Rotorcraft Fundamentals Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the auxiliary rotor on a helicopter help the pilot achieve?

Maintain airspeed and trimmed flight.

Control altitude and pitch oscillation.

Manage torque and directional control. (correct)

Balance weight and center of gravity.

What primarily controls the vertical flight of a helicopter?

Collective pitch changes. (correct)

Alterations in rotor RPM.

Adjustments in fuselage angle.

Cyclic pitch changes.

What effect does a reduction in anti-torque thrust have on the helicopter?

It causes the tail to pivot against the direction of torque. (correct)

It results in improved efficiency of the anti-torque system.

It causes the tail to pivot in the direction of torque.

It stabilizes the helicopter's hover position.

Where is the ideal location for a cargo release in rotorcraft external-loading?

Through the center of gravity at all times. Signup and view all the answers

How does a helicopter change direction in forward flight?

By tilting the main rotor disk in the desired direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of checking main rotor blade tracking?

To determine the relative position of the blades during rotation. Signup and view all the answers

In a hovering helicopter, how is directional control maintained?

By varying the pitch of the tail rotor blades. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the angle of attack of the advancing blade in forward flight?

It is more than the retreating blade. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when main rotor blades do not cone by the same amount during rotation?

They are out of track. Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the freewheeling unit in a helicopter drive system?

To engage the rotor with an auxiliary engine. Signup and view all the answers

How does torque effect operate in helicopters?

Torque direction is the opposite of rotor blade rotation. Signup and view all the answers

The movement about the longitudinal axis (roll) in a helicopter is primarily controlled by which pitch control?

Cyclic pitch control. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily affects movement about the lateral axis (pitch) in a helicopter?

Collective pitch control. Signup and view all the answers

Which axis does wing dihedral predominantly contribute to in an airplane's stability?

Lateral axis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a resource other than the manufacturer maintenance manual that can determine primary flight control surface deflection for an imported aircraft?

Certificate of airworthiness from the importing country. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the free-wheeling unit in a helicopter's operation?

To allow the rotors to turn independently when the engine RPM is low. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rotorcraft Control and Functionality

The auxiliary (tail) rotor compensates for torque and provides directional control in helicopters.
Vertical flight is controlled by collective pitch changes, allowing for altitude adjustments.
A reduction in anti-torque thrust causes the tail to pivot opposite to torque rotation around the main rotor axis.
For external loading, the ideal cargo release location should pass through the center of gravity for stability.

Flight Dynamics and Maneuvering

In forward flight, helicopters change direction by tilting the main rotor disk in the desired direction.
Checking main rotor blade tracking assesses the relative position and flight path of the blades during rotation.
In a hover, directional control in helicopters relies on varying the pitch of the tail rotor blades.

Blade Performance and Rotor Dynamics

In forward horizontal flight, the angle of attack of the advancing blade is greater than that of the retreating blade.
Main rotor blades that do not cone equally during rotation are identified as being out of balance.
The freewheeling unit between the engine and helicopter transmission allows for disengagement of the rotor in case of engine failure.

Torque and Control Surfaces

The direction of torque in helicopters is opposite to rotor blade rotation; as horsepower decreases, torque increases.
The freewheeling unit also helps in starting the engine without load from the transmission, enabling autorotation practice.
Roll movement about the longitudinal axis in helicopters is controlled by cyclic pitch control, while pitch movement about the lateral axis is similarly affected.

Aircraft Rigging and Documentation

Wing dihedral significantly contributes to stability around the lateral axis in conventional aircraft.
The Aircraft Type Certificate Data Sheet can help determine control surface deflections for imported aircraft reassembled after shipment, alongside the manufacturer maintenance manual.

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Description

Test your knowledge of rotorcraft fundamentals with this quiz focusing on helicopter mechanics and control systems. Questions cover topics such as the function of the auxiliary rotor and control of vertical flight. Perfect for students and aviation enthusiasts!