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Effect of raising the collective pitch control

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 7 of 11 on Rotorcraft Fundamentals. ACS element AM.II.N.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONRaising the collective pitch control of a helicopter has what effect on the main rotor blades?

  1. APitch angle increases on the advancing blade only
  2. BPitch angle increases equally on all blades
  3. CPitch angle decreases on all blades at the same time
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Pitch angle increases equally on all blades

  • A — incorrect Changing the pitch of a blade at one selected point in the plane of rotation is the work of the cyclic pitch control, not the collective.
  • B — correct The collective changes the pitch angle of all main rotor blades simultaneously and by the same amount; raising the lever produces a simultaneous and equal increase.
  • C — incorrect A simultaneous and equal decrease in blade pitch is what happens when the collective is lowered, not when it is raised.

BACKGROUND

The collective pitch control is located on the left side of the pilot's seat and is operated with the left hand. It is used to make changes to the pitch angle of all the main rotor blades simultaneously, or collectively, which is where the control gets its name. The change is carried to the blades through a series of mechanical linkages, and the amount of movement of the lever determines the amount of blade pitch change. An adjustable friction control helps prevent inadvertent collective pitch movement. The throttle twist grip is mounted directly on the collective lever so that engine rpm can be coordinated with pitch changes.

STUDY TIP

Fix the division of labor in your mind: the collective moves every blade together, while the cyclic changes the pitch of each blade as it passes a particular point in the plane of rotation.

KEY POINTS

  • The collective is on the pilot's left and is worked with the left hand.
  • Raising it increases the pitch angle of all main rotor blades equally and at the same time; lowering it decreases pitch equally.
  • An adjustable friction control guards against inadvertent collective movement, and the throttle twist grip rides on the lever.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-31B ch02 "Rotorcraft Controls — Collective Pitch Control" (sources/ama-airframe/ch02.txt)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.