What effect does pushing the cyclic stick forward have?

Pushing the cyclic stick forward in a helicopter primarily affects the aircraft's angle of attack and thrust vector. When the cyclic is pushed forward, the rotor blades tilt forward, causing the helicopter to pitch down and initiate a forward flight. This forward motion typically leads to an increase in speed as the rotor system continues to generate lift but redirects some of that lift into horizontal motion.

Additionally, this action generally results in a decrease in altitude because, as the helicopter speeds up, it often requires a less steep angle of attack to maintain level flight or can even descend if the pilot does not compensate with additional lift. Therefore, the combination of decreasing altitude while increasing speed makes this choice the most accurate reflection of what happens when the cyclic stick is pushed forward.

This understanding is critical for effective maneuvering during flight, particularly in managing energy state and maintaining control during various flight conditions.