Helicopter Tips 007 – Initial Hover Check

What is a helicopter hover check? Before you commit to takeoff, an initial check in the hover allows the pilot to observe the helicopter performance in a stabilized hover, to evaluate:

  • Actual hover power required (does it seem accurate to performance charts?)
  • Engine, transmission and rotor (main & tail) performance at a relatively high power setting
  • Actual weight and balance (did you forget the ballast left under the seat??)
  • Skids not caught up on anything (fuel hose, tiedown, etc.)
  • Wind affects (still want to go fly?)
  • Instrument check – all in normal position/range?

There have been more than a few accidents that could have been avoided if the pilot took just 30 seconds to do a proper check while hovering, before pulling up collective for an immediate departure.

Watch the short Helicopter Tips 007 video:

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