Rotorcraft Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-21

Figure 17-3. Foot pedals provide rudder control and operation is similar to that of an airplane.
for you to become familiar with the unique throttle
characteristics and engine responses for a particular
gyroplane.
RUDDER
The rudder is operated by foot pedals in the cockpit
and provides a means to control yaw movement of the
aircraft. [Figure 17-3] On a gyroplane, this control is
achieved in a manner more similar to the rudder of an
airplane than to the antitorque pedals of a helicopter.
The rudder is used to maintain coordinated flight, and
at times may also require inputs to compensate for
propeller torque. Rudder sensitivity and effectiveness
are directly proportional to the velocity of airflow over
the rudder surface. Consequently, many gyroplane
rudders are located in the propeller slipstream and
provide excellent control while the engine is developing
thrust. This type of rudder configuration, however, is
less effective and requires greater deflection when the
engine is idled or stopped.
HORIZONTAL TAIL SURFACES
The horizontal tail surfaces on most gyroplanes are
not controllable by the pilot. These fixed surfaces, or
stabilizers, are incorporated into gyroplane designs to
increase the pitch stability of the aircraft. Some gyroplanes
use very little, if any, horizontal surface. This
translates into less stability, but a higher degree of
maneuverability. When used, a moveable horizontal
surface, or elevator, adds additional pitch control of the
aircraft. On early tractor configured gyroplanes, the
elevator served an additional function of deflecting the
propeller slipstream up and through the rotor to assist
in prerotation.
COLLECTIVE CONTROL
The collective control provides a means to vary the
rotor blade pitch of all the blades at the same time, and
is available only on more advanced gyroplanes. When
incorporated into the rotor head design, the collective
allows jump takeoffs when the blade inertia is sufficient.
Also, control of in-flight rotor r.p.m. is available
to enhance cruise and landing performance. A simple
two position collective does not allow unlimited control
of blade pitch, but instead has one position for prerotation
and another position for flight. This is a performance
compromise but reduces pilot workload by simplifying
control of the rotor system.
17-2