Helicopter Flying Instructions And Techniques (AFAST) Quiz

1. How can a lighted heliport be identified?

The presence of red, blue, and black lights around the heliport perimeter indicates a lighted heliport.

A heliport with no visible lights but a 'Lighted Heliport' sign is considered a lighted heliport.

A heliport with constantly rotating purple lights indicates a lighted heliport.

The color combination of green, yellow, and white flashed by beacons indicates a lighted heliport.

A lighted heliport can be identified by the color combination of green, yellow, and white flashed by beacons, as specified for aviation safety standards.

Explanation

A lighted heliport can be identified by the color combination of green, yellow, and white flashed by beacons, as specified for aviation safety standards.

2. What is the primary purpose of the tail rotor system on a helicopter?

Counteract the torque effect of the main rotor. The Auxiliary or tail rotor is the anti-torque rotor that produces thrust in the direction opposite to the torque reaction developed by the main rotor.

Provide additional lift to the helicopter.

Control the pitch of the helicopter.

Stabilize the helicopter during flight.

The primary purpose of the tail rotor system on a helicopter is to counteract the torque effect of the main rotor, which helps maintain the helicopter's balance and prevent it from spinning in the opposite direction of the main rotor's rotation.

Explanation

The primary purpose of the tail rotor system on a helicopter is to counteract the torque effect of the main rotor, which helps maintain the helicopter's balance and prevent it from spinning in the opposite direction of the main rotor's rotation.

3. During a hover, a helicopter tends to drift in the direction of the tail rotor thrust. This movement is called...

This movement is generally referred to as translating tendency or drift. The entire helicopter has a tendency to move in the direction of tail rotor thrust when hovering.

Vertical drag

Lateral shift

Yaw displacement

During a hover, a helicopter tends to drift in the direction of the tail rotor thrust, which is known as translating tendency or drift. It is important for pilots to understand this movement to ensure smooth hovering and control of the helicopter.

Explanation

During a hover, a helicopter tends to drift in the direction of the tail rotor thrust, which is known as translating tendency or drift. It is important for pilots to understand this movement to ensure smooth hovering and control of the helicopter.

4. What is the term used to describe the upward bending of the rotor blades caused by the combined forces of lift and centrifugal force?

Tilting

Flexing

The upward bending of the rotor blades caused by the combined forces of lift and centrifugal force is called coning.

Curving

Coning is the term used to describe the upward bending of rotor blades caused by the combination of lift and centrifugal force. It is a common phenomenon in rotorcraft such as helicopters.

Explanation

Coning is the term used to describe the upward bending of rotor blades caused by the combination of lift and centrifugal force. It is a common phenomenon in rotorcraft such as helicopters.

5. Where is the center of gravity(CG) range usually located in a helicopter?

The exact location and length of the of the CG range is specific for each helicopter but it usually extends a short distance fore and aft of the main rotor mast.

Above the tail rotor

At the bottom of the aircraft

Next to the cockpit window

The center of gravity (CG) range in a helicopter usually extends a short distance fore and aft of the main rotor mast, varying in exact location and length depending on the specific helicopter model.

Explanation

The center of gravity (CG) range in a helicopter usually extends a short distance fore and aft of the main rotor mast, varying in exact location and length depending on the specific helicopter model.

6. What is the lift differential that exists between the advancing main rotor blade and the retreating main rotor blade known as?

Imbalance

Disparity

Asymmetry

Dissymmetry of lift is created by horizontal flight or by wind during hovering flight. It is the difference in lift(unequal lift) across the rotor disc resulting from the difference in the velocity of air over the advancing blade half of the disc area and retreating blade half of the disc area.

Explanation

Dissymmetry of lift is created by horizontal flight or by wind during hovering flight. It is the difference in lift(unequal lift) across the rotor disc resulting from the difference in the velocity of air over the advancing blade half of the disc area and retreating blade half of the disc area.

7. When is ground resonance most likely to develop in a helicopter?

Strong crosswinds are present during takeoff causing the helicopter to sway.

A series of shocks causes the rotor system to become unbalanced. Ground resonance may develop when a series of shocks causes the rotor head to become unbalanced. When one landing gear of the helicopter strikes the surface first, a shock is transmitted through the fuselage to the rotor. When one of the other landing gears strikes, the unbalance can be aggravated and become even greater. This establishes a resonance, which sets up a pendulum-like oscillation of the fuselage--a severe wobbling or shaking.

The helicopter is low on fuel and experiences engine sputtering during flight.

The pilot mistakenly engages the autopilot system during landing.

Ground resonance in a helicopter is most likely to develop when a series of shocks causes the rotor system to become unbalanced. This can occur when one landing gear strikes the surface first, causing an unbalanced shock transmitted through the fuselage to the rotor system, setting up a pendulum-like oscillation.

