What is the term for the movement a helicopter exhibits due to tail rotor thrust during a hover?

The correct term for the movement a helicopter exhibits due to tail rotor thrust during a hover is termed "translating tendency." This phenomenon occurs because the thrust produced by the tail rotor generates a sideward force that pushes the helicopter in the direction of the tail rotor. Consequently, pilots must apply lateral cyclic control to counteract this effect and maintain a stable position while hovering. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective piloting, as managing translating tendency is essential to achieve optimal control and ensure safety during helicopter operations.

The other terms, although relevant in aviation, refer to different concepts. "Drifting tendency" generally pertains to unintentional movements during flight, "directional flight" describes the helicopter's ability to move in any direction while in flight, and "hover stability" relates to a helicopter's ability to remain in a stable hover when subjected to external disturbances, but none specifically indicate the movement caused by tail rotor thrust in a hover context.