SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test

When transitioning from hover to forward flight, which factor is crucial for maintaining control?

1. Cyclic control input

2. Collective pitch adjustment

3. Pilot body positioning

4. Wind direction awareness

The correct answer is: Cyclic control input

Cyclic control input is crucial for maintaining control when transitioning from hover to forward flight. This is because during this phase, the pilot needs to manage the helicopter's balance and directional flight path. Cyclic control allows the pilot to tilt the rotor disc, which directs the helicopter forward and helps establish a stable flight path. In the transition from hover to forward flight, the helicopter often experiences a change in airflow over the rotor blades and requires precise control to maintain stability. The cyclic input alters the pitch of the rotor blades, which in turn affects their angle of attack and, therefore, the lift and thrust produced. Proper management of the cyclic is necessary to prevent the helicopter from pitching up or down excessively and to ensure a gradual and controlled acceleration into forward flight. While collective pitch adjustment, pilot body positioning, and wind direction awareness can play roles in overall flight safety, they are secondary considerations compared to the immediate and direct impact that cyclic control has on maintaining stability during this critical flight transition.