Define translating tendency.

Define translating tendency.

• A. Tendency of a single rotor helicopter to drift right while hovering
• B. Tendency of a helicopter to drift left when landing
• C. Tendency of rotor blades to stall
• D. Tendency of tail rotor to yaw

Answer: (A)

Translating tendency is the tendency of a single-rotor helicopter to drift horizontally while hovering. In a hover, the rotor system creates a slight yaw and lateral aerodynamic effects due to the interaction of rotor wash with the fuselage and tail, so without pedal input the helicopter tends to move to one side. For many conventional configurations, this results in a drift to the right, which is why pilots must apply pedal to keep the helicopter in one spot. As the helicopter gains translational airflow (moving forward), translational lift and changes in rotor/airflow interactions reduce this lateral drift, making the hover feel more stable.

Translating tendency is the tendency of a single-rotor helicopter to drift horizontally while hovering. In a hover, the rotor system creates a slight yaw and lateral aerodynamic effects due to the interaction of rotor wash with the fuselage and tail, so without pedal input the helicopter tends to move to one side. For many conventional configurations, this results in a drift to the right, which is why pilots must apply pedal to keep the helicopter in one spot. As the helicopter gains translational airflow (moving forward), translational lift and changes in rotor/airflow interactions reduce this lateral drift, making the hover feel more stable.