Describe the function of a rotorcraft collective pitch control.

• A. It tilts the rotor disc during rotation.
• B. It changes the pitch angle of all rotor blades by the same amount, increasing or decreasing lift.
• C. It controls yaw of the helicopter
• D. It trims rotor speed

Answer: (B)

Collective pitch control changes the pitch of all rotor blades at the same time, altering the overall lift produced by the rotor. When you raise the collective, the blades take on more pitch uniformly, increasing lift and allowing the helicopter to climb or hover. Lowering the collective decreases pitch and lift, causing the helicopter to descend or settle from hover. This control affects thrust, not the direction of travel, which is handled by cyclic (tilting the rotor disc) and yaw control by pedals. Rotor speed is typically kept constant by the engine/governor, while the collective adjusts lift to achieve vertical motion.