SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test

What should a pilot do if the heading begins to change during a vertical takeoff to a hover?

1. Slowly adjust the anti-torque pedals

2. Increase throttle to regain heading

3. Decrease collective to stabilize

4. Perform a hovering turn

The correct answer is: Slowly adjust the anti-torque pedals

In a vertical takeoff to a hover, if the heading begins to change, the pilot needs to maintain directional control of the helicopter. One of the primary methods to control heading during hover is the use of anti-torque pedals. The anti-torque pedals are designed to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor system, which can cause the helicopter to yaw or spin. When the heading changes, a slow and measured adjustment of the anti-torque pedals will help stabilize the helicopter's yaw movement. This adjustment allows the pilot to return to the desired heading without introducing additional complications or excessive movements that could lead to a loss of control. Using the pedals smoothly is crucial, as abrupt changes can lead to overcorrection and undesirable flight dynamics. The other options, while relevant in other contexts, do not directly address the need for maintaining heading control during a hover. Increasing throttle or decreasing collective can lead to unwanted changes in altitude or speed, which may compound stability issues rather than resolve the heading deviation. Performing a hovering turn is also not directly related to correcting an unwanted heading change but rather is a maneuver used for specific directional changes.