Helicopter Systems - Helicopter Training Videos (HTV)

This category will cover Helicopter Systems from flight controls, rotor types, engines, etc. The emphasis will be on systems that apply to Pre-Solo and Private Pilots in the Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters.

Current Lessons

Helicopter Flight Controls

Before you try to fly a helicopter, you first need to fully understand how helicopter flight controls work. There are four main flight controls in a helicopter: Cyclic Collective Anti-torque Pedals Throttle Video The video below is an introduction ...

Helicopter Swashplate

The cyclic and collective controls affect the attitude of the main rotor disk(s), but how does that control input transfer to the disk? The answer is the swashplate. Video The video below explains how the helicopter swashplate works, demonstrated on...

Helicopter Rotor Configurations

All helicopters have at least one main rotor for lift, but there are many helicopter rotor configurations: Traditional or Conventional like the Robinson R22 Tandem like the CH-47 Chinook Transverse like the V22 Osprey Coaxial like the Kamov KA-50...

Helicopter Rotor Systems

All helicopters have at least one main rotor to produce the lift that keeps helicopters in the air. The type of main rotor system is defined by how the blades are connected to the rotor hub. The blades may have hinges or bearings to allow them to feather,...

Helicopter Anti-Torque Systems

Single rotor helicopters require a way to counter the torque created by turning the main rotor. There are three such options: Traditional tail rotor Ducted fan or Fenestron NOTAR Video The video below covers the three different types of anti-torque...

Helicopter Piston Engine

Most small training helicopters are powered by lightweight, air-cooled piston engines. Helicopter piston engines are not as powerful as turbine engines, but they are a lot cheaper, hence they are popular in smaller helicopters. Video The video below...

Helicopter Vibrations

Helicopters have many rotating parts and vibrations are inevitable. But sudden increased or new vibrations can lead to catastrophic failure of components. Helicopter vibrations can be broken down into the following by frequency: Low Medium High ...

Helicopter Turbine Engine

Turbine engines are used in most medium to larger helicopters and are also used in some smaller helicopters. They provide a better power-to-weight ratio than piston engines but are more costly. Video The video below explains how the helicopter turbine...