1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

Choose a Page:How does the jet engine work?When did humans first fly?When did the first powered aeropla...When did aircraft first go into ba...What is the world's largest passen...*How do helicopters work?*What is VTOL?Which aeroplanes are invisible?What is the shortest airline flight?What fuels do aircraft use?How does a glider work?How fast can Concorde fly? How do helicopters work? A helicopter's spinning rotor blades act as powerful wings. As they whirl around, air flowing over them produces an upward force, called lift. By altering the speed and angle of the rotor blades, the pilot can make the helicopter rise, fall, or hover. Helicopters are also able to fly forward and backward. This McDonnell Douglas helicopter has a T-shaped tail, which acts as a stabiliser, and long skids for landing.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Aircraft