Principles of Flight
Chapter 6 – Helicopters
Introduction

A helicopter generates both lift and thrust
by using its rotor blades rather than
wings.

Blades are just wings which spin round
on a central axis.
Lift

To generate more lift the blades must be
pitched to increase the angle of attack.

Pilots control known
as the Collective
pitch control.
Horizontal Flight

The thrust is provided by tilting the disc in
the direction required
 Pilots control called cyclic pitch control or
stick.
Horizontal Flight

The thrust is provided by tilting the disc in
the direction required
 Pilots control called cyclic pitch control or
stick.
Horizontal Flight

The thrust is provided by tilting the disc in
the direction required
 Pilots control called cyclic pitch control or
stick.
Horizontal Flight

The thrust is provided by tilting the disc in
the direction required
 Pilots control called cyclic pitch control or
stick.
Torque Reaction

Is the force that tries to make the fuselage spin
in the same direction as the blades.
 Counteracted by using a tail rotor to push the
fuselage in the opposite direction.
 By altering the pitch of the tail rotor blades it
can yaw the aircraft.
 Helicopters with 2 blades – each rotor spins in
different directions.
Torque Reaction
Torque Reaction
Controls





4 Controls
Collective Pitch – On left hand side, pulls up to
increase lift and vice versa.
Hand Throttle – On the collective pitch stick,
twists to give more power to rotor.
Cyclic Pitch – Stick between legs, left to go
left, forward to go forward etc.
Tail Rotor - Feet Pedals, Right to yaw right and
vice versa.