Rotorcraft Fundamentals

Study Materials

AMT-SYS, FAA-H-8083-31, AC 43.13-1

Typical Oral Questions

  1. Which has the more critical center of gravity range, an airplane or a helicopter?

    A helicopter.

  2. What causes dissymmetry of lift produced by the rotor of a helicopter?

    The forward speed of the helicopter produces dissymmetry of lift. The rotor blade which is traveling forward as the helicopter is flying produces more lift than the blade that is traveling rearward.

  3. Why do single-rotor helicopters use an auxiliary rotor on their tail?

    The thrust from the auxiliary rotor on the tail of the helicopter counteracts the torque produced by the main rotor.

  4. Why is it important that the blades of a helicopter rotor system be in track?

    If the blades are not in track, vertical vibration can develop.

Typical Practical Projects

  1. Identify the rotorcraft primary flight controls.
  2. Locate helicopter rotor blade track and balance procedures.
  3. Explain to the examiner the correct way to check the track of a helicopter rotor system. Explain the correct way to adjust the blades to bring them into the proper condition of track.

[10-2024]