Flight Performance & Planning — PPL(H)

Hovering requires more power than any other phase of flight except climbing. The power required depends heavily on altitude, temperature, and whether the helicopter is in or out of ground effect.

• Ground effect: the cushion of air compressed between the rotor disc and the ground. Present when hovering within approximately one rotor diameter of the surface.
• HIGE (Hover In Ground Effect): benefits from ground effect — requires less power than HOGE.
• HOGE (Hover Out of Ground Effect): no ground cushion — maximum power required.
• HIGE is achievable at higher density altitudes than HOGE — always establish HIGE first before transitioning.
• If HOGE is not achievable, a running (translational) take-off may still be possible.

As forward airspeed increases, the rotor disc moves into undisturbed air, increasing rotor efficiency and reducing power required. This is translational lift. It typically becomes significant around 15–20 knots.

• Effective Translational Lift (ETL): typically achieved at ~15–20 ktas — the helicopter feels more efficient.
• During ETL transition, the helicopter may vibrate slightly and climb or pitch — normal.
• Taking off: accelerate through ETL to reduce power required for climb.
• Landing: decelerate through ETL — power demand increases as you slow — be prepared to add collective.

Helicopter CG limits are generally narrower than fixed-wing, particularly in the longitudinal axis. An out-of-limits CG may prevent the rotor from producing the required control moment — this is not a gradual degradation; it can be an immediate loss of control.

• Mass × arm = moment — same formula as fixed-wing.
• CG must be within POH limits at all loading conditions, including after fuel burn.
• Lateral CG: helicopters have a lateral CG limit as well — important with asymmetric loading (one heavy passenger).
• Exceeding aft CG limit: cyclic may bottom out forward before flare is complete — cannot reduce forward speed safely.

Fuel planning requirements are the same as PPL(A) under SERA. The final reserve for day VFR piston helicopter is 30 minutes. Helicopters often have lower fuel capacity than you expect — the R22 has approximately 73 litres usable, giving about 2.5 hours endurance.

• Trip fuel + contingency (5% or 5 min) + alternate + 30 min final reserve.
• Know your aircraft fuel consumption at typical cruise power.
• Fuel planning at high density altitude: fuel flow may increase as mixture is enriched.
• Always drain fuel sumps before flight to check for water contamination.