Helicopter Dynamics · AERO

Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance

CASA Ref: CASR Part 61 MOS Schedule 3 AD(H) 1.1 · FAA Ref: FAA-S-ACS-15 Area I Task E (Helicopter Aerodynamics)

Scenario & Physics Summary

Upward bending of rotor blades caused by the balance between aerodynamic lift pulling UP and centrifugal force pulling OUT.

Interactive 3D Visual Plates & Scenario Media

Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance Plate 1

Plate 1: Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance

Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance Plate 2

Plate 2: Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance

Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance Plate 3

Plate 3: Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance

Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance Plate 4

Plate 4: Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance

Aerodynamic & Operational Physics

Lift acts upward on rotor blades; Centrifugal force (F_c = mω²r) acts outward horizontally.
The resultant vector creates a upward cone shape (Coning Angle).
High gross weight, low rotor RPM, or high G-load turns increase coning angle.
Excessive coning reduces effective disc area, decreases total lift, and risks structural blade bending.

CASA & FAA Exam Gotcha Alert

Exam Trap: Low rotor RPM increases coning angle because centrifugal force drops dramatically (proportional to RPM squared).

Frequently Asked Questions & Exam Explanations

What two forces determine rotor blade coning angle?

Aerodynamic lift (pulling up) and centrifugal force (pulling outward).

Master Helicopter Rotor Coning & G-Load Centrifugal Balance in the Simulator

Drill targeted CASA and FAA exam questions with step-by-step mathematical decoders and regulatory clause links.

Take free CASA diagnostic test →