Chapter 3: Helicopter Flight Controls Introduction

Major Helicopter Controls

1. Collective Pitch Control
2. Cyclic Pitch Control
3. Anti-Torque Pedals
4. Throttle Control

• Note: Controls are applicable to most helicopter configurations, not just single main rotor types.
• All examples assume counter-clockwise main rotor blade rotation.

Collective Pitch Control

• Located on the left side of the pilot's seat, operated with the left hand.
• Changes the pitch angle of the main rotor blades simultaneously.
• Raising collective increases pitch angle, lowers rotor RPM.
• Lowering collective decreases pitch angle, increases rotor RPM.
• Friction control: Prevents inadvertent movement.
• Requires power adjustment via throttle control to maintain constant rotor RPM.

Throttle Control

• Regulates engine RPM.
• Manual adjustment required if correlator/governor is absent or inadequate.
• Governor: Maintains constant rotor RPM automatically.
  • Common in turbine helicopters.
• Correlator: Mechanically links collective lever and engine throttle.
  • Requires fine-tuning adjustments.

Cyclic Pitch Control

• Located between pilot's legs or between pilot seats.
• Tilts rotor disc in desired travel direction (forward, rearward, left, right).
• Acts like a gyro: mechanical linkages adjust pitch angle 90 degrees before and after cyclic displacement.

Anti-Torque Pedals

• Control the pitch/thrust of tail rotor blades.
• Counteracts torque of main rotor, maintains heading.
• Heading Control:
  • Used in hovering and hovering turns.
  • Positive pitch moves tail right, negative moves tail left.
  • Fin aids in directional stability.
• Tandem and coaxial rotor systems eliminate need for tail rotor.

Chapter Summary

• Introduction to major flight controls and their interaction.
• Relationship between flight controls and aerodynamics.