In a LAND/DITCH IMMEDIATELY maneuver, which action is performed first?

• A. FLOATS AS REQUIRED
• B. WHEELS AS REQUIRED
• C. ROTOR BRAKE ON
• D. LAND/DITCH

Answer: (B)

In LAND/DITCH IMMEDIATELY, the priority is to configure the helicopter for the surface you’re about to touch down on so you can make a safe contact as quickly as possible. The first action is to set the landing gear to the required configuration—extend the wheels if you’re landing on land, or deploy floats if a water landing is anticipated. This prepares the aircraft for the final approach and touchdown and avoids delaying contact to reconfigure gear. Rotor brake should not be applied as the first action; it’s something you deal with after touchdown to secure the rotor. The other options are contingencies tied to the surface, but the initial step is getting the appropriate gear ready.