Which statement describes effective translational lift?

• A. Onset of lift increase during translational movement due to less recirculation
• B. Occurs only in pure hover
• C. Occurs when rotor speed is zero
• D. Happens when rotor blades stall

Answer: (A)

Translational lift is the extra lift you gain when the rotor operates in forward-moving air rather than still air. As the helicopter starts moving forward, the rotor disc encounters air that is already moving ahead, so the downwash is less recirculated back through the blades. This cleaner, higher-velocity air effectively increases the angle of attack for portions of the blade during rotation, producing more thrust at the same rotor speed. The onset of lift during translational movement, caused by reduced recirculation, is what we call effective translational lift. It doesn’t occur in pure hover, it isn’t produced when rotor speed is zero, and it isn’t about blade stall.