What does the cyclic stick control on a helicopter?

The cyclic stick is a crucial flight control in a helicopter, primarily responsible for controlling the direction of flight and altitude. By tilting the cyclic in various directions, the pilot alters the angle of attack on the rotor blades, which facilitates movement forward, backward, and sideways. When the cyclic is pushed forward, the helicopter's nose dips, allowing forward flight; when pulled back, it raises the nose for ascent or balance. While it interacts with altitude indirectly, its main function is steering the helicopter toward the desired direction.

In the context of the other options, "speed and power" pertains more to the collective control, which adjusts the overall lift and engine power, affecting how fast the helicopter can ascend or descend but not its steering. "Yaw and pitch" relate to the helicopter's twisting motion and the forward/upward angle, which are controlled by different mechanisms; yaw is usually managed by the anti-torque pedals, while pitch is influenced by the cyclic but does not encompass its complete function. "Roll and altitude" suggests control over specific axes and may partially describe the cyclic's impact on altitude but misses the overarching role the cyclic plays in determining flight direction.

Therefore, the cyclic stick's primary responsibility spans altitude and direction, making the first choice the most