Aircraft Components and Controls Flashcards
6 cards from real SIFT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Aircraft Components and Controls flashcards as text
A helicopter pilot needs to fly forward from a stable hover. Which primary flight control will be the main input to achieve this movement?
Answer: Cyclic stick
The cyclic stick is used to control the tilt of the main rotor disc. Pushing the cyclic forward tilts the rotor disc forward, creating a component of lift that provides thrust, moving the helicopter forward.
What is the primary function of the anti-torque pedals in a single-rotor helicopter?
Answer: To counteract the torque effect of the main rotor and control yaw.
The main rotor's rotation creates a torque effect that would cause the helicopter's fuselage to spin in the opposite direction. The anti-torque pedals control the pitch of the tail rotor blades, which generate thrust to counteract this torque and allow the pilot to control the aircraft's heading (yaw).
Which of the following components translates the pilot's cyclic and collective control inputs from the non-rotating fuselage to the rotating main rotor blades?
Answer: Swashplate
The swashplate is a critical mechanical assembly that consists of a stationary part and a rotating part. It tilts and moves vertically in response to pilot inputs, transferring these commands to the rotating rotor blades via pitch links, thereby controlling the helicopter's flight.
A pilot is flying a helicopter and notices the fuselage is beginning to yaw to the right. To correct this and maintain a stable heading, the pilot should apply:
Answer: Left anti-torque pedal
In most American-made helicopters, the main rotor spins counter-clockwise, creating a torque that yaws the fuselage to the right. The pilot applies left anti-torque pedal to increase the thrust of the tail rotor, pushing the tail to the right and yawing the nose to the left to maintain a stable heading.
The entire tail assembly of an aircraft, including the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudder, and elevators, is collectively known as the:
Answer: Empennage
The empennage is the correct term for the entire tail assembly of an aircraft. Its purpose is to provide stability and control. The fuselage is the main body of the aircraft.
During an engine failure, a pilot initiates an autorotation. What is the primary purpose of lowering the collective lever immediately?
Answer: To maintain rotor RPM by using the upward flow of air.
In an autorotation, the engine is no longer driving the rotors. The pilot must immediately lower the collective to reduce the pitch (and thus drag) on the main rotor blades. This allows the upward flow of air through the rotor disc to keep the blades spinning, which is essential for maintaining lift and control for a safe landing.