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How does a helicopter fly?
A helicopter is an aircraft that flies using spinning rotor blades instead of fixed wings. Helicopters can take off and land vertically. They can hover as well as fly in any direction. They do not need a runway that planes must have for take-off or landing. This means they can be used for flying passengers to and from city centres, oil rigs or ships. They can also provide a rescue service in floods, earthquakes, on mountains or at sea.
Turboshaft
Most helicopters are powered by a turboshaft engine. This is a jet engine in which the exhaust gases cause a turbine to spin round rapidly. The turbine is linked to a shaft, to which the helicopter's rotor blades are attached.
Rotors
A helicopter's rotor blades are shaped like long, thin wings. Powered by the engine, they spin round very quickly. As they do so, they push the air beneath them downwards, and so lift the helicopter upwards. Besides providing lift, the main rotor propels the helicopter through the air. The tail rotor stops the helicopter’s fuselage (its body) from spinning in the opposite direction to the main rotor.
Steering
By tilting the main rotor to the left or right, the pilot can change the helicopter’s course. Tilting the rotor forwards or backwards causes it to fly straight ahead, or in reverse. Pedals control the movement of the helicopter's nose to the left or right.
Consultant: Mike Goldsmith
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