What is the maximum ground slope allowed to land a size 2 helicopter at night without issuing an advisory?

• A. 3 degrees
• B. 5 degrees
• C. 7 degrees
• D. 2 degrees

Answer: (A)

Landing on sloped ground reduces touchdown stability, and doing this at night adds the challenge of limited visibility. For a size 2 helicopter, the established upper limit for ground slope that keeps a landing night operation without issuing an advisory is a small angle. Staying within this limit helps ensure a stable flare and touchdown, keeps the aircraft within its landing gear load envelope, and minimizes the risk of tipping or side loading on uneven ground when visibility is reduced. If the slope is any steeper than that limit, an advisory is required to inform flight and ground personnel and to adjust plans or relocate; thus the maximum allowable slope is the boundary where you can land without issuing an advisory. A shallower slope is acceptable, but it’s not the maximum. The other options describe steeper limits (which would require an advisory) or a smaller limit (which is safe but not the maximum).