HELICOPTERS HAVE the unique ability to sustain flight without requiring airspeed. However, the ability to fly slowly and even hover presents special considerations regarding turbulence. While all aircraft are subject to adverse effects of turbulent air, particularly downdrafts and wind shear near the ground, there are specific aspects a helicopter pilot should consider. Turbulence can make for an uncomfortable ride in any aircraft, but it's the sudden changes to vertical rate and airspeed that are critical to safe flight in a helicopter. Turbulence can adversely affect performance, induce vortex ring state (VRS), and cause loss of tail rotor effectiveness.
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