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Robinson R66 Turbine

PERFORMANCE LIMITATIONS

Max Gross Weight 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
VNE (Never Exceed) 130 KIAS
VY (Best Rate Climb) 70 KIAS
Max Temp (MGT) Start: 850°C peak, Flight: 750°C continuous
Rotor RPM (Nr) Normal: 100-104%, Minimum: 90% (in flight)
Fuel Capacity 279 L usable

PREFLIGHT INSPECTION (EXTERIOR)

Tie-downs / Rotor Brake REMOVED / OFF
Main & Tail Rotor Blades CHECK (Condition, hinges, blade stops, track)
Engine Air Intake CHECK CLEAR (Screened intake at tail boom base)
Fuel Quantity CHECK VISUALLY (279 L usable)
Oil Level CHECK
• Engine: 5.7-7.6 L (dipstick)
• MGB: 1.4-1.9 L
Skids / Drains CHECK (Condition, attachment, free of debris)
Tail Rotor Gearbox Oil CHECK LEVEL (Visual check at filler port)
Cabin Air Intake CLEAR (Right side of cabin, below door)
Baggage Compartment CHECK SECURE (136 kg max, 34 kg per seat if occupied)
Pitot / Static Ports CLEAR (Remove covers if installed)

COCKPIT PREPARATION

Seats & Harnesses ADJUSTED / SECURED
Cyclic / Collective CENTERED / FULL DOWN
Friction devices: CHECK & SET as desired (Cyclic friction knob on center console; Collective friction lever on collective).
Rotor Brake OFF (Verify fully disengaged, light out)
Throttle (Twist Grip) CLOSED (IDLE) - set to the fully closed/idle position for engine start.
Do NOT pre-open for start sequence.
Master Battery and Strobe Switches ON (Check Voltmeter ≥ 24V)
Fuel Valves (2x) BOTH ON
• Cyclic Base (Left)
• Panel (near battery master)
Levers fully forward/out.
Igniter Key ENABLE
Generator Switch OFF
Anti-Ice / Pitot Heat OFF
Pitot Heat: ON in visible moisture or known icing conditions.
Cabin Heat OFF
Hydraulic Switch ON
Avionics Master OFF
Circuit Breakers IN & CHECK (Verify none are popped)
Emergency Equipment CHECK (Fire extinguisher secure, accessible)
Emergency Brief REVIEW LOCATIONS (Fuel shutoff, fire handles, rotor brake)
Altimeter SET (Local QNH / Field Elevation)
CRITICAL TURBINE START PROCEDURE:
  1. Ensure throttle (twist grip) is CLOSED (IDLE)
  2. Start switch ON until N1 reaches 15% RPM
  3. Check MGT is LESS THAN 150°C and rising. If MGT > 150°C, wait for cooldown.
  4. Only when both conditions are met (N1 ≥ 15% AND MGT < 150°C), move condition lever to IDLE (fuel ON).
Note: After a recent shutdown, MGT may be high (e.g., 300°C). Wait for cooldown before starting.

ENGINE START

Area CLEAR (Rotor arc 360°) / Seats / Harnesses
Throttle (Twist Grip) CLOSED (IDLE) for start sequence. Do not pre-open.
Ignition / Start Switch START (Hold to begin spool-up)
Starter Limit MAX 30 SEC engagement. If no light-off, allow 60 sec cooldown.
Condition Lever (Fuel) IDLE ONLY after N1 ≥ 15% AND MGT < 150°C
Engine Instruments MONITOR:
• N1: Rise & stabilize (~65-70%)
• MGT: Peak ≤ 850°C, stabilize ≤ 750°C
• Oil Pressure: Rise within 30 sec
• N2: Verify increase to ~55-60% at idle
Battery Voltage MONITOR (Should not drop below 22V during start)
Generator CHECK ONLINE (GEN/ALT light extinguishes ~50% N2)
Generator Switch: ON after light out.
Avionics Master ON (After stable idle & generator online)
Voltmeter CHECK (Stable ~28V with generator online)

