Helicopter and rope

[Johnny_L.A]

@Sleel

The change from hovering to flight is also one of the trickiest things to do in flying a helicopter, I’ve heard.

Not at all. A little forward cyclic, and a little up collective and off you go. Just a little shudder as you fly out of the turbulent air.

It’s true though that the rotors become more efficient when the aircraft is moving forward. It’s called translational lift. Basically when you’re taking off or landing you’re sitting in your own downwash. As you move through, say 15 knots, you’re flying in ‘clean’ air and the rotors’ efficience improves. Of course if there’s a 15 knot wind blowing you’re already in translational lift in a hover.

[Sleel]

@Johnny L.A.

Not at all. A little forward cyclic, and a little up collective and off you go. Just a little shudder as you fly out of the turbulent air.

Okay, my understanding was flawed. So the only real problem with the helicopter in that clip was that he pilot sucked?

[Xema]

@Sleel

So the only real problem with the helicopter in that clip was that he pilot sucked?

I’d say that’s accurate. Helicopters have successfully towed heavy objects, such as minsweeping sleds.

Here’s a link to a photo of an H-53; its missions include “mine sweeping … and surface towing of small craft and ships.”