If the helicopter is moving forward, where will the advancing blade be located?

In the context of helicopter dynamics, the advancing blade is the rotor blade that is moving in the same direction as the helicopter's forward motion. When a helicopter moves forward, the rotor blades have different velocities depending on their position in relation to the direction of travel.

The main rotor is typically designed with a specific rotation, and as it spins, the blades create varying lift depending on their angular position. The blade that is moving forward — the advancing blade — experiences higher airflow, resulting in increased lift compared to the blade moving backward, referred to as the retreating blade.

For a helicopter moving forward, the right side of the rotor disc is where the advancing blade will be located, as it is moving into the airflow, enhancing its lift properties. This characteristic is crucial for maintaining stability and control during flight. Understanding this dynamic is essential for accurately assessing rotor disc behavior, which is vital for helicopter operation and safety.