In a No Hover Landing, the decision to terminate to the surface is based on which combination?

• A. Zero speed or backward movement
• B. Zero speed or forward movement
• C. Zero velocity or vertical movement
• D. Low speed or lateral movement

Answer: (B)

In a No Hover Landing, the decision to touch down on the surface is made based on horizontal airspeed. The safe trigger is having zero translational speed or moving forward toward the surface. Zero horizontal speed means you can settle straight down onto the deck without drifting, while forward motion allows you to continue the descent onto the surface without entering a hover. Vertical movement (descent) can occur during the approach, but it’s the horizontal component that determines when you terminate to the surface. Backward or sideways movement would make a controlled touchdown unsafe or impractical, so they aren’t used as the basis for terminating to the surface.