SIFT Army Aviation Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Image Description

Question: 1 / 400

What is the primary factor affecting a helicopter's potential energy?

The tail rotor's anti-torque force

The relative wind

The aircraft's altitude

The primary factor affecting a helicopter's potential energy is the aircraft's altitude. Potential energy in the context of aviation is calculated using the equation PE = mgh, where "m" stands for mass (or weight), "g" is the acceleration due to gravity, and "h" is the height above a reference point, typically the ground or sea level.

As altitude increases, the height ("h") increases, thereby increasing the potential energy of the helicopter. This energy is crucial because potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy when the helicopter descends, allowing the aircraft to perform maneuvers or maintain control during flight.

While weight does play a role in potential energy (since it is part of the formula), altitude is the variable that directly affects the quantity of potential energy in a more significant way, as increasing altitude raises the overall potential energy of the helicopter.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

The weight of the aircraft

Next Question

Report this question

Download SIFT Army Aviation Information Practice Test PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy