Desired altitude (DESALT).
A guidance control law parameter, generated by the vertical guidance modes; altitude which controlled altitude is attempting to achieve Typical Units: ft; Dimensions: Length; ...
Once the desired altitude has been established, trim the aircraft so that it will virtually fly "hands off." This practice will help in maintaining a constant altitude.
It is possible to go one or two hundred feet above a desired altitude and dive before trimming for level. This effectively puts the aircraft on a step similar to that of a speedboat.
At this point you have returned to the desired altitude. You are still low on energy, but since the new airspeed is closer to VY, you are on a less-draggy part of the power curve and you will eventually make up the deficit.
The control law vertical axis input data are: Desired Altitude, Altitude Integral, Altitude Integral Gain, Altitude Integral Limit, Altitude Error Scale Factor, Magnitude limit for delta altitudes.
I'll then give you the North and East parameters, the desired altitude and heading and, when they matter, the NAV frequency and OBS (Omni-Bearing Selecter) setting and any other pertinent conditions.
As the helicopter begins to climb out, trim the aircraft into the wind with the anti-torque pedals. Continue the climb out until you reach your desired altitude.
Common Mistakes ...
Once trimmed in flight, little effort is required to maintain the desired altitude. Weight and balance can be a bit touchy. Flying with a friend in a 152 one day, I decided to consume a piece of the pie we had purchased at our destination.
 See also: Altitude, Speed, Landing, Maintain, Aircraft
  
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