Raising the collective results in what effect on the swashplate assembly?

• A. Moves the entire swashplate assembly up, increasing pitch on all rotor blades
• B. Moves the mixing unit up for servo actuator inputs
• C. Causes pitch and roll movements through control rods
• D. Causes the helicopter to yaw to the left

Answer: (A)

When raising the collective, the entire swashplate assembly moves upward, which increases the pitch on all rotor blades. This mechanism is fundamental in helicopter flight control, as the collective pitch control adjusts the angle of attack for all rotor blades simultaneously.

As the pitch of the rotor blades is increased, the amount of lift generated by the rotor system also increases. This increase in lift allows the helicopter to ascend or climb. By adjusting the angle of attack evenly across all blades, the helicopter maintains a stable flight path while increasing lift. This action does not independently affect the tail rotor or induce any roll or yaw movements; rather, it directly impacts the main rotor's performance and the overall lift generated.

The other options do not describe the primary and most direct effect of raising the collective. The mixing unit does move in relation to others, but the specific upward movement of the entire swashplate assembly resulting in increased pitch on all rotor blades is the most immediate consequence of raising the collective.