Rotor Basics
What is another name for a rotary-wing aircraft?
Rotorcraft
What force pulls an aircraft toward Earth?
Where do the pilots sit and operate the aircraft?
Cockpit
Name one civilian use for a helicopter.
Search and rescue, firefighting, transportation, medical evacuation, etc.
This rotorcraft uses an engine-powered main rotor to generate lift and can hover, take off vertically, and land vertically. What is it?
Helicopter
What is the most common rotor-wing aircraft
Helicopter
What force allows a helicopter to rise?
What system transfers engine power to the rotor system?
Tranmission
Name one military use for a rotary-wing aircraft.
Transport, reconnaissance, logistics, rescue, medical evacuation, etc.
This rotorcraft has a freely rotating rotor that is powered mainly by airflow through the rotor as the aircraft moves forward. What is it?
Autogyro
What is the primary purpose of the main rotor?
To Generate Lift
What control changes the pitch of the rotor blades collectively?
Collective
What rotating shaft connects the transmission to the main rotor system?
Rotor mast
A rescue team needs to reach an isolated location with no runway. What type of aircraft could be especially useful?
A helicopter or another VTOL-capable aircraft.
This rotorcraft combines features of a helicopter and an autogyro. Its rotor can be powered for vertical flight but can also autorotate during forward flight. What is it?
Gyrodyne
What is the long structure connecting the helicopter's main body to its tail assembly called?
What control allows the pilot to control the helicopter's movement in different directions?
Cyclic
What are the three primary flight controls in a conventional helicopter?
Cyclic, collective, and pedals.
Why are helicopters useful during natural disasters?
They can reach areas where roads or runways may be damaged or unavailable.
This rotorcraft uses a rotor that is not powered by an onboard engine and relies on aerodynamic forces and an external method of support or towing to remain airborne. What is it?
Rotor Kite
What is the major difference between rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft?
Rotary-wing aircraft generate lift primarily through rotating airfoils, while fixed-wing aircraft use stationary wings.
Why does a conventional helicopter need a tail rotor?
To counteract main-rotor torque and control yaw.
What component changes the pitch of the main rotor blades in response to pilot control inputs?
Swashplate
You're planning a helicopter mission. Name THREE factors you should consider before the aircraft takes off.
Weather, distance, fuel, aircraft weight, terrain, landing area, passengers/cargo, mission objective, and available equipment.
A rotorcraft needs to hover like a helicopter, but its designer also wants it to use autorotation during forward flight to improve efficiency. Which type of rotorcraft is specifically designed around both powered rotor flight and autorotation?
Gyrodyne