14.66 Turning Flight

14.66.2 Identify the forces acting on a helicopter in a level turn.

Forces in a Level Turn

• Lift (Rotor Thrust):
  Acts perpendicular to the rotor disc and is tilted
  • Vertical component → balances weight
  • Horizontal component → provides centripetal force (turning force)
   
• Weight:
  Acts downwards
• Thrust:
  Provides forward motion
• Drag:
  Acts rearward, opposing motion

Summary:
In a level turn, rotor lift is tilted, providing both vertical lift (to balance weight) and horizontal force (to turn the helicopter).

14.66.4 State the effect of angle of bank on rate and radius of turn, load factor and power required.

Effect of Angle of Bank

• Rate of Turn:
  • Increases as angle of bank increases
• Radius of Turn:
  • Decreases as angle of bank increases (tighter turn)
• Load Factor:
  • Increases as angle of bank increases
• Power Required:
  • Increases as angle of bank increases (to maintain height due to increased load factor)
   

Summary:
Greater bank → higher rate of turn, smaller radius, higher load factor, and more power required.

14.66.6 Describe a rate 1 turn, and a rule-of-thumb method of calculating the bank angle required.

Rate 1 Turn