Specifications

Flybar
The metal or CF rod which holds the smaller paddles to the main rotor head
Flybar Paddles
The smaller blades (not the main rotor blades) on the main rotor of a helicopter.
FF or FFF
Forward Flight or Fast Forward Flight
FP
Fixed Pitch. Usually refers to a helicopter which has rotor blades at a fixed pitch, and
climbs and descends by changing the speed of the main rotor blades. This type of heli-
copter is more durable and easier to maintain but have some disadvantages such as more
sluggish altitude changes and the inability to perform autorotations.
Flapping
A type of rotor head. (See Section 30.1.5, “The rotorhead” of Section 30.1, “How heli-
copters work” )
Flare
Mostly used when talking about airplanes and landing. The end of an autorotation man-
euver which eliminates the forward motion of the helicopter.
G
Gain
Gyro sensitivity to motion.
See also Section 30.1.7, “How gyros work”
Gasser
The slang term which describes a R/C heli that has a motor which runs on gasoline.
GE
Ground Effect. When a helicopter is hovering at less than approximately one rotor length
above the ground, the heli will become a little more skittish, as though it is trying to balance
on a ball. This is the ground effect. Near the ground your blades produce more lift, but also
more turbulence.
GF
Glass fiber (fiberglass) usually in the context of rotor blades.
Glitch
Momentary uncontrolled operation of control servos or motor speed caused by electronic
interference or equipment malfunction. Rearrangement of the electronic components and/
or re-routing of wires can often cure this.
Governor, Govenor Mode
A feature of an ESC, for an explanation see Section 30.1.10.3, “Governor mode”
Ground Resonance
The phenomena that can make a helicopter almost shake itself to bits on the ground, even
when it is perfectly balanced in the air. This is more common in seesaw type heads which
aren't as dampened as flapping heads, and is also more common on pavement or hard
surfaces which don't absorb vibrations.
GRP
Glossary
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