This section discusses the components, sections, and systems found on most modern helicopters. Helicopters come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but most share the same major components. The…
Anti-icing is the process of protecting against the formation of frozen contaminant, snow, ice, or slush on a surface. Engine Anti-Ice The anti-icing system found on most turbine-powered helicopters uses…
Some helicopters incorporate a stability augmentation system (SAS) to help stabilize the helicopter in flight and in a hover. The original purpose and design allowed decreased pilot work load and…
Most helicopters, other than smaller piston-powered helicopters, incorporate the use of hydraulic actuators to overcome high control forces. A typical hydraulic system consists of actuators, also called servos, on each…
The electrical systems, in most helicopters, reflect the increased use of sophisticated avionics and other electrical accessories. [Figure] More and more operations in today’s flight environment are dependent on the…
The fuel system in a helicopter is made up of two groups of components: the fuel supply system and the engine fuel control system. Fuel Supply System The supply system…
The transmission system transfers power from the engine to the main rotor, tail rotor, and other accessories during normal flight conditions. The main components of the transmission system are the…
Reciprocating Engines Reciprocating engines, also called piston engines, are generally used in smaller helicopters. Most training helicopters use reciprocating engines because they are relatively simple and inexpensive to operate. Turbine…
Antitorque System Helicopters with a single, main rotor system require a separate antitorque system. This is most often accomplished through a variable pitch, antitorque rotor or tail rotor. [Figure 1]…
Swash Plate Assembly The purpose of the swash plate is to convert stationary control inputs from the pilot into rotating inputs which can be connected to the rotor blades or…