Explanation

Ground resonance in a helicopter is most likely to develop when a series of shocks causes the rotor system to become unbalanced. This can occur when one landing gear strikes the surface first, causing an unbalanced shock transmitted through the fuselage to the rotor system, setting up a pendulum-like oscillation.

8. When initiating a quick stop, what actions should be taken?

Increase the collective, apply forward cyclic

Apply aft cyclic, increase the collective pitch

Lower the collective, apply aft cyclic. Rapid deceleration or quick stop is initiated by applying aft cyclic to reduce forward speed and lowering the collective pitch to counteract climbing.

Apply left cyclic, increase collective pitch

To initiate a quick stop, the correct action is to lower the collective and apply aft cyclic as this helps reduce forward speed and counteract climbing. Increasing the collective, applying forward cyclic, applying left cyclic, or increasing the collective pitch will not allow for a quick stop to be initiated effectively.

Explanation

To initiate a quick stop, the correct action is to lower the collective and apply aft cyclic as this helps reduce forward speed and counteract climbing. Increasing the collective, applying forward cyclic, applying left cyclic, or increasing the collective pitch will not allow for a quick stop to be initiated effectively.

9. How is takeoff from a slope in a helicopter with skid-type landing gear normally accomplished?

Applying maximum collective pitch and cyclic input as soon as the helicopter starts moving

Taking off as quickly as possible without adjusting the helicopter's attitude

Bringing the helicopter to a level attitude before completely leaving ground. For slope takeoff, first obtain takeoff RPM and move the cyclic stick so that the rotor rotation is parallel to the true horizon rather than slope apply up-collective pitch and apply pedal to maintain heading. As the downslope skid rises and the helicopter approaches a level altitude, move the cyclic stick back to the neutral position and take the helicopter straight up to a hover before moving away from the slope. The tail should not be turned upslope because of the danger of the tail rotor striking the surface.

Turning the tail upslope to prevent skid damage during takeoff

The correct procedure for takeoff from a slope in a helicopter with skid-type landing gear involves bringing the helicopter to a level attitude before completely leaving the ground. This ensures safe and controlled ascent without the risk of tail rotor striking the surface.

Explanation

The correct procedure for takeoff from a slope in a helicopter with skid-type landing gear involves bringing the helicopter to a level attitude before completely leaving the ground. This ensures safe and controlled ascent without the risk of tail rotor striking the surface.

10. What is the proper procedure for a slope landing in a helicopter with skid-type landing gear?

Lower the downslope skid first before the upslope skid

Landing directly parallel to the slope

Applying full collective pitch while lowering skids

When parallel to the slope, slowly lower the upslope skid to the ground prior to lowering the downslope skid.The helicopter should be landed on a cross-slope rather than on either an upslope or downslope. As the upslope skid touches the ground, the pilot should apply the cyclic stick in the direction of the slope. This will hold the skid against the slope while the downslope skid continues to be let down with the collective pitch.

The correct procedure for slope landing involves specific steps to safely land on a slope with a helicopter equipped with skid-type landing gear. It is important to follow these steps to ensure a successful landing and avoid any potential risks or accidents.

Explanation

The correct procedure for slope landing involves specific steps to safely land on a slope with a helicopter equipped with skid-type landing gear. It is important to follow these steps to ensure a successful landing and avoid any potential risks or accidents.

11. Density altitude refers to a theoretical air density that exists under standard conditions at a given altitude. Standard conditions at sea level are..

Atmospheric pressure: 30.00 in of Hg; Temperature: 75F (24C).

Standard conditions at sea level are: Atmospheric pressure:29.92 in of Hg(inches of mercury); Temperature: 59F.(15C)

Atmospheric pressure: 10.00 in of Hg; Temperature: 32F (0C).

Atmospheric pressure: 25.00 in of Hg; Temperature: 50F (10C).

Density altitude is an important concept in aviation that takes into account the variations in atmospheric pressure and temperature at different altitudes. Standard conditions at sea level serve as a reference point for calculating density altitude.

Explanation

Density altitude is an important concept in aviation that takes into account the variations in atmospheric pressure and temperature at different altitudes. Standard conditions at sea level serve as a reference point for calculating density altitude.

12. Under what conditions should a helicopter pilot consider using a running takeoff?

A running takeoff should be used for practicing different takeoff techniques.

A running takeoff should be used for improving fuel efficiency during takeoff.

A running takeoff is used when conditions of load and/or density altitude prevent a sustained hover at normal hovering altitude. It is often referred to as a high-altitude takeoff. A running takeoff may be accomplished safely only if surface area of sufficient length and smoothness is available if no barriers exist in the flight-path to interfere with a shallow climb.

A running takeoff should be used to avoid noise complaints from nearby residents.

