Helicopter General Knowledge
Airframe and rotor system
A helicopter has a main rotor, tail rotor or anti-torque system, transmission, engine, and controls. Understand the swashplate, pitch links, and how collective and cyclic inputs change blade pitch. Know the difference between fully articulated, semi-rigid, and rigid rotor heads, and what each implies for flapping and lead-lag.
Engine and systems
Study the piston or turbine engine, fuel system, lubrication, electrical system, and hydraulics if fitted. Know what a governor does and how it maintains rotor RPM. Questions often test which system failure produces which warning, and what indications are normal during start and shutdown.
Limitations and instruments
Learn VNE, rotor RPM limits, torque or manifold pressure limits, and weight limits. Understand the instrument panel: rotor tachometer, altimeter, airspeed indicator, vertical speed indicator, and engine gauges.
Worked example
Rule of thumb: if rotor RPM decays, lower collective first to reduce blade angle and load, then correct - never raise collective to arrest a descent.
Traps
Candidates confuse cyclic and collective effects, or assume the governor prevents all overspeed. Watch for questions about mast bumping in low-G conditions and about tail rotor authority in crosswinds.