SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test

Which control will a pilot NOT need to use while increasing altitude in ideal conditions?

1. cyclic

2. anti torque pedals

3. throttle

4. all the above are needed while raising the collective

The correct answer is: cyclic

When a pilot is increasing altitude in ideal conditions, the correct answer focuses on the control that is not necessary for that specific action. In a helicopter, the cyclic control primarily manages the forward and lateral movement, allowing the pilot to tilt the rotor disk and change the helicopter's direction. While the cyclic is indeed essential for navigation and maintaining orientation, it is not directly involved when the pilot is simply increasing altitude in a straightforward climb. On the other hand, the anti-torque pedals are used to counteract the yaw created by the main rotor's torque and maintain directional stability. Although these pedals are important for controlling the helicopter’s heading, they are not directly relevant when the upward movement of altitude is the primary goal, especially if the pilot maintains a straight climb. The throttle, however, is critical in a helicopter because it allows the pilot to adjust the engine power to support the increased load on the rotor system when climbing. As the collective is raised to increase lift, the throttle may need to be adjusted to ensure the engine maintains sufficient rotor RPM. Understanding these controls clarifies why the cyclic is not necessarily needed during a climb in ideal conditions, where altitude can be increased primarily through collective and throttle adjustments without immediate concern for lateral or directional changes.