What are the common standards for a hover?

• A. Maintain altitude, ±3 feet; Do not allow drift to exceed 5 feet; Maintain a constant rate of movement appropriate for existing conditions; Maintain ground track with minimum drift; NRCM(s) will announce all drift/altitude changes.
• B. Maintain altitude, ±3 feet; Do not allow drift to exceed 5 feet; Maintain a constant rate of movement appropriate for existing conditions.
• C. Maintain altitude, ±3 feet; Do not allow drift to exceed 3 feet; Maintain ground track with minimum drift; NRCM(s) will announce all drift/altitude changes.
• D. Maintain altitude, ±2 feet; Do not allow drift to exceed 2 feet; Maintain a constant rate of movement; NRCMs will announce drift changes.

Answer: (A)

In a hover, you’re proving you can hold a precise position both vertically and horizontally while staying under predictable control. The standard calls for keeping altitude within plus or minus 3 feet and keeping drift to no more than 5 feet from the hover reference point. You should also maintain a steady, appropriate rate of movement for the existing conditions so the helicopter doesn’t wander or chatter in place. Keeping a good ground track with minimal drift helps you stay aligned with the reference frame, and having NRCMs announce any drift or altitude changes ensures everyone on the ground is aware of what the helicopter is doing. The other options soften or remove these elements—tighter drift limits, or omitting the ground-track or announcement aspects—so they don’t fit the typical hover standard.