UNDERSTANDING A HELICOPTER






What is a helicopter?


A helicopter is an aircraft that has a Main Lifting Rotor instead of wings.
(which allows the helicopter to actually fly without moving). 

In addition to the Main Rotor, a helicopter has a small tail roter (which
counteracts the torque that is generated by the engine turning the main rotor).

Due to it's unique configuration, a helicopter can maneuver in just about
any direction possible. It can hover in one place for an extended period of
time, fly forward, backward, right, left, and any direction in between. It
can go straight up or straight down, or spin around in a circle in either
direction.

But...

All of this maneuverability does come with a big price. 
A helicopter is much more difficult to control than an airplane, And they
COST signifigantly more to own, and to maintain (Safety is a major concern
when there are hundreds of moving parts that have to work in harmony with
each other).  




How do you control a helicopter?



A helicopter has FOUR major control inputs:

COLLECTIVE CONTROL STICK - This is on the pilots left and changes the pitch
of all the main roter blades simutainiously (or "collectively"). If you raise
the collective stick, the helicopter rises vertically. If you lower the
collective, the helicopter decends. 

THROTTLE - This is located on the end of the collective stick and is simillar
to the handlegrip on a motorcycle. The throttle must be constantly manipulated
to ensure that the rotor is turning at the correct RPM. (When you raise collective
pitch, there is more load on the engine which requires more power, hence more throttle).

CYCLIC CONTROL STICK - This is centered right in front of the pilot, and is
controlled by the right hand. This changes the pitch of the main rotor blades
individually. When you move it forward, the helicopter goes forward. When you
move it rearward, the helicopter goes backwards. The same goes with left and right. (or
any direction inbetween)

TAIL ROTOR PEDALS - These are two pedals controled by the pilots feet. The main function
of the tail rotor is to counteract the torque effect (or turning motion) generated by the
engine turning the main rotor. The pilot uses just the correct amount of pedal to keep the
helicopter pointing in the same direction. 
While in a hover, if the pilot pushes a little more Right pedal, the helicopter will turn
to the right. If a little more Left pedal, the helicopter will turn to the left.

All of this must be done Simutainously, and Correctly to keep the helicopter under
"controled" flight.


PHEW... Both hands are moving, Both feet are moving, and not to mention changing
communications frequencies, navigation frequencies, and keeping track of all the
cockpit gauges.... How do ya fit a cup holder in there somewhere???
It sounds like a lot to do at first, but if you remember, so was learning to ride
a bike, and drive a car. Just like any thing else, the more you do it, the more it
becomes second nature.