At position 3, initiate the deceleration by applying aft cyclic to reduce forward speed. Simultaneously, lower the collective, as necessary, to counteract any climbing tendency. The timing must be exact. If you apply too little down collective for the amount of aft cyclic applied, a climb results. If you apply too much down collective, a descent results. A rapid application of aft cyclic requires an equally rapid application of down collective. As collective pitch is lowered, apply proper antitorque pedal pressure to maintain heading, and adjust the throttle to maintain r.p.m.
After attaining the desired speed (position 4), initiate the recovery by lowering the nose and allowing the helicopter to descend to a normal hovering altitude in level flight and zero groundspeed (position 5). During the recovery, increase collective pitch, as necessary, to stop the helicopter at normal hovering altitude, adjust the throttle to maintain r.p.m., and apply proper pedal pressure, as necessary, to maintain heading.
COMMON ERRORS
1 Initiating the maneuver by applying down collective.
2 Initially applying aft cyclic stick too rapidly, causing the helicopter to balloon.
3 Failing to effectively control the rate of deceleration to accomplish the desired results.
4 Allowing the helicopter to stop forward motion in a tail-low attitude.
5 Failing to maintain proper r.p.m.
6 Waiting too long to apply collective pitch (power) during the recovery, resulting in excessive manifold pressure or an over-torque situation when collective pitch is applied rapidly.
7 Failing to maintain a safe clearance over the terrain.
8 Improper use of antitorque pedals resulting in erratic heading changes.

STEEP APPROACH TO A HOVER
A steep approach is used primarily when there are obstacles in the approach path that are too high to allow a normal approach. A steep approach permits entry into
Balloon—Gaining an excessive amount of altitude as a result of an abrupt flare.
most confined areas and is sometimes used to avoid areas of turbulence around a pinnacle. An approach angle of approximately 15° is considered a steep approach. [Figure 10-4] 

15° Descent
 

TECHNIQUE
On final approach, head your helicopter into the wind and align it with the intended touchdown point at the recommended approach airspeed (position 1). When you intercept an approach angle of 15°, begin the approach by lowering the collective sufficiently to start the helicopter descending down the approach path and decelerating (position 2). Use the proper antitorque pedal for trim. Since this angle is steeper than a normal approach angle, you need to reduce the collective more than that required for a normal approach. Continue to decelerate with slight aft cyclic, and smoothly lower the collective to maintain the approach angle. As in a normal approach, reference the touchdown point on the windshield to determine changes in approach angle. This point is in a lower position than a normal approach. Aft cyclic is required to decelerate sooner than a normal approach, and the rate of closure becomes apparent at a higher altitude. Maintain the approach angle and rate of descent with the collective, rate of closure with the cyclic, and trim with antitorque pedals. Use a crab above 50 feet and a slip below 50 feet for any crosswind that might be present.