Under a hovering helicopter, what is the term for the high velocity air movement?

Under a hovering helicopter, what is the term for the high velocity air movement?

• A. Downdraft
• B. Ground effect
• C. Outflow
• D. Rotor wash

Answer: (D)

When a helicopter is in hover, the rotor system accelerates air downward to create lift. The resulting fast-moving air is called rotor wash. It’s the air pushed by the rotor itself, especially noticeable when you’re near the ground as it can kick up dust and debris. Downdraft is a general downward air movement not specific to rotor action, ground effect describes the lift increase near the ground, and outflow isn’t the standard term for the rotor-created airstream. Rotor wash is the precise term for the high-velocity air moving due to the rotor.

When a helicopter is in hover, the rotor system accelerates air downward to create lift. The resulting fast-moving air is called rotor wash. It’s the air pushed by the rotor itself, especially noticeable when you’re near the ground as it can kick up dust and debris. Downdraft is a general downward air movement not specific to rotor action, ground effect describes the lift increase near the ground, and outflow isn’t the standard term for the rotor-created airstream. Rotor wash is the precise term for the high-velocity air moving due to the rotor.