Autorotation

A rotorcraft flight condition in which the lifting rotor is driven entirely by action of the air when the rotorcraft is in motion. 1. Autorotative Landing/Touchdown Autorotation. Used by a pilot to indicate that he will be landing without applying power to the rotor. 2. Low Level Autorotation. Commences at an altitude well below the traffic pattern, usually below 100 feet AGL and is used primarily for tactical military training. 3. 180 degrees Autorotation. Initiated from a downwind heading and is commenced well inside the normal traffic pattern. "Go around" may not be possible during the latter part of this maneuver. (FAA4)