All About Helicopters: Questions and Answers

Many people are interested in the world of helicopters out of interest or because they are curious about how to get into the hobby of owning and flying a helicopter. There are many questions about helicopters for sale and how to earn a license to fly a helicopter.

"How Many Propellers Do Helicopters Have?"

Most helicopters have a single main rotor and a tail rotor. This is the design that Igor Sikorsky settled on for his conventional helicopter design that is still being used today. Most all helicopters are built around this basic design.

"Why More Than One Rotor?"

The rotor system on a helicopter generates lift. The tail rotor generates thrust. The rotor consists of a mast, hub and rotor blades. The mast is a cylindrical metal shaft which extends upwards and is driven by the transmission. At the top of the mast is the attachment point for the blades and is called the hub. There are three basic classifications for the rotor blades. These include: semi rigid, rigid, or fully articulated.

"How Does A Helicopter Fly?"

The two flight conditions for the helicopter are the hover and forward flight. Hovering is the most challenging part of flying a helicopter. In this position the helicopter remains in a fixed position controlled by the pilot. In forward flight the helicopter is much like a traditional aircraft.

"Which is Better - Helicopters or Aircraft?"

The main limitation of the helicopter is speed. It will not fly as fast as a winged aircraft. If airspeed is something you are concerned about then the helicopter is not a aircraft you would want to purchase. If on the other hand you are interested in an aircraft with flexibility to land in small areas then the helicopter might be what you are looking for in an aircraft.

"How Did The Helicopter Evolve Over Time?"

It was not until 1942 that the helicopter was put into full scale production. That year there was 131 helicopters built. This really began the modern history of the helicopter. They were placed into military operations almost immediately because of the flexibility of the aircraft. They could be used for offensive operations and defensive operations as well. They also were used for medical emergencies and troop transport.

They eventually became a major part of many military operations and battles. They proved especially proved effective in jungle conditions like Viet Nam. Probably the most historical pictures and stories of helicopters in military operations were published during the Viet Nam War era. The famous Black Hawk helicopter was the subject of many movies, articles, and books as well.

Military History is full of recorded events and the operations of helicopters. Civilian use of the helicopter now dominates the news and the use of the helicopter. However, the military today still uses the helicopter in every branch of the armed services. It is a vital link for the military and its operations in war time and peace time.

Hwang Keum-OK is an internationally-published author with more than 50 published internet articles credited. Her interests are varied, and she loves directing her readers to new sources of useful information. For more information on helicopters, please visit: http://Best-Helicopters-For-Sale.com/ This is a great site for information -- whether you are a hobbiest, corporate purchaser or private owner. Copyright (C) 2008 by Hwang Keum-OK