Although helicopter flight principles are the same for all rotorcraft, no two helicopters perform exactly alike. Differences in rotor system design, wind, temperature, humidity, aircraft weight, and installed equipment all influence how a helicopter responds during flight. For this reason, the flight techniques presented here are intended to apply to the majority of training helicopters.
Most of the maneuvers in this section assume a helicopter with a single main rotor that turns counterclockwise when viewed from above, along with a conventional antitorque system. Where procedures differ for helicopters with a clockwise-turning rotor system or different antitorque arrangement, the variation is noted. In many cases, the term “apply proper pedal pressure” is used because the correct pedal depends on the direction of rotor rotation.
Since helicopter performance changes with weather conditions and aircraft loading, no specific pitch attitudes, power settings, or control positions are provided. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the techniques, control coordination, and visual references required to perform each maneuver correctly and consistently.
The following sections introduce the basic flight maneuvers every helicopter pilot must master, from the four fundamentals and straight-and-level flight to hovering, takeoffs, approaches, and traffic patterns.
Basic Flight Maneuvers Series
1. The Four Fundamentals
Understand the four basic control actions used to perform every helicopter maneuver.
View Topic →2. Straight-and-Level Flight
Practice maintaining constant altitude, heading, and airspeed in level flight.
View Topic →3. Turns
Learn the proper control coordination and techniques for making smooth helicopter turns.
View Topic →4. Normal Climb and Normal Descent
Explore the procedures for climbing and descending while maintaining proper attitude and airspeed.
View Topic →5. Vertical Takeoff to a Hover
Understand how to lift the helicopter vertically from the surface into a stable hover.
View Topic →6. Hovering
Master the control coordination required to keep the helicopter stationary over a fixed point.
View Topic →7. Taxiing
Learn the procedures and techniques for air taxiing and surface taxiing a helicopter safely.
View Topic →8. Normal Takeoff From a Hover and the Surface
Practice normal helicopter takeoffs from both a hover and the ground.
View Topic →9. Crosswind Considerations During Takeoffs
See how crosswinds affect helicopter takeoffs and the control adjustments needed to compensate.
View Topic →10. Ground Reference Maneuvers
Develop precise control by flying reference maneuvers using visual checkpoints on the ground.
View Topic →11. Traffic Patterns
Understand standard helicopter traffic patterns and the procedures used in the airport environment.
View Topic →12. Approaches and Go-Around
Learn how to perform normal approaches, rejected landings, and go-arounds safely.
View Topic →