What happens if the engine stops in a helicopter?
In the event of an engine or drive system failure a helicopter can glide to a landing. The term for this maneuver is “Autorotation”. The air moving up through the rotor blades causes them to rotate and provide lift. Although they can’t glide very far a safe landing can be accomplished in a parking lot or any clear area. The same maneuver is employed to land in the event of a tail rotor failure. Autorotations are practiced regularly by the student pilot with an instructor.
