cyclic pitch control

Cyclic-pitch control is a mechanism in helicopters that allows for directional movement. It works by altering the pitch of the rotor blades during each rotation cycle. This adjustment enables the helicopter to move forward, backward, or sideways.1

The cyclic pitch control is typically a stick located to the pilot's right. It functions by tilting the plane of rotor rotation in the desired direction of flight. The term "cyclic" refers to the sequential change in each blade's pitch to achieve this directional change. This control is one of the four primary controls for a helicopter, alongside collective pitch control, throttle control, and antitorque control.2