In a helicopter, what is primarily controlled by the pedals during flight?

The pedals in a helicopter primarily control the heading, which is the direction the helicopter is facing. When a pilot uses the pedals, they are manipulating the tail rotor's angle of thrust. This action helps counteract the torque produced by the main rotor and allows the pilot to turn the helicopter left or right effectively. By applying pressure to the left or right pedal, the pilot can adjust the tail rotor's pitch, which in turn alters the helicopter's heading during flight.

The other aspects, such as ground track, altitude, and speed, are influenced by other flight controls. Ground track is affected by both cyclic and collective inputs as well as wind conditions, altitude is primarily controlled through collective pitch adjustments, and speed is managed through a combination of cyclic control and throttle management. Understanding the specific role of the pedals is crucial for maintaining directional control during flight and ensuring the helicopter operates smoothly in various flight dynamics.