What term describes the helicopter's tendency to drift in the direction of the tail rotor thrust during a hover?

The correct term that describes the helicopter's tendency to drift in the direction of the tail rotor thrust during a hover is known as translating tendency. This occurs because the tail rotor generates thrust in a horizontal direction, which causes the helicopter's main rotor to react by shifting its position. As a result, the helicopter tends to move sideways towards the direction of the tail rotor's thrust to maintain a balanced flight.

Translating tendency is particularly important for pilots to understand, as it requires them to apply appropriate control inputs to counteract this movement and maintain a stable hover. This understanding is vital for safe and effective helicopter operations, especially in situations where precise positioning is crucial.

Flapping refers to the upward and downward movement of the rotor blades in response to aerodynamic forces. The transverse flow effect is a phenomenon related to the airflow around the rotor blades, affecting performance during forward flight, while gyroscopic precession is the result of the gyroscopic properties of the rotor system influencing its movement. These terms, although related to helicopter dynamics, do not specifically describe the drift caused by tail rotor thrust during a hover.