HOGE

Hovering Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) is a helicopter’s ability to hover at a height greater than one rotor diameter from the ground, where there is no aerodynamic interaction between the rotor downwash and the surface below. During HOGE, the helicopter relies solely on the power generated by the rotor system to remain hovering in the air without any help from the local ground effect. This maneuver is challenging for pilots to execute due to the increased power requirements needed and the turbulence generated by wind flow as the helicopter moves higher into the air. Generally, hover out of ground effect is usually used for rescue and transport missions, where the helicopter needs to stay stabilized at higher altitudes while assisting nearby occupants and surveying the area. The helicopter’s design and specifications, including engine power, rotor system efficiency, and mass, play a vital role in determining the success of HOGE maneuvers.