Aviation Standard Test Battery-E (ASTB E) Practice Test

What term describes the control that affects the angle of the main rotor blades of a helicopter?

1. Final checker

2. Collective

3. Empennage

4. Coriolis force

The correct answer is: Collective

The term that describes the control affecting the angle of the main rotor blades of a helicopter is "collective." The collective control is used by the pilot to change the pitch of all the rotor blades simultaneously, which directly influences the amount of lift produced by the helicopter. When the collective is raised, the pitch of the blades increases, resulting in greater lift. Conversely, lowering the collective decreases the pitch and reduces lift. This control is crucial for vertical flight maneuvers, such as takeoff, landing, and hovering. The other terms refer to distinct concepts in aviation. For instance, a final checker typically relates to personnel responsible for performing last-minute checks before flight, the empennage refers to the tail section of an aircraft that provides stability and control, and Coriolis force relates to the effect of Earth's rotation on moving objects, not specifically relevant to rotor blade control. Understanding these distinctions is important for comprehending how helicopter controls operate effectively.