HOVERING—SIDEWARD FLIGHT
Sideward hovering flight may be necessary to move the helicopter to a specific area when conditions make it impossible to use forward flight. During the maneuver, a constant groundspeed, altitude, and heading should be maintained.
 
 

TECHNIQUE
Before starting sideward hovering flight, make sure the area you are going to hover into is clear. Then pick two points of reference in a line in the direction of sideward hovering flight to help you maintain the proper ground track. These reference points should be kept in line throughout the maneuver. [Figure 9-4]
 

 
Begin the maneuver from a normal hovering altitude by applying cyclic toward the side in which the movement is desired. As the movement begins, return the cyclic toward the neutral position to keep the groundspeed at a slow rate—no faster than a brisk walk. Throughout the maneuver, maintain a constant groundspeed and ground track with cyclic. Maintain heading, which in this maneuver is perpendicular to the ground track, with the antitorque pedals, and a constant altitude with the collective. Use the throttle to maintain the proper operating r.p.m.
To stop the sideward movement, apply cyclic pressure in the direction opposite to that of movement and hold it until the helicopter stops. As motion stops, return the cyclic to the neutral position to prevent movement in the opposite direction. Applying sufficient opposite cyclic pressure to level the helicopter may also stop sideward movement. The helicopter then drifts to a stop.
COMMON ERRORS
1 Exaggerated movement of the cyclic, resulting in overcontrolling and erratic movement over the surface.
2 Failure to use proper antitorque pedal control, resulting in excessive heading change.
3 Failure to maintain desired hovering altitude.

1 Failure to maintain proper r.p.m.
2 Failure to make sure the area is clear prior to starting the maneuver.

HOVERING—REARWARD FLIGHT
Rearward hovering flight may be necessary to move the helicopter to a specific area when the situation is such that forward or sideward hovering flight cannot be used. During the maneuver, maintain a constant groundspeed, altitude, and heading. Due to the limited visibility behind a helicopter, it is important that you make sure that the area behind the helicopter is cleared before beginning the maneuver. Use of ground personnel is recommended.
TECHNIQUE
Before starting rearward hovering flight, pick out two reference points in front of, and in line with the helicopter just like you would if you were hovering forward. [Figure 9-3] The movement of the helicopter should be such that these points remain in line.
Begin the maneuver from a normal hovering altitude by applying rearward pressure on the cyclic. After the movement has begun, position the cyclic to maintain a slow groundspeed (no faster than a brisk walk). Throughout the maneuver, maintain constant groundspeed and ground track with the cyclic, a constant heading with the antitorque pedals, constant altitude with the collective, and the proper r.p.m. with the throttle.