A running takeoff is specifically used when conditions of load and/or density altitude prevent a sustained hover at normal hovering altitude. It is not related to fuel efficiency, practicing techniques, or noise complaints.

Explanation

A running takeoff is specifically used when conditions of load and/or density altitude prevent a sustained hover at normal hovering altitude. It is not related to fuel efficiency, practicing techniques, or noise complaints.

13. What is the purpose of foot pedals in the helicopter cockpit?

To adjust the volume of the radio communication

To alter the helicopter's altitude

To control the wing flaps for takeoff and landing

Foot pedals in the cockpit permit the pilot to increase or decrease tail-rotor thrust, as needed, to neutralize/control torque effect.

Foot pedals in the helicopter cockpit are primarily used to control the tail-rotor thrust to counteract the torque effect produced by the main rotor. This helps maintain stability and control during flight.

Explanation

Foot pedals in the helicopter cockpit are primarily used to control the tail-rotor thrust to counteract the torque effect produced by the main rotor. This helps maintain stability and control during flight.

14. If the helicopter is moving forward the advancing blade will be in the?

Left half of the rotor disc

Upper half of the rotor disc

Lower half of the rotor disc

With a single main rotor rotating in a counterclockwise direction, the advancing blade will be in the right half of the rotor disc during forward flight.

When a helicopter is moving forward, the advancing blade is located in the right half of the rotor disc due to the direction and rotation of the main rotor.

Explanation

When a helicopter is moving forward, the advancing blade is located in the right half of the rotor disc due to the direction and rotation of the main rotor.

15. The method of control by which the pitch of all main rotor blades is varied equally and simultaneously is the..

The cyclic pitch control lever adjusts the pitch of individual rotor blades separately.

The throttle control lever changes the power output of the engine.

The anti-torque pedals control the direction the helicopter is facing.

The collective pitch control lever changes the pitch angle of the main rotor blades simultaneously and equally.

The collective pitch control lever is responsible for changing the pitch angle of all main rotor blades at the same time, ensuring equal adjustments to lift generated. The cyclic pitch control lever is used for making individual adjustments to the pitch of rotor blades to control the direction of the helicopter. The throttle control lever is used to regulate the engine power output, while the anti-torque pedals are used to control the yaw motion of the helicopter.

Explanation

The collective pitch control lever is responsible for changing the pitch angle of all main rotor blades at the same time, ensuring equal adjustments to lift generated. The cyclic pitch control lever is used for making individual adjustments to the pitch of rotor blades to control the direction of the helicopter. The throttle control lever is used to regulate the engine power output, while the anti-torque pedals are used to control the yaw motion of the helicopter.

16. Which combination of factors will reduce helicopter performance the most?

Low altitude, low temperature, and high moisture content have minimal impact on helicopter performance.

High altitude, high temperature, and high moisture content contribute to a high density altitude condition that lessons helicopter performance.

Low altitude, high temperature, and low moisture content enhance helicopter performance rather than reduce it.

High altitude, low temperature, and low moisture content create ideal conditions for helicopter performance.

The correct answer highlights the factors that contribute to high density altitude, which is detrimental to helicopter performance. The incorrect answers either incorrectly assess the impact of different factors or suggest conditions that are actually favorable for helicopter performance.

Explanation

The correct answer highlights the factors that contribute to high density altitude, which is detrimental to helicopter performance. The incorrect answers either incorrectly assess the impact of different factors or suggest conditions that are actually favorable for helicopter performance.

17. During surface taxiing, the helicopter pilot should use the pedals to maintain heading and the cyclic to maintain?

Altitude

Pitch

The collective pitch controls starting, stopping, and rate of speed. Pedals are used to maintain heading and the cyclic is used to maintain ground track.

Airspeed

The collective pitch controls starting, stopping, and rate of speed. Pedals are used to maintain heading and the cyclic is used to maintain ground track.

Explanation

The collective pitch controls starting, stopping, and rate of speed. Pedals are used to maintain heading and the cyclic is used to maintain ground track.

18. The thinner air of higher altitudes causes the airspeed indicator to read 'too low.' An indicated airspeed of 80mph at 5,000 feet is actually a true airspeed of approximately...

90mph

95mph

82mph

True airspeed may be roughly computed by adding to the indicated airspeed, 2 percent of the indicated airspeed for each 1,000 feet of altitude above sea level. 88MPH

True airspeed may be roughly computed by adding to the indicated airspeed, 2 percent of the indicated airspeed for each 1,000 feet of altitude above sea level. In this case, at 5,000 feet, the true airspeed would be 88mph.

Explanation

True airspeed may be roughly computed by adding to the indicated airspeed, 2 percent of the indicated airspeed for each 1,000 feet of altitude above sea level. In this case, at 5,000 feet, the true airspeed would be 88mph.