON ERRORS TECHNIQUE Figure 10-7. Slope takeoff. Figure 10-8. If the wind velocity is 10 knots or greater, you should expect updrafts on the windward side and downdrafts on the lee side of obstacles. You should plan the approach with these factors in mind, but be ready to alter your plans if the wind speed or direction changes. 4. Turning the tail of the helicopter into the slope during takeoff. 3. Holding excessive cyclic into the slope as the downslope skid is raised. 2. Failure to maintain proper r.p.m. 1. Failure to adjust cyclic control to keep the heli- copter from sliding downslope. Wind