FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Performance and LimitationsMedium
A pilot is planning a flight requiring an OGE hover. The performance chart shows that at the planned pressure altitude and temperature, the maximum gross weight for an OGE hover is 2,500 lbs. If the helicopter's current gross weight is 2,600 lbs, what action is primarily required to safely perform the OGE hover?
- AReduce the helicopter's gross weight by 100 lbs or more.
- BPerform the hover with a slight forward airspeed.
- CExecute the hover in ground effect (IGE) instead.
- DIncrease rotor RPM to generate more lift.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Reduce the helicopter's gross weight by 100 lbs or more.
If the helicopter's current gross weight exceeds the maximum allowable for an OGE hover under existing conditions, the only safe and direct solution is to reduce the gross weight. Increasing RPM beyond limits is unsafe, forward airspeed isn't an OGE hover, and IGE is a different type of hover not meeting the OGE requirement.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A hover is by definition at zero or near-zero airspeed; a slight forward airspeed is not an OGE hover.
- C. While hovering IGE is an option, the question specifically asks about performing an OGE hover safely, which requires meeting OGE performance limits.
- D. Increasing RPM beyond limits is unsafe and not a solution for exceeding gross weight limits.
OGE Hover Performance Limits
Operating a helicopter OGE requires sufficient power to overcome induced drag without the benefit of ground effect. Maximum OGE hover weight is determined by atmospheric conditions and helicopter power.
- OGE requires more power than IGE.
- Max OGE hover weight decreases with higher density altitude.
- Exceeding this weight means the helicopter cannot sustain an OGE hover.
Memory trick: Too heavy for OGE? Drop the weight or don't go up!