The leveloff from a constant rate climb is accomplished in the same manner as the leveloff from a constant airspeed climb.
STRAIGHT DESCENTS (CONSTANT AIRSPEED AND CONSTANT RATE)
A descent may be performed at any normal airspeed the helicopter is capable of, but the airspeed must be determined prior to entry. The technique is determined by whether you want to perform a constant airspeed or a constant rate descent.
ENTRY
If your airspeed is higher than descending airspeed, and you wish to make a constant airspeed descent at the descending airspeed, reduce power to the descending power setting and maintain a constant altitude using cyclic pitch control. When you approach the descending airspeed, the airspeed indicator becomes primary for pitch, and the torque meter is primary for power. As you hold the airspeed constant, the helicopter begins to descend. For a constant rate descent, reduce the power the particular helicopter being flown. Normally, in helicopters with low climb rates, 500 f.p.m. is appropriate, in helicopters capable of high climb rates, use a rate of 1,000 f.p.m.
 
To enter a constant rate climb, increase power to the approximate setting for the desired rate. As power is applied, the airspeed indicator is primary for pitch until the vertical speed approaches the desired rate. At this time, the vertical speed indicator becomes primary for pitch. Change pitch attitude by reference to the attitude indicator to maintain the desired vertical speed. When the VSI becomes primary for pitch, the airspeed indicator becomes primary for power. Primary and supporting instruments for a stabilized constant rate climb are illustrated in figure 12-19. Adjust power to maintain desired airspeed. Pitch attitude and power corrections should be closely coordinated. To illustrate this, if the vertical speed is correct but the airspeed is low, add power. As power is increased, it may be necessary to lower the pitch attitude slightly to avoid increasing the vertical rate. Adjust the pitch attitude smoothly to avoid over-controlling. Small power corrections usually will be sufficient to bring the airspeed back to the desired indication.
LEVELOFF
The leveloff from a constant airspeed climb must be started before reaching the desired altitude. Although the amount of lead varies with the helicopter being flown and your piloting technique, the most important factor is vertical speed. As a rule of thumb, use 10 percent of the vertical velocity as your lead point. For example, if the
12-14
 

to the approximate setting for the desired rate. If the descent is started at the descending airspeed, the airspeed indicator is primary for pitch until the VSI approaches the desired rate. At this time, the vertical speed indicator becomes primary for pitch, and the airspeed indicator becomes primary for power. Coordinate power and pitch attitude control as was described earlier for constant rate climbs.