can hold the helicopter against it with the cyclic during the entire landing. A slope of 5° is considered maxi- mum for normal operation of most helicopters.  You should be aware of any abnormal vibration or mast bumping that signals maximum cyclic deflection. If this occurs, abandon the landing because the slope is too steep. In most helicopters with a counterclockwise rotor system, landings can be made on steeper slopes when you are holding the cyclic to the right. When landing on slopes using left cyclic, some cyclic input must be used to overcome the translating tendency. If wind is not a factor, you should consider the drifting tendency when determining landing direction. After the downslope skid is on the surface, reduce the collective to full down, and neutralize the cyclic and pedals (frame 4). Normal operating r.p.m. should be maintained until the full weight of the helicopter is on the landing gear. This ensures adequate r.p.m. for immediate takeoff in case the helicopter starts sliding down the slope. Use antitorque pedals as necessary throughout the landing for heading control. Before reducing the r.p.m., move the cyclic control as neces- sary to check that the helicopter is firmly on the ground. Prior to conducting any slope operations, you should be thoroughly familiar with the characteristics of dynamic rollover and mast bumping, which are dis- cussed in Chapter 11—Helicopter Emergencies. The approach to a slope is similar to the approach to any other landing area. During slope operations, make allowances for wind, barriers, and forced landing sites in case of engine failure. Since the slope may constitute an obstruction to wind passage, you should anticipate turbulence and downdrafts. You usually land a helicopter across the slope rather than with the slope. Landing with the helicopter facing down the slope or downhill is not recommended because of the possibility of striking the tail rotor on the surface. Refer to figure 10-6. At the termination of the approach, move the helicopter slowly toward the slope, being careful not to turn the tail upslope. Position the helicopter across the slope at a stabilized hover headed into the wind over the spot of intended landing  (frame 1). Downward pressure on the collective starts the helicopter descending. As the upslope skid touches the ground, hesitate momentarily in a level attitude, then apply lateral cyclic in the direction of the slope (frame 2). This holds the skid against the slope while you continue lowering the downslope skid with the col- lective. As you lower the collective, continue to move the cyclic toward the slope to maintain a fixed position (frame 3). The slope must be shallow enough so you A slope takeoff is basically the reverse of a slope land- ing. [Figure 10-7] Conditions that may be associated with the slope, such as turbulence and obstacles, must 10-6 Figure 10-6. Slope landing. SLOPE TAKEOFF TECHNIQUE COMMON ERRORS SLOPE LANDING SLOPE OPERATIONS 5. Touching down at an excessive groundspeed for the existing conditions. (Some helicopters have maximum touchdown groundspeeds.) 6. Failing to touch down in a level attitude. 7. Failing to maintain proper r.p.m. during and after touchdown. 8. Poor directional control during touchdown. 1. Failure to consider wind effects during the approach and landing. 2. Failure to maintain proper r.p.m. throughout the entire maneuver. 3. Turning the tail of the helicopter into the slope. 4. Lowering the downslope skid or wheel too rapidly. 5. Applying excessive cyclic control into the slope, causing mast bumping.