Use of HOV is limited to what altitude and speed?

• A. 0 to 8,000 ft AGL/AWL and 0 to 50 knots
• B. 10,800 ft AGL/AWL and 0 to 40 knots
• C. 5,000 ft AGL/AWL and 0 to 60 knots
• D. 12,000 ft AGL/AWL and 0 to 30 knots

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the safe operating envelope for hover operations in HOV. This mode requires the helicopter to be held in a tight, precise hover with minimal forward airspeed, so there’s enough control authority and rotor/engine margin to compensate for wind, deck movement, and gusts.

HOV is limited to an altitude of 10,800 ft AGL/AWL and a forward airspeed of 0 to 40 knots because performance and stability margins shrink outside this range. Above 10,800 ft, density altitude reduces rotor lift and engine power, making it harder to maintain a precise hover. Exceeding about 40 knots removes the hover’s stability and control authority, undermining the ability to hold a steady position over a vessel or target.

These limits keep you within a safe, manageable envelope for precise positioning during hover operations. The other options either exceed the safe altitude for hover or allow forward speeds where maintaining a stable hover becomes impractical.