Title: Helicopters Flying In Circles – Why Do They Do That? – Pilot Teacher
Headings: Helicopters Flying In Circles – Why Do They Do That?
Helicopters Flying In Circles – Why Do They Do That?
Why Do Helicopters Circle Overhead?
Why Does A Helicopter Circle Before Landing?
Circling Vs Hovering
Hovering
Circling
H/V Diagram
To Finish
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Content: The easiest way the pilot can do this is by using 2 orbits: High Orbit – Usually 500ft above the spot to look for the main objects, asses wind, and look at the approach and departure paths
Low Orbit – Usually 100ft – 200ft above the spot for final observations of the exact landing point
A good, experienced pilot can do all of this in 1-2 orbits while descending to start the approach. Most orbits will be done clockwise as most helicopter pilots sit on the right side of the helicopter. This will give the pilot the best view of the entire area. Flying an orbit also helps to views possible hidden obstacles. Shadows and sun can really hide objects from up high and depth perception can be very obscured. By taking the time to circle the landing spot, the pilot gets the best chance to find anything that could cause them problems once on final approach. Circling Vs Hovering
The one thing that makes helicopters unique is that they can hover. They can hover several feet off the ground or, if sufficient power is available they can hover thousands of feet in the air – So why don’t pilots just hover to look at a spot or object? Hovering
Hovering can be a great way to inspect something and the main ways that hovering is used instead of orbits are: