What should you do with the collective to address a high rotor indication?

• A. Raise the collective
• B. Lower the collective
• C. Maintain the current position
• D. Engage the emergency system

Answer: (A)

Raising the collective is the appropriate response to a high rotor indication because it helps to manage and reduce rotor RPM. The collective control in a helicopter adjusts the angle of the rotor blades collectively, which directly affects both lift and rotor speed. By increasing the pitch of the blades through the collective, you increase drag on the rotor and thereby decrease the RPM. This action helps stabilize the rotor speed back into the safe operating range.

Maintaining the current position of the collective could allow the rotor speed to remain excessively high, potentially leading to overspeed conditions and risking damage to the rotor system. Similarly, lowering the collective alone might not adequately address the high rotor indication if the rotor RPM remains excessive. Engaging the emergency system is typically reserved for more critical situations and would not directly influence a high rotor indication in a routine manner.

Understanding the function of the collective in managing rotor speed is essential for safe helicopter operations, particularly in situations where rotor RPM may exceed safe limits.