What is the rotation of the blade around the spanwise (pitch change) axis called?

What is the rotation of the blade around the spanwise (pitch change) axis called?

• A. Blade Feather or Feathering
• B. Axis of Rotation
• C. Basic Empty Weight
• D. Autopilot

Answer: (A)

Feathering is the term for rotating the blade about its spanwise pitch axis (the axis from hub to tip) to change the blade’s pitch. This motion adjusts how the blade presents to the relative wind, controlling lift and drag. Feathering specifically refers to setting the blade toward a high pitch to minimize drag, which is especially important when power is not being applied (such as during autorotation) or when you want to reduce windmilling drag. The other options aren’t related to blade pitch changes: the axis of rotation is too general, basic empty weight is just a weight value, and autopilot is a separate flight control system.

Feathering is the term for rotating the blade about its spanwise pitch axis (the axis from hub to tip) to change the blade’s pitch. This motion adjusts how the blade presents to the relative wind, controlling lift and drag. Feathering specifically refers to setting the blade toward a high pitch to minimize drag, which is especially important when power is not being applied (such as during autorotation) or when you want to reduce windmilling drag. The other options aren’t related to blade pitch changes: the axis of rotation is too general, basic empty weight is just a weight value, and autopilot is a separate flight control system.