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Robinson R44 Raven II

EXTERIOR PREFLIGHT (WALK-AROUND)

Tie-downs / Rotor Brake REMOVED / DISENGAGED
Main Rotor Blades CHECK (Condition, freedom of movement, stops aligned)
Tail Rotor CHECK (Condition, security)
Fuel Quantity CHECK VISUALLY (Both tanks, drain sample)
Fuel Caps SECURED
Oil Level CHECK (6–8 quarts)
Skids / Tires CHECK (Condition, inflation)
Pitot Tube / Static Ports CLEAR
Cabin Doors SECURE / LATCHED
Battery MASTER OFF during walk-around

COCKPIT PREPARATION

Parking Brake SET
Battery Master ON
Fuel Selector ON (Both tanks)
Fuel Shutoff ON (Forward of collective)
Mixture IDLE CUTOFF (Pull full out)
Throttle FULL OPEN (Twist grip)
Carb Heat OFF
Ignition Switch OFF
Avionics Master OFF
Circuit Breakers IN
Cyclic / Collective CENTERED / DOWN
Seat Belts SECURED

ENGINE START

Area CLEAR (Rotor arc clear)
Fuel Pump ON (Electric boost pump)
Mixture FULL RICH (Push in)
Throttle 1/4 OPEN
Carb Heat OFF
Ignition START (Monitor: Oil pressure rising within 30 sec)
Oil Pressure CHECK (25–60 psi, green arc 30–60)
Fuel Pump OFF after start
Engine Gauges MONITOR (CHT 150–450°F, Oil Temp 100–245°F)

RUN-UP AND GROUND CHECKS

Engine Warm-up 2–3 MINUTES at 2000 RPM (Oil temp > 100°F)
Magnetos Check PERFORM at 2000 RPM
Both → L → Both → R → Both
Max drop: 150 RPM
Difference L/R: < 50 RPM
Carb Heat Check ON (Expect 75–125 RPM drop)
OFF after check
Governor Check ENGAGE (Set 2700 RPM, governor should hold)
Flight Instruments CHECK (AI, DG, Altimeter, VSI)
Cyclic Friction ADJUST as desired
Rotor Brake CHECK (Off position)

BEFORE TAKEOFF

Briefing TAKEOFF / DEPARTURE / EMERGENCY
Fuel SELECTOR ON / QUANTITY CHECKED
Mixture FULL RICH
Carb Heat OFF (Except below 15°C OAT with visible moisture)
Governor ON
Engine Gauges CHECK GREEN (Oil pressure 30–60 psi, CHT < 450°F)
Flight Controls FREE & CORRECT
Doors / Windows CLOSED & LATCHED
Seat Belts / Harnesses SECURED

TAKEOFF

Area CLEAR (Final check)
Collective SMOOTH UP to 2700 RPM (Governor engaged)
Engine Instruments MONITOR (Oil pressure 30–60 psi, CHT rising)
Vibration CHECK NORMAL
Lift-off LIGHT ON SKIDS at 2700 RPM
In-Ground Effect HOVER CHECK (Stable hover before departure)
Airspeed 60–70 KIAS for climbout

HOVER CHECK

Engine Gauges CHECK NORMAL (Oil pressure/temp, CHT)
Rotor RPM 2700 ±50
Vibration CHECK (No unusual vibrations)
Controls RESPONSIVE
Warning Lights NONE ILLUMINATED
Fuel Pressure 4–8 PSI

CLIMB

Airspeed 60–70 KIAS (Best rate climb)
RPM 2700 (Governor controlled)
Mixture LEAN above 3000 ft MSL for best power
Carb Heat AS REQUIRED (Below green arc or visible moisture)
Engine Gauges MONITOR (CHT ≤ 450°F, Oil Temp ≤ 245°F)

CRUISE

Power Setting 21–23 INCH MP (65–75% power)
RPM 2700
Mixture LEAN for best power or per POH
Cruise Speed 110–120 KIAS (75% power)
Fuel Flow 15–18 GPH (At 75% power)
Engine Gauges MONITOR (CHT 300–400°F, Oil Temp 180–220°F ideal)
Fuel Tanks CHECK BALANCE (Monitor both tanks)

DESCENT

Mixture RICH (Below 3000 ft MSL)
Carb Heat AS REQUIRED (ON when MP below green arc)
Descent Rate 500–700 FPM
Airspeed 70–90 KIAS
RPM 2700 (Governor on)
Engine Cooling MONITOR (Keep CHT > 250°F during descent)

BEFORE LANDING

Approach Briefing COMPLETE
Fuel SELECTOR ON / QUANTITY CHECKED
Mixture FULL RICH
Carb Heat ON (Below 15" MP)
Seat Belts SECURED
Doors CLOSED & LATCHED
Approach Speed 60–70 KIAS (Normal approach)
Governor ON

LANDING

Final Approach 60–65 KIAS
Deceleration FLARE GENTLY to reduce forward speed
Collective SMOOTH UP to cushion landing
Touchdown LEVEL SKIDS
After Landing COLLECTIVE FULL DOWN
Carb Heat OFF

SHUTDOWN

Engine Cool-down 2–3 MINUTES at 2000 RPM (CHT < 300°F)
Governor OFF
Throttle IDLE (Twist grip closed)
Mixture IDLE CUTOFF (Pull full out)
Ignition OFF after engine stops
Fuel Shutoff OFF
Avionics Master OFF
Battery Master OFF

SECURING AIRCRAFT

Rotor Brake APPLY (Wait for Nr < 100 RPM)
Tie-downs SECURED
Blade Socks INSTALL (If available)
Pitot Cover INSTALL
Doors LOCKED
Baggage / Documents REMOVED
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