Ground Reconnaissance Reconnaissance Procedures High Reconnaissance Low Reconnaissance Maximum Performance Takeoff When planning to land or takeoff at an unfamiliar site,  gather as much information as possible about the area.  Reconnaissance techniques are ways of gathering this  information. Prior to departing an unfamiliar location, make a detailed  analysis of the area. There are several factors to consider  during this evaluation. Besides determining the best departure  path and identifying all hazards in the area, select a route that  gets the helicopter from its present position to the takeoff  point while avoiding all hazards, especially to the tail rotor  and landing gear. The purpose of conducting a high reconnaissance is to  determine direction and speed of the wind, a touchdown  point, suitability of the landing area, approach and departure  axes, and obstacles for both the approach and departure.  The pilot should also give particular consideration to forced  landing areas in case of an emergency. Some things to consider while formulating a takeoff plan  are the aircraft load, height of obstacles, the shape of the  area, direction of the wind, and surface conditions. Surface  conditions can consist of dust, sand and snow, as well as  mud and rocks. Dust landings and snow landings can lead  to a brownout or whiteout condition, which is the loss of  the horizon reference. Disorientation may occur, leading to  ground contact, often with fatal results. Taking off or landing  on uneven terrain, mud, or rocks can cause the tail rotor to  strike the surface or if the skids get caught can lead to dynamic  rollover. If the helicopter is heavily loaded, determine if there  is sufficient power to clear the obstacles. Sometimes it is better  to pick a path over shorter obstacles than to take off directly  into the wind. Also evaluate the shape of the area so that a path  can be chosen that will provide you the most room to maneuver  and abort the takeoff if necessary. Positioning the helicopter  at the most downwind portion of the confined area gives the  pilot the most distance to clear obstacles.  Altitude, airspeed, and flight pattern for a high reconnaissance  are governed by wind and terrain features. It is important to  strike a balance between a reconnaissance conducted too high  and one too low. It should not be flown so low that a pilot  must divide attention between studying the area and avoiding  obstructions to flight. A high reconnaissance should be flown  at an altitude of 300 to 500 feet above the surface. A general  rule to follow is to ensure that sufficient altitude is available  at all times to land into the wind in case of engine failure. In  addition, a 45° angle of observation generally allows the best  estimate of the height of barriers, the presence of obstacles,  the size of the area, and the slope of the terrain. Always  maintain safe altitudes and airspeeds and keep a forced  landing area within reach whenever possible. Wind analysis also helps determine the route of takeoff.  The prevailing wind can be altered by obstructions on  the departure path and can significantly affect aircraft  performance. There are several ways to check the wind  direction before taking off. One technique is to watch the tops  of the trees; another is to look for any smoke in the area. If  there is a body of water in the area, look to see which way the  water is rippling. If wind direction is still in question revert  to the last report that was received by either the Automatic  Terminal Information Service (ATIS) or airport tower.  A low reconnaissance is accomplished during the approach to  the landing area. When flying the approach, verify what was  observed in the high reconnaissance, and check for anything  new that may have been missed at a higher altitude, such as  wires and their supporting structures (poles, towers, etc.),  slopes, and small crevices. If the pilot determines that the  area chosen is safe to land in, the approach can be continued.  However, the decision to land or go around must be made  prior to decelerating below effective translational lift (ETL),  or before descending below the barriers surrounding the  confined area. If a decision is made to complete the approach, terminate  the landing to a hover in order to check the landing point  carefully before lowering the helicopter to the surface.  Under certain conditions, it may be desirable to continue  the approach to the surface. Once the helicopter is on the  ground, maintain operating revolutions per minute (rpm)  until the stability of the helicopter has been checked to be  sure it is in a secure and safe position. A maximum performance takeoff is used to climb at a steep  angle to clear barriers in the flightpath. It can be used when  taking off from small areas surrounded by high obstacles.  Allow for a vertical takeoff, although not preferred, if  obstruction clearance could be in doubt. Before attempting  a maximum performance takeoff, know thoroughly the  capabilities and limitations of the equipment. Also consider  the wind velocity, temperature, density altitude, gross weight,  center of gravity (CG) location, and other factors affecting  pilot technique and the performance of the helicopter. 10-2