Flight 03; Patterns and Hovering at Bedford
by Philip Greenspun; revised March 2006
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Objective
Become proficient with normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings.
Become proficient with all types of hovering and hover taxiing.
Elements
- vertical takeoff to a hover
- landing from a hover
- hovering forward, sideways, and backwards
- hovering around a pattern on the ground, in various orientations
- normal and crosswind takeoffs from a hover
- normal and crosswind approaches to a hover
Schedule
- 0-30 minutes: drive to helicopter hangar and preflight inspection
- 30-40: startup
- 40-55: student air taxis to Taxiway Whiskey or Romeo for hover
practice
- 55-70: pattern work
- 70-80: hover practice
- 80-90: pattern work
- 90-110: put helicopter away, return to classroom
- 110-120: discussion
Completion Standards
The student graduates to the next level when he or she can handle all
radio communications with Hanscom Tower, take off without any
assistance from the instructor, and do at least 50 percent of
approachs and landings without assistance.
Evaluation
Reading Assignment
Read Chapters 10 and 11 of the Rotorcraft Flying Handbook.