2 / 20

How does the change in helicopter's gross mass affect the helicopter's endurance?

  • A

    Gross mass does not affect endurance.

  • B

    Increase in gross mass reduces endurance.

  • C

    Decrease in gross mass reduces endurance.

  • D

    Increase in gross mass increases endurance.

When flying for endurance, a helicopter is flown at the speed and height that will ensure the maximum airborne time for a given amount of fuel or the minimum fuel consumption for a given amount of time.

When All Up Mass (AUM) increases, then more lift is required. More lift required, means more induced drag generated.

In general, it states that: Power required = Drag x TAS. So, the Induced Power is: Induced drag x TAS. Since the induced drag increases, then the corresponding power, Induced power increases too and as a result the Total power required increases as well.

With increased Total Power required, the fuel flow increases as well, thus endurance decreases.

Conversely, when All Up Mass (AUM) decreases, endurance increases.

Your Notes (not visible to others)



This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.

  • United Kingdom
    2
Keyboard Shortcut Use Keyboard Shortcuts