Forward Flight and Translational Lift
O-Lift
When a helicopter is hovering in still air, the air flowing down through the main rotor
(called the “down-wash”) tends to circle around to the top of the rotor and flow
through again as illustrated in Fig. 6-5.
O-For ward flight
As the helicopter starts moving forward it moves into cleaner, undisturbed air as
illustrated by Fig. 6-6. The main rotor is more efficient in the undisturbed air, and
produces more lift for the same amount of engine power. The increased lift causes
the helicopter to climb.
Op er a tor's Guide
Learning to Fly
LITE MA CHINES
6-7
Figure 6-5.
Figure 6-6.
