Which tail rotor component performs the feathering motion as the tail rotor flaps?

Which tail rotor component performs the feathering motion as the tail rotor flaps?

• A. Delta Hinge
• B. Pitch Link
• C. Yaw Bearing
• D. Swashplate

Answer: (A)

Feathering motion is the automatic change in blade pitch about the feather axis as the blade flaps in response to aerodynamic loads. The delta hinge is the hinge at the blade root that enables flapping while geometry converts part of that motion into a pitch change. In tail rotors, this passive action helps the blade adjust its angle to align with the relative wind as it flaps, aiding thrust stability and preventing excessive loading. The other components aren’t responsible for this automatic feathering. The pitch link is the active mechanism that commands blade pitch from the control system, not the passive feathering that occurs with flapping. The yaw bearing simply supports rotation about the tail’s vertical axis, and the swashplate is part of the main rotor’s cyclic/collective controls, not the tail rotor.

Feathering motion is the automatic change in blade pitch about the feather axis as the blade flaps in response to aerodynamic loads. The delta hinge is the hinge at the blade root that enables flapping while geometry converts part of that motion into a pitch change. In tail rotors, this passive action helps the blade adjust its angle to align with the relative wind as it flaps, aiding thrust stability and preventing excessive loading.

The other components aren’t responsible for this automatic feathering. The pitch link is the active mechanism that commands blade pitch from the control system, not the passive feathering that occurs with flapping. The yaw bearing simply supports rotation about the tail’s vertical axis, and the swashplate is part of the main rotor’s cyclic/collective controls, not the tail rotor.