What is the recommended action for a governor failure?

In the event of a governor failure, switching the governor off and taking manual control is the recommended action. The governor is responsible for maintaining the rotor RPM by automatically adjusting the throttle based on flight conditions and power demands. When a governor failure occurs, the system may no longer effectively control the engine power, putting the helicopter at risk of low rotor RPM or other operational issues.

By turning off the governor, the pilot can take direct control over the throttle and manage the RPM more manually. This allows for immediate corrections to maintain safe operational parameters, rather than relying on a malfunctioning system. Manual control enables the pilot to respond more effectively to the helicopter's performance and any external factors affecting flight, ensuring safety.

In contrast, keeping the governor active while adjusting power could exacerbate the problem if the governor is malfunctioning. Throttle backing for stabilization does not directly address the root issue of the governor failure, and increasing altitude may be a safety measure but will not resolve the underlying control issue. Therefore, taking manual control is essential for ensuring that the helicopter remains safe to operate under the altered conditions brought on by the governor failure.