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Coast Guard Liaison Office
Understanding the Helicopter
What is a helicopter?
A helicopter is an aircraft having a Main Rotor (overhead) which propels the
helicopter forward, backward, left and right as well as vertically. This is
accomplished by alternating the angle of the blades. The Tail Rotor is used
to counteract the forces that would otherwise cause the helicopter to spin
while hovering.
What kind of helicopters does the Navy use for training?
The TH-57 Sea Ranger. Usual load is the pilot (instructor) and one to two
students.
What kind and how much fuel does it use?
Helicopters use aviation turbine fuel known as Jet A, similar to Diesel #1
or Kerosene. They consume approximately 25-30 gallons per hour.
How fast will it go?
The normal cruising speed is 110 - 130 mph.
What happens if the engine fails?
The engine will automatically disengage from the rotor system. The rotor
blades will continue to turn at normal operating speeds, allowing the pilot
to make a fully controlled landing. This procedure is called Autorotation
and military pilots are frequently tested on their proficiency. Unlike a
conventional plane, the helicopter will touch down with little or no forward
movement, and in a relatively small space.
Why are helicopters so expensive?
The helicopter is a very complex aircraft with many moving parts. It
requires a great deal of engineering, testing and quality control to assure
maximum safety and reliability. The production rate of a helicopter is low
which keeps the unit price much higher than a mass produced vehicle such as
the automobile.
What are the benefits of helicopters?
Because helicopters can take off and land vertically, hover or fly at very
low speeds and rotate 360 degrees while hovering, pilots and passengers can
get panoramic views of remote areas virtually inaccessible by fixed-wing
aircraft. Helicopters are often called upon in medical emergencies and
search and rescue as well as disaster relief for fire departments, state,
civil defense, and the American Red Cross.
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