What controls altitude in a helicopter?

The collective lever is the primary control that manages altitude in a helicopter. It is responsible for changing the pitch angle of the rotor blades collectively. When the collective lever is pulled up, it increases the lift produced by the rotor blades, allowing the helicopter to ascend. Conversely, pushing the collective down decreases the lift, enabling the helicopter to descend. This control is crucial for vertical flight and maintaining a stable altitude.

While the other controls play important roles in helicopter operation, they do not directly control altitude in the same manner. The cyclic stick adjusts the pitch and roll of the helicopter for directional control and forward flight, while the throttle lever can influence the engine power but does not directly adjust the altitude. The rudder pedals are used for yaw control, allowing the helicopter to turn left or right around its vertical axis but also do not affect altitude.