A pitch control rod connects the swashplate to the pitch horn of a main or tail rotor blade. Moving the flight controls tilts or raises the swashplate, which pushes or pulls these rods to change the aerodynamic angle of the blades. Proper adjustment of the PCRs is critical for tracking and balancing the rotor system.
Heard on the job
We need to adjust the red blade's PCR by half a flat to bring it down in track.
Also heard as
- pitch link
Related terms
Cyclic
A helicopter control stick that changes the pitch of the main rotor blades to direct horizontal movement.
Alpha hinge
A mechanical joint in a helicopter rotor hub that allows the blade to move back and forth in the plane of rotation.
Delta hinge
A mechanical joint in a rotor hub that allows blades to flap up and down.