Pilot's Life Blog

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Helicopter Controls Helicopter pilots utilize three main controls: the cyclic, collective, and anti-torque pedals. Anti-torque pedals manage the tail rotor’s thrust, countering the main rotor’s torque to maintain directional control and stability. Does turbulence affect helicopters differently?

Torque 52

Torque Lift Airplanes Stability 52

Pilot Institute

OCTOBER 12, 2024

Stalling with a high-power setting takes more effort since there is thrust and a high-energy slipstream from the propeller, which prevents boundary layer separation. The turbulent air hits the horizontal stabilizer, which causes a vibration that can be felt throughout the aircraft. Buffeting is like flying in rough, choppy air.

Stability 52

Stability Horizontal Stabilizer Airplanes Lift 52

Pilot Institute

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

These control surfaces dictate the aircraft’s roll, and this allows it to bank smoothly through turns or even recover from turbulence. The rotational force thats needed to move an object about an axis is called torque. But theres much more to ailerons than just rolling left or right. What Is Aileron Trim?

Aileron 90

Aileron Weight-Shift-Control Rudder Longitudinal Axis 90