SIFT Aircraft Components and Controls Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

What is the primary function of the swashplate assembly in a helicopter?

Accepted Answer

To transmit cyclic and collective pitch inputs to the rotating rotor blades

Answer

To absorb vibration from the main rotor

Answer

To control engine throttle via the collective linkage

Answer

To balance the weight distribution of the rotor system

Question 2

What is 'blade flapping' in a helicopter rotor system?

Accepted Answer

The up-and-down movement of rotor blades about a horizontal hinge

Answer

The oscillation of rotor blades due to engine surge

Answer

The twisting of rotor blades along their span

Answer

The movement of blades forward and backward about a vertical hinge

Question 3

Which instrument measures the main rotor and engine RPM in a helicopter?

Accepted Answer

Tachometer

Answer

Altimeter

Answer

Manifold pressure gauge

Answer

Turn coordinator

Question 4

What is 'ground resonance' in helicopter operations?

Accepted Answer

A destructive oscillation caused by out-of-phase rotor blade lead-lag

Answer

Vibration caused by landing on soft ground

Answer

Noise amplification when hovering near buildings

Answer

Turbulence caused by rotor downwash reflecting off the ground

Question 5

What does 'disc loading' mean in helicopter aerodynamics?

Accepted Answer

The weight supported per unit area of the rotor disc

Answer

The number of blades on the main rotor

Answer

The rotational speed of the rotor in RPM

Answer

The angle of the rotor disc relative to the horizon

Question 6

What is the role of the pitch-change links (pitch links) on a helicopter rotor?

Accepted Answer

Transmit pitch inputs from the swashplate to individual rotor blades

Answer

Connect the rotor blade to the main rotor shaft

Answer

Balance the weight of each rotor blade

Answer

Link the collective control to the tail rotor