What are the two main functions of the tail rotor on a helicopter?

• A. Anti-Torque and Directional Control
• B. Lifting the helicopter
• C. Stabilizing landing gear
• D. Generating main thrust

Answer: (A)

The tail rotor serves two key jobs: countering the torque from the main rotor and providing yaw (directional) control. In a single-rotor helicopter, the engine turning the main rotor would make the fuselage spin the opposite way. The tail rotor pushes air to create thrust at the tail, offsetting that torque so the helicopter stays steady. By varying tail-rotor thrust with the pedals, the pilot can produce a yaw moment to turn left or right, giving precise directional control.

Lifting the helicopter is done by the main rotor, not the tail rotor. Stabilizing the landing gear isn’t a function of the tail rotor, and generating main thrust comes from the main rotor as well.