Where is the advancing blade located when a helicopter is moving forward?

When a helicopter is in forward flight, the advancing blade is found in the right half of the rotor disc due to the aerodynamic effects involved in rotor dynamics. In forward flight, the rotor blades are subjected to varying airspeeds across their span. The blade that is moving forward, or advancing, encounters a higher relative airflow, which increases the lift generated by that side of the rotor disc.

In contrast, the retreating blade, located on the left half of the rotor disc during forward motion, experiences a reduction in relative airflow and lift due to the opposing direction of its motion. This difference in lift between the advancing and retreating blades is crucial for the helicopter's ability to maintain stable flight and control, and it is a primary factor in managing rotor blade angles and overall rotor performance during forward motion.

Understanding the dynamics of where the advancing blade is located assists in grasping how helicopters achieve and maintain flight, ensuring students appreciate the significance of rotor mechanics in the AFAST assessments.