What action should a pilot take when encountering cyclic aft and right?

• A. Increase throttle
• B. Adjust the trim settings
• C. Correct with lateral control inputs
• D. Reduce airspeed immediately

Answer: (C)

When a pilot encounters cyclic aft and right, it indicates that the aircraft is experiencing an unwanted pitch and yaw condition. In this scenario, the correct response is to utilize lateral control inputs to counteract the unwanted motion. By applying appropriate lateral control inputs, the pilot can stabilize the aircraft and bring it back to the desired flight path.

Cyclic control refers to the stick that pilots use to control the pitch and roll angles of the rotorcraft. When it is noted that the cyclic is positioned aft and to the right, it suggests that the aircraft is being pitched backward while also yawing to the right, which can lead to unstable flight conditions if not corrected promptly.

By making lateral control adjustments, the pilot can effectively counter any tendency of the aircraft to veer off from its intended flight path and regain proper control. This skill is essential as maintaining the balance of cyclic inputs is crucial for safe maneuverability and overall control of the aircraft during flight.

The other options, such as increasing throttle, adjusting the trim settings, or reducing airspeed, might not directly address the issue of unwanted cyclic inputs, and therefore are not the most effective immediate responses to resolve the encountered condition.