Book 23, Question 88
What Happens If a Helicopter's Engine Stops?
What if a helicopter's engine stops? Pilots train for this. There is a clever safety trick! Helicopter pilots practice autorotation landings with an instructor as part of their training.
More fun facts
- If the engine stops, a helicopter can still land safely using autorotation.
- A special clutch called a freewheeling unit lets the main rotor keep spinning without the engine.
- As the helicopter comes down, air flowing up through the rotor keeps the blades turning.
- The spinning blades still make lift, which lets the pilot land gently.
- Every helicopter must prove it can do this before it is approved to fly.
Sources: faa.gov
Questions kids ask
What matters most to a helicopter pilot, engine speed or rotor speed?
Rotor speed. The handbook says rotor rpm is paramount and engine rpm comes second.