One of four main forces acting on a helicopter. Equivalent to the actual weight of the helicopter. It acts downward toward the center of the earth.

One of four main forces acting on a helicopter. Equivalent to the actual weight of the helicopter. It acts downward toward the center of the earth.

• A. Weight
• B. Lift
• C. Drag
• D. Thrust

Answer: (A)

Weight is the gravitational force acting on the helicopter, pulling it straight down toward the Earth. It is the actual weight of the aircraft, equal to mass times gravity, and it acts through the helicopter’s center of gravity. This downward force is what lift must balance to hold altitude—when hovering, lift equals weight; if you climb, lift exceeds weight; if you descend, lift is less than weight. The other forces are lift, which acts upward from the rotor; thrust, which provides propulsion in the direction of flight; and drag, which resists motion.

Weight is the gravitational force acting on the helicopter, pulling it straight down toward the Earth. It is the actual weight of the aircraft, equal to mass times gravity, and it acts through the helicopter’s center of gravity. This downward force is what lift must balance to hold altitude—when hovering, lift equals weight; if you climb, lift exceeds weight; if you descend, lift is less than weight. The other forces are lift, which acts upward from the rotor; thrust, which provides propulsion in the direction of flight; and drag, which resists motion.