Intro Flight Safety Briefing — SFAR 73 Awareness

Step 1 · Watch

SFAR 73 Awareness (Robinson R-22 / R-44)

Every Robinson pilot must complete SFAR 73 ground and flight training — covering energy management, low rotor RPM / rotor stall, low-G / mast bumping, and enhanced autorotations — with an authorized CFI before manipulating the controls. This North Country Heli Flight briefing is an overview; it is not a substitute for the required, logged, and endorsed training.

Official Robinson Safety Resources →

SFAR 73 was updated August 22, 2024 — confirm current requirements with your CFI or FSDO.

The three things that matter most today

Never push the cyclic forward abruptly. A "low-G pushover" can cause mast bumping and loss of control. Inputs stay smooth and gentle.
"My aircraft / Your aircraft." If your instructor says "My aircraft," let go of the controls immediately and reply "Your aircraft." This is the positive exchange of controls.
Hands and feet on the controls only when invited. You fly only when your instructor tells you to, while they supervise — never grab a control on your own.

Step 2 · Confirm

Log your name & answer three questions

Your full name

Date

1. In a Robinson R44, is it ever OK to push the cyclic abruptly forward (a "low-G pushover")?

Yes — to descend faster. No — never. It can cause mast bumping and loss of control. Only above 1,000 feet.

2. During the flight your instructor says "My aircraft." What should you do?

Keep flying until the maneuver is finished. Let go of the controls immediately and reply "Your aircraft." Ask them to say it again.

3. When may you put your hands and feet on the controls?

Any time you'd like to try something. Only when your instructor tells you to, while they supervise. During takeoff and landing.

This briefing supports the in-person SFAR 73 awareness training your instructor provides before you handle the controls. Your name, the date, and your answers are recorded for our safety file.