Which sequence correctly describes how cockpit flight controls are transmitted to move the swashplate and tail rotor pitch?

Which sequence correctly describes how cockpit flight controls are transmitted to move the swashplate and tail rotor pitch?

• A. Trim actuators → pilot assist servos → mixing unit → primary servos → swashplate and tail rotor
• B. Tail rotor directly commands all
• C. Flight controls go through electronic network to tail rotor
• D. Hydraulic actuators drive swashplate directly

Answer: (A)

A helicopter translates cockpit inputs through a hydraulic–electrical control chain that shapes rotor blade pitch via a mixing unit and servos, ultimately moving the swashplate and setting tail rotor pitch. The sequence starts with trim actuators that set small, steady offsets so the pilot doesn’t have to fight the aircraft to maintain a desired attitude. Next, pilot assist servos provide initial help and feel, easing input workload and supporting stability. The mixing unit then combines all inputs—cyclic, collective, and yaw—into the appropriate commands for the main and tail rotors. These commands drive the primary servos, which actuate hydraulic power to move the swashplate for the main rotor blade pitch changes and to adjust tail rotor pitch for anti-torque. This chain ensures the pilot’s intent is transformed into precise rotor motions. The other ideas don’t fit because the system doesn’t rely on the tail rotor commanding everything, nor is the control path purely electronic, and the swashplate isn’t driven directly by hydraulics without the mixing and servo stages.

A helicopter translates cockpit inputs through a hydraulic–electrical control chain that shapes rotor blade pitch via a mixing unit and servos, ultimately moving the swashplate and setting tail rotor pitch. The sequence starts with trim actuators that set small, steady offsets so the pilot doesn’t have to fight the aircraft to maintain a desired attitude. Next, pilot assist servos provide initial help and feel, easing input workload and supporting stability. The mixing unit then combines all inputs—cyclic, collective, and yaw—into the appropriate commands for the main and tail rotors. These commands drive the primary servos, which actuate hydraulic power to move the swashplate for the main rotor blade pitch changes and to adjust tail rotor pitch for anti-torque. This chain ensures the pilot’s intent is transformed into precise rotor motions.

The other ideas don’t fit because the system doesn’t rely on the tail rotor commanding everything, nor is the control path purely electronic, and the swashplate isn’t driven directly by hydraulics without the mixing and servo stages.