What is the primary purpose of adjusting pitch change rods?

What is the primary purpose of adjusting pitch change rods?

• A. To adjust tire pressure
• B. To correct blade track discrepancies
• C. To increase rotor RPM
• D. To change engine power

Answer: (B)

Pitch change rods are the link in the rotor’s pitch-control system that translates swashplate movement into the angle of attack of each blade. When blades aren’t tracking in the same plane, adjusting the length of these rods changes the pitch each blade receives at a given swashplate position, so all blades reach the same pitch at the same azimuth. This equalizes their paths through space, bringing the blades onto a common track and reducing vibration. This function is separate from tire pressure, rotor RPM, or engine power, which are controlled by other parts of the aircraft; the rods’ job is specifically to set the blade pitch and, by extension, correct blade track.

Pitch change rods are the link in the rotor’s pitch-control system that translates swashplate movement into the angle of attack of each blade. When blades aren’t tracking in the same plane, adjusting the length of these rods changes the pitch each blade receives at a given swashplate position, so all blades reach the same pitch at the same azimuth. This equalizes their paths through space, bringing the blades onto a common track and reducing vibration. This function is separate from tire pressure, rotor RPM, or engine power, which are controlled by other parts of the aircraft; the rods’ job is specifically to set the blade pitch and, by extension, correct blade track.