How is the mast moment monitored during helicopter flight?

• A. Through the cockpit display
• B. Via visceral feedback
• C. With the aid of sensors
• D. By pilot observation

Answer: (C)

During helicopter flight, monitoring the mast moment is crucial for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the helicopter. The mast moment refers to the torque experienced by the rotor mast, which can impact stability and flight performance. The most accurate and effective way to track this moment is through the use of sensors, which are specifically designed to detect and relay real-time data regarding stress and load conditions.

Sensors can continuously monitor various parameters, such as rotational forces and vibrations on the mast, and relay this information to the aircraft's flight control systems. This real-time feedback allows pilots and systems onboard to make necessary adjustments to maintain safe operational limits. Utilizing sensors provides objective data, allowing for better decision-making compared to subjective methods like pilot observation or visceral feedback, which can be less reliable and more prone to human error.

The cockpit display may indeed provide information about mast moment but it does so based on data collected by these sensors, thus making the sensors themselves critical to the monitoring process.