The state of a rotor when rotor force has been removed, or when the rotor is operating under a low or negative G condition is called what?

• A. Unloaded Rotor
• B. Loaded Rotor
• C. Free Rotor
• D. Hovering Rotor

Answer: (A)

Rotor loading is about whether the rotor is carrying the helicopter’s weight. When rotor force is removed or the aircraft is in low or negative G, the rotor no longer has to support the full weight—it's not providing the lift needed to hold the helicopter up. This condition is called an unloaded rotor. In that state, the blade angle of attack drops and lift decreases because the weight requirement is reduced, and the rotor experiences less drag. A loaded rotor would mean the rotor is bearing the weight and producing the necessary lift to support the aircraft. A free rotor describes a different mechanical setup where the rotor is allowed to turn independently of the engine drive, not specifically about unloading due to weight changes. A hovering rotor simply describes the rotor in hover, which doesn’t by itself imply unloading.