24/08/2026
🚁 THINGS I DIDN’T KNOW… UNTIL I STARTED DETAILING HELICOPTERS | EP.03
What happens if a helicopter’s engine stops? 😳
Before spending time around helicopters, I assumed the answer was pretty simple… the rotor stops and the helicopter comes straight down.
Turns out, that’s not how it works.
Helicopters can perform something called AUTOROTATION 🚁
Following a loss of engine power, the pilot can lower the collective and use airflow moving up through the rotor to keep the blades turning.
That stored rotor energy can then be carefully managed through the descent and landing.
Of course, an engine failure is still a serious emergency and the outcome depends on factors including altitude, airspeed, terrain and pilot response — but I genuinely had no idea helicopters were designed with this capability.
Another thing I’ve learned from working around these incredible machines!
🚁 EP.03 — Autorotation
What should I find out about for EP.04? 👀
