EAA Young Eagles - Ask the Expert

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EAA Young Eagles - Ask the Expert

	Question : How do helicopters fly? Does the helicopter engine work the same as an airplane engine?

	Answer : A helicopter's main rotor works in the same manner as an airplane's wing. That is, air flowing over the rotor blades creates lift. The difference is that the helicopter's "wing" provides it's own motion (the turning of the rotor). A fixed-wing airplane must create enough airflow over the wing by moving forward. The helicopter turns its rotor to provide the airflow over the blades. This is why a helicopter can be flying even though it's not actually moving. (This is called "hovering".) The main rotor provides both the lift and propulsion for the helicopter, doing the job of both the wings and propeller of a fixed-wing airplane. The helicopter pilot controls the angle or "tilt" of the main rotor in order to direct the lift and thrust and make the helicopter go where the pilot wants it to go. The helicopter engine works exactly like an airplane engine. The difference is in what the engine does. An airplane engine typically will drive a propeller, which will pull the airplane forward through the air so that it's wings can produce lift and the airplane can fly. The helicopter's engine drives a transmission that turns the helicopter's rotors at the correct speed so that the required lift and thrust are produced. Thanks for asking the question! Joe Norris EAA Senior Information Specalist

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