The study of the various aerodynamic forces and related aspects that affect helicopter flight. This includes the principles of lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
Basic Aerodynamics: A foundation of knowledge on the principles of aerodynamics such as Bernoulli's principle, lift, and drag.
Helicopter Components and their Functions: A detailed understanding of the various components in a helicopter and how they work together to control and maneuver the aircraft.
Helicopter Flight Controls: Knowledge of the different control systems such as cyclic, collective, and tail rotor controls, and their respective functions.
Helicopter Stability and Control: Understanding the different factors that affect stability and control of a helicopter in flight, and how to maintain proper control to ensure a safe flight.
Helicopter Performance: Knowledge of the different performance parameters such as vertical lift, range, endurance, and speed, and how they are affected by different conditions such as temperature, altitude, and weather.
Helicopter Aerodynamics in Forward Flight: Understanding the unique aspects of helicopter aerodynamics in forward flight, such as retreating blade stall, transverse flow effect, and dynamic rollover.
Helicopter Autorotation: Knowledge of the autorotation process where the blades of the helicopter are allowed to rotate freely, and the different factors that affect the procedure such as wind, altitude, and aircraft speed.
Helicopter Flight Planning and Navigation: Understanding the importance of flight planning, the use of maps and instruments, and the different flight patterns required for takeoff, landing, and maneuvering in-flight.
Helicopter Flight Safety: A comprehensive knowledge of helicopter flight safety regulations and procedures, emergency procedures, and the necessary precautions to ensure a safe flight.
Helicopter Maintenance and Repair: Understanding the maintenance and repair principles of a helicopter, and how to conduct routine checks on different components such as the blades, engines, and control systems.
Lift: Aerodynamics that deal with the ability of the rotor blades to create lift and keep the helicopter in the air.
Drag: Aerodynamics that deal with the resistance encountered by the helicopter as it moves through the air.
Weight: Aerodynamics that deal with the force of gravity acting on the helicopter.
Thrust: Aerodynamics that deal with the force needed to move the helicopter forward or backward.
Autorotation: Aerodynamics that deal with the ability of the helicopter to maintain lift and control during a power-off emergency.
Ground effect: Aerodynamics that deal with the increased lift and reduced drag experienced by the helicopter when flying close to the ground.
Retreating Blade Stall: Aerodynamics that deal with the loss of lift on the retreating blade due to the increased relative velocity as the blade rotates opposite the direction of flight.