GROUND CHECKS & RUN-UP

Engine Warm-up 2 MINUTES at idle (Oil temp rising toward green)
Flight Controls FREE & CORRECT (Full deflection, check friction)
Engine Gauges CHECK STABLE: MGT ≤ 750°C, Oil P/T, Fuel Flow
Rotor/Engine Vibration CHECK at flight RPM (No abnormal vibrations)
Warning Lights TEST (Press to test, all extinguish when released)
Rotor Brake VERIFY OFF (Light out, handle fully disengaged)
Transponder Set as required (ALT/ON for departure)
Throttle (Twist Grip) FLIGHT / OPEN - set fully open; governor should bring N2 to 100%.
Low Rotor RPM Warning TEST – Reduce throttle until warning activates (~90% Nr), then restore to FLIGHT.
Hydraulic System CHECK (Cyclic/collective forces normal)

BEFORE TAKEOFF

Briefing TAKEOFF / DEPARTURE / EMERGENCY
Include: Engine failure point, landing areas
Weight & Balance VERIFY (Max Gross: 2,700 lbs; within CG limits)
Transponder ALT/ON (Set code as required)
Autopilot / Flight Director SET as desired
Engine Instruments CHECK GREEN (All parameters normal)
Flight Instruments SET / CROSS-CHECK (Altimeter, DG, etc.)
Doors / Windows CLOSED & LATCHED
Cabin SECURE FOR TAKEOFF
Anti-Ice / Pitot Heat AS REQUIRED

HOVER CHECK

Lift to Hover SMOOTH COLLECTIVE (Clear area, light on skids)
Engine & Rotor MONITOR:
• Rotor RPM (Nr): 98-102% (governed)
• MGT: ≤ 750°C
• Torque: Check normal for weight/conditions
Vibrations CHECK NORMAL (No unusual airframe/rotor vibrations)
Controls RESPONSIVE in all axes
Hydraulics CHECK (Control forces normal, no binding)

CLIMB & CRUISE

Climb Speed 70–80 KIAS (Best rate ~70 KIAS)
Cruise Torque / Power 65–75% Torque (Monitor MGT ≤ 750°C, N2 ~100%)
Cruise Speed 110–120 KIAS (VNE: 130 KIAS)
Max Continuous Torque ≤80% (Monitor MGT ≤ 750°C)
Cabin Environment ADJUST (Vent/Heat as needed)
Engine Scan CONTINUOUS: Torque, N1/N2, MGT, Oil Temp/Pressure, Fuel Flow
Fuel Management MONITOR (Endurance ~3.5–4 hrs at cruise)
Anti-Ice / Pitot Heat AS REQUIRED

DESCENT & APPROACH

Power Reduction GRADUAL - reduce torque to ~40–50% for descent; monitor MGT cooling rate
Descent Speed 70–90 KIAS
Approach Briefing COMPLETE (Type of approach, missed approach, emergencies)
Landing Area IDENTIFY & BRIEF (Wind, obstacles, surface condition)

BEFORE LANDING

Final Approach Speed 60–70 KIAS (Adjust for wind/weight)
Torque Adjust to ~30–40% (Maintain rotor RPM 100 ± 2%)
Landing Area FINAL CHECK (Clear, wind, obstacles, surface)
Seat Belts SECURED
Engine Instruments CHECK NORMAL

LANDING

Flare INITIATE at 30–50 ft AGL
Collective CUSHION to maintain rotor RPM and smooth touchdown
Touchdown LEVEL SKIDS (Avoid side/downward drift)
Collective FULL DOWN

ENGINE SHUTDOWN

Engine Cool-down 2 MINUTES at idle (MGT < 500°C)
Allow longer if MGT is high for subsequent start.
Condition Lever OFF / FUEL CUTOFF (Full aft)
Engine MONITOR to stop (N1/N2 to 0%)
Generator Switch OFF
Avionics Master OFF
Battery & Strobe Switches OFF
Battery Master OFF
Fuel Valves (2x) PUSH OFF (Both levers fully in/down)
Igniter Key OFF

SECURING AIRCRAFT

Rotor Brake APPLY (Wait for Nr < 20% ~80 RPM)
Tie-downs SECURE (Main rotor, tail, skids)
Pitot / Intake Covers INSTALL (As required for parking)
Doors LOCKED
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