Aircraft Components and Controls Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of the collective pitch control in a helicopter?

Answer: To simultaneously change the pitch angle of all main rotor blades

The collective pitch control raises or lowers the pitch angle of all main rotor blades simultaneously, changing the total lift generated and controlling altitude.

What does the term 'semi-monocoque' refer to in aircraft construction?

Answer: A fuselage structure where the skin shares stress loads with internal framework

Semi-monocoque construction uses a combination of an outer skin and internal structural members (frames, bulkheads, stringers) that share the stress loads.

What is the function of the anti-torque pedals in a helicopter?

Answer: Control the pitch of the tail rotor blades to counteract torque

Anti-torque pedals control the pitch angle of the tail rotor blades, which adjusts the thrust that counteracts main rotor torque and controls yaw direction.

What component in a helicopter transmission system allows the rotor to continue spinning when the engine fails?

Answer: The freewheeling unit (one-way clutch)

The freewheeling unit, or one-way clutch, disengages the engine from the rotor when engine RPM drops below rotor RPM, allowing autorotation.

What is the purpose of the horizontal stabilizer on a helicopter?

Answer: To provide aerodynamic stability and reduce pitch oscillations

The horizontal stabilizer provides aerodynamic stability by countering the tendency of the nose to pitch up or down, reducing oscillations in forward flight.

What does 'chord' refer to in relation to rotor blades or wings?

Answer: The imaginary straight line from the leading edge to the trailing edge

The chord is the imaginary straight line drawn from the leading edge to the trailing edge of an airfoil, used as a reference for measuring angles of attack.