Aircraft Components and Controls Flashcards

What is the primary function of the horizontal stabilizer on a helicopter?

Answer: Controls pitch attitude at cruise speeds

The horizontal stabilizer on a helicopter helps control pitch attitude at higher cruise speeds, reducing pilot workload.

Which component of a fixed-wing aircraft is responsible for roll control?

Answer: Ailerons

Ailerons are the primary roll control surfaces located on the trailing edge of each wing, working differentially to bank the aircraft.

In a conventional helicopter, pushing the cyclic stick forward causes the aircraft to:

Answer: Pitch nose-down and move forward

Pushing the cyclic forward tilts the rotor disk forward, which pitches the nose down and propels the helicopter in the forward direction.

What does the 'collective' control on a helicopter primarily regulate?

Answer: Overall pitch of all rotor blades simultaneously

The collective changes the pitch angle of all main rotor blades simultaneously, controlling the total lift produced and vertical movement.

What is the purpose of trim tabs on a fixed-wing aircraft?

Answer: Reduce required control force to maintain a desired attitude

Trim tabs reduce the control pressures a pilot must exert by creating small aerodynamic forces that hold the primary control surface in a desired position.

On a helicopter, which component primarily counteracts the torque produced by the main rotor?

Answer: Tail rotor

The tail rotor produces a lateral thrust that counteracts the torque reaction caused by the main rotor spinning, preventing the fuselage from rotating.

Which flight control surface primarily controls the yaw (nose left/right) of a fixed-wing aircraft?

Answer: Rudder

The rudder, mounted on the vertical stabilizer, deflects left or right to produce a yawing moment about the aircraft's vertical axis.