Definition
An autopilot or stability augmentation function that automatically maintains the aircraft's selected magnetic heading by making small control inputs to counter drift caused by wind, torque, or trim changes.
Plain English
A mode that keeps the aircraft pointed in the direction you set, without you having to constantly correct it.
Context Anchor
Seen in helicopter flight manual limitations and in discussions of helicopter instrument flight systems or autopilot modes.
Derivation
Heading comes from the direction the “head” or front of a vehicle points. Hold means to keep something in place. Together, the term means keeping the aircraft pointed on the selected heading.
Why Pilots Care
It reduces pilot workload in instrument conditions and helps maintain precise heading during approaches or en route segments.
Intuition Check
Do not assume heading hold makes the helicopter fly a perfect path over the ground. It holds the direction the helicopter is pointed; wind can still move the helicopter sideways.
Example Sentence 1
After leveling off at cruise altitude, the pilot engaged heading hold and turned attention to the approach briefing.
Example Sentence 2
With heading hold engaged the helicopter stayed on 180 degrees through light turbulence without pilot inputs.