SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

The correct answer highlights a critical aerodynamic principle in helicopter flight known as dissymmetry of lift. When the advancing side of the rotor disk creates significantly more lift than the retreating side, it leads to an imbalance. If this condition is not corrected, it can result in a situation where the lift vector becomes misaligned with the helicopter's center of gravity, leading to undesirable pitch and roll movements.

In the worst-case scenario, the pilot may lose the ability to control the aircraft effectively, making the helicopter uncontrollable. This uncontrollability can occur due to the abrupt changes in rotor performance, resulting in the helicopter's inability to respond predictably to control inputs. Furthermore, as the rotor continues to produce differential lift, the aircraft may enter an aerodynamic stall, worsening control difficulties and heightening the risk of an accident.

In contrast, while sideslipping, excessive vibration, and torque issues can arise from other flight dynamics or mechanical problems, they do not directly stem from the uncorrected dissymmetry of lift in the same immediate and severe manner that leads to a complete loss of control. Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots in effectively managing rotorcraft during flight.