Vortex Ring State / Settling With Power

Vortex Ring State is….

The following video two part video from Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or less provides a good summary.

The FAA has been recommending avoidance of the conditions of a main rotor vortex ring state, for many yeas. That is, to void descending more than 300 feet per second, while under power, and below ETL. However, if you get into a vortex ring state, the FAA recommends to decrease collective, increase power if available, and gain forward speed. Or, to enter an autorotation if altitude permits.

An alternative recovery technique is the Vuichard Recovery. The following video provides a good overview of this method.