Civilian commercial helicopters have increased in popularity over the last decade, the total number of operating units growing by nearly 38%. The United States is the leader in operating commercial helicopters, currently containing over 9,300 functional units. Such rotorcraft can serve various duties, often being used for medical evacuations, charter flights, law enforcement operations, and much more. As commercial helicopters are continuously used, they will slowly wear down and require the maintenance and replacement of parts. As such, it is crucial that one knows how to properly choose and source the items they need for their operations. 

Helicopters are advanced types of aircraft, able to rotate along a 360° axis while also being capable of hovering, vertical takeoffs and landings, and much more. In order for a pilot to manage a helicopter, they utilize what are known as helicopter flight controls. When manipulating flight controls, adjustments are mechanically transmitted to the rotor, allowing for changes in aerodynamics so that an intended movement may be executed. Controls come in various forms, consisting of a number of sticks, pedals, levers, and other inputs. In this blog, we will discuss the common flight controls of helicopters, allowing you to best understand how such rotorcraft are piloted.