Helicopter Lessons in 10 Minutes or Less

Introduction

Presenter: Jacob
Goal: Series of videos to explain helicopter pilot concepts for flying, check rides, and academic evaluations.
Format: Each video covers a single topic with easily graspable concepts, drawings, diagrams, and teaching aids.
Background:
- Passion for flying since childhood.
- Joined the Army and has 4 years of helicopter flying experience.
- Currently in instructor pilot course.
- Open to questions, comments, and discussions.

A fundamental concept for helicopter pilots.
Different from airplanes/fixed-wing aircraft, where airflow is equal across the wings.
In helicopters, there are:
- Advancing Blade: Blade moving into the wind.
- Retreating Blade: Blade moving away from the wind.

Dissymmetry of Lift: Occurs as helicopter moves through air.
- Advancing blade experiences increased airflow relative to helicopter’s forward speed.
- Retreating blade experiences reduced airflow.
- Result: Advancing blade generates more lift than the retreating blade.

Helicopter Rotor System:
- American helicopters: Rotor blades turn counterclockwise.
- European helicopters: Rotor blades turn clockwise.
Example Scenario 1: Helicopter moving forward:
- Rotor disc speed: 300 knots
- Forward speed: 100 knots
- Advancing side: 300 knots + 100 knots = 400 knots
- Retreating side: 300 knots - 100 knots = 200 knots
- Double lift on advancing side compared to retreating side.
Example Scenario 2: Sliding to the right:
- Direction of travel determines advancing/retreating sides.
- Slide speed: 20 knots
- Advancing side: 320 knots (300 + 20)
- Retreating side: 280 knots (300 - 20)
- Rear half produces more lift than forward half.