What might indicate weathercock stability during a helicopter flight?

Weathercock stability in helicopters refers to the tendency of the aircraft to align its nose into the relative wind, similar to how a weathervane turns to face the wind. This phenomenon can result in an inability to maintain the desired heading, as the helicopter may be influenced by changing wind conditions, particularly when flying in a hover or low-speed flight.

When a helicopter exhibits weathercock stability, it may struggle to hold a specific heading against the wind, leading to noticeable deviations from the pilot's intended direction. This characteristic can become particularly evident during maneuvers in turbulent conditions or when there's a strong crosswind component. The pilot may need to apply continuous corrections to maintain the desired course, highlighting the impact of weathercock stability on heading control during flight.

In contrast, consistent forward motion, increased fuel consumption, and steady altitude retention are not direct indicators of weathercock stability. Forward motion can occur in stable flight conditions regardless of heading deviations, while fuel consumption relates more to overall efficiency and operational parameters rather than heading maintenance. Steady altitude retention indicates stable vertical performance, not necessarily linked to how well the helicopter maintains its heading in varying wind conditions.