[BHM-5] Perform Hovering Flight

Objective: To enhance pilot proficiency in performing various hovering maneuvers, including hover to the left, right, and aft, as well as executing hovering turns around the mast, nose, and tail of the HH-60G Pave Hawk.

Duration: Total Training Time: 3.0 hours

• Ground Briefing: 0.5 hours
• Flight: 2.5 hours

Prerequisites:

• Completion of basic pilot training.
• Familiarity with HH-60G systems and the fundamentals of hovering flight.
• Proficiency in basic flight control inputs and aircraft handling.

Training Tasks:

Ground Training:

1. Briefing (30 minutes)
   • Overview of hovering flight objectives and the importance of control in minimizing pilot workload during various maneuvers.
   • Discuss the aerodynamics of hovering and the impact of environmental factors such as wind.
   • Review control inputs needed for executing left, right, and aft hovers, along with techniques for turns around different aircraft axes.
   • Emphasize safety protocols, visual references, and emergency procedures related to hovering operations.

Flight Training:

2. Flight Objectives (150 minutes)
   Conduct pre-flight checks, focusing on systems relevant to hovering operations before executing the following maneuvers:

   4.5 Hovering Flight (Left/Right/Aft):

   • Left Hovering Flight:
     • Ascend to a stable hover. Transition smoothly into a left hover while maintaining altitude.
     • Utilize cyclic, collective, and anti-torque pedals to maintain a stable position.
     • Monitor and compensate for any drift due to wind or other factors.
   • Right Hovering Flight:
     • Transition from a stable hover to a right hover, demonstrating proficiency in altitude and heading maintenance.
     • Practice fine adjustments to control inputs while monitoring aircraft behavior.
   • Aft Hovering Flight:
     • Perform aft hovering maneuvers, ensuring awareness of ground reference points and situational reality.
     • Maintain altitude and control while adjusting for any changes in wind or other environmental influences.

   4.6 Hovering Turns (Around The Mast):

   • Conduct hovering turns around the mast:
     • Begin from a stable hover position, initiate a turn to either the left or right.
     • Maintain consistent altitude and controlled rotation around the aircraft's vertical axis.
     • Adjust cyclic inputs to manage the turn radius effectively, ensuring a smooth and controlled turn while monitoring ground references.

   4.7 Hovering Turns (Around The Nose):

   • Execute turns around the nose of the aircraft:
     • Start in a stable hover and initiate a turn around the nose, maintaining altitude and controlling the aircraft’s orientation.
     • Monitor airspeed and attitude while making appropriate cyclic input adjustments.
     • Focus on visual references and maintaining a constant radius to ensure a smooth turn.

   4.8 Hovering Turns (Around The Tail):

   • Conduct hovering turns around the tail:
     • Begin hover operations and initiate a turn around the tail, utilizing visual references to maintain control.
     • Adjust rotor inputs and monitor altitude stability while rotating around the tail.
     • Focus on exit points and coordination with ground-based observers if applicable.

Post-Flight Training:

3. Debriefing (30 minutes)
   • Review performance during all hovering maneuvers against defined objectives.
   • Discuss effective strategies and challenges encountered during each section.
   • Evaluate overall situational awareness, communication, and coordination with the crew.
   • Provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Proficiency in executing left, right, and aft hovering maneuvers while maintaining stable flight.
• Ability to conduct hovering turns around the mast, nose, and tail with accuracy and control.
• Effective communication and coordination with crew members during all maneuvers.
• Adherence to safety protocols, monitoring environmental factors and maintaining situational awareness.