SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test

Which of the following does not need to be maintained while performing a hovering turn?

1. Altitude

2. RPM

3. Heading

4. Position

The correct answer is: Heading

In a hovering turn, maintaining altitude, RPM, and position is crucial for safe and controlled flight. During this maneuver, the aircraft performs a turn while remaining in a stable hover, which requires careful management of various flight parameters. Maintaining altitude is important to ensure the helicopter does not gain or lose height during the turn, as sudden altitude changes can lead to instability. RPM must also be preserved, particularly for the main rotor system, to ensure adequate lift and control throughout the maneuver. Lastly, position is critical; the helicopter must stay in the same geographic location while executing the turn to avoid unintended drift. Heading, however, does not have to be strictly maintained during a hovering turn. The nature of the maneuver allows the heading to change freely as the aircraft turns around its vertical axis. Thus, the correct answer is that heading does not need to be maintained, allowing the pilot to focus on the other vital aspects of flight.