How would a high gross weight affect autorotation performance?

A high gross weight negatively affects autorotation performance by increasing the rate of descent and reducing the glide distance. With a higher gross weight, the rotor system has to work harder to generate lift, even in autorotation. This increased workload results in a higher rate of descent because the rotor blades must generate more lift to support the heavier aircraft, which increases drag. The increased drag will in turn reduce the glide distance, limiting the pilot's options for selecting a suitable landing site. A higher gross weight also decreases the amount of kinetic energy stored in the rotor system, making the flare maneuver less effective and increasing the risk of a hard landing. Therefore, it is crucial to operate within the helicopter's weight limits to ensure optimal autorotation performance in the event of an engine failure.