PLT048: Hovering Ceiling Chart
What code PLT048 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Hovering Ceiling Chart before your checkride.
Interpret Hovering Ceiling Chart
What this means for your checkride
The hovering ceiling versus gross weight chart shows the maximum weight or altitude at which the helicopter can still hover under the existing conditions. As density altitude increases, more power is required to hover, and at some point the power required equals the power available, which sets the hovering ceiling. Adjusting fuel or payload changes gross weight and therefore changes the hovering ceiling: the heavier the gross weight, the lower the hovering ceiling. Charts are provided for both in ground effect and out of ground effect hover under various conditions.
Reading this chart is essential for verifying a hover and takeoff can be accomplished before departing, especially at high density altitude.
Some assume the IGE and OGE ceilings are the same, but the IGE hover ceiling is usually higher because of the added lift from ground effect.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.