Hatch movement speeds (forward and sideward).

• A. 65 KIAS forward, 40 KIAS sideward
• B. 60 KIAS forward, 30 KIAS sideward
• C. 50 KIAS forward, 25 KIAS sideward
• D. 70 KIAS forward, 35 KIAS sideward

Answer: (B)

The speeds for moving the hatch are set to keep its mechanism and mounts within safe, structural limits during operation. For the MH-65E, the approved envelope is 60 KIAS in the forward direction and 30 KIAS sideward. Moving forward up to 60 KIAS aligns with the way the hatch tracks and supports handle loads most effectively in the travel direction, while staying within the airframe’s loads and avoiding excessive buffeting or interference with controls. Sideward motion is more restricted, at 30 KIAS, because lateral movement places higher bending moments and potential binding on the hatch guides and attachment points, offering less margin for safe operation. The other options either push beyond what the hatch system is designed to safely handle or are unnecessarily conservative, so they’re not the correct limits.