What is the term for helicopter movement above the surface at slow speed, generally below 20 knots and 25 feet AGL?

What is the term for helicopter movement above the surface at slow speed, generally below 20 knots and 25 feet AGL?

• A. Hover-taxiing
• B. Hovering
• C. Ground taxiing
• D. Vertical flight

Answer: (A)

Hover-taxiing is the movement of a helicopter above the surface at slow speed while staying in a near-hover condition, typically with airspeed under about 20 knots and altitude under 25 feet AGL. This term fits because the aircraft isn’t in full forward flight or climbing/descending; it’s being moved horizontally very close to the ground by small control inputs while maintaining rotor lift close to hovering levels. Hovering means no significant horizontal movement—staying essentially in one place. Vertical flight means moving straight up or down with little to no horizontal travel. Ground taxiing implies moving along the surface as if on wheels, which isn’t how near-hover, low-speed helicopter movement is described.

Hover-taxiing is the movement of a helicopter above the surface at slow speed while staying in a near-hover condition, typically with airspeed under about 20 knots and altitude under 25 feet AGL. This term fits because the aircraft isn’t in full forward flight or climbing/descending; it’s being moved horizontally very close to the ground by small control inputs while maintaining rotor lift close to hovering levels. Hovering means no significant horizontal movement—staying essentially in one place. Vertical flight means moving straight up or down with little to no horizontal travel. Ground taxiing implies moving along the surface as if on wheels, which isn’t how near-hover, low-speed helicopter movement is described.