Low-G mast bumping
Information and resources about low-G mast bumping, including how to recognize and avoid it.
1. What is the best way for a pilot to recognize low G?
A weightless feeling similar to the start of an elevator ride
An aircraft in a tight, banked turn with the pilot being pressed into the seat
A person beginning a downward ride in an elevator
Standing on the ground or sitting in an aircraft in level flight
2. How can helicopter pilots avoid mast bumping accidents?
Use a flight simulator to learn and experience low G conditions
Recover from a low-G situation by first gently applying forward cyclic to restore normal G before attempting to correct any roll
Avoid abrupt forward cyclic inputs in two-bladed helicopters
Reduce power and use a slower than normal cruise speed
3. What happens if uncommanded right roll occurs for helicopters with main rotors which rotate counter-clockwise when viewed from above?
Immediate corrective action must be taken
Airplane pilots may find this difficult habit to break
The energy and inertia in the rotor system will sever the mast or allow rotor blades to strike the tail or other portions of the helicopter.
Pilots should respond with smooth, gentle control inputs
4. In what type of flying can Low-G mast bumping initially be encountered?
Low altitude tactical flight technique used by military
Nap-of-the-earth flying used by civilians at higher altitudes
Initiating takeoff from hover
Traditional recovery from vortex ring state
5. At lower speeds, such as initiation of a takeoff from hover or traditional recovery from vortex ring state what is safe for pilots to perform?
Forward cyclic maneuvers do not cause low G and are safe to perform
Abrupt forward cyclic input or pushover in two bladed helicopters is dangerous and must be avoided
Rely entirely on tilt of thrust vector for control
Generate some moment about fuselage independent of thrust due to rotor hub design
6. When combined with high airspeed, what may lead to mast bumping?
Lower airspeeds
Downdrafts
Turbulence
Severe turbulence
7. What is 'G' an abbreviation for?
Acceleration due to gravity
Force caused by magnetic fields
Speed limit on highways
Strength of electrical current
8. Which type of helicopter relies entirely on tilt of thrust vector for control?
Multi bladed rotors (3+ blades)
Two bladed teetering rotors
Four bladed teetering rotors
Single blade teetering rotors
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