Which control input affects the pitch of a helicopter?

The control input that affects the pitch of a helicopter is the collective control. This control alters the pitch angle of the rotor blades as a group, which consequently changes the amount of lift generated by the helicopter. When the pilot increases the collective pitch, the blades’ angle of attack increases, leading to more lift. This lift is critical for climbing or managing the helicopter’s ascent and descent.

The collective control is a unique feature of helicopters that primarily influences the overall lift, and as a result, it impacts the helicopter’s vertical movements. In contrast, other controls have different functions: the throttle control regulates engine power, the cyclic control changes the rotor blade pitch individually during rotation to tilt the helicopter and direct it in forward, backward, or sideways motion, and the rudder control manages the yaw by controlling the tail rotor. Each of these plays an important role in helicopter flight, but only the collective directly influences lift and, consequently, the pitch of the helicopter.