Helicopter Sales Key Terms

Learn the terms involved in the sale of helicopters

By Catherine Ryan

Whether you sell helicopters or are looking to purchase one for your business, you should know helicopter sales key terms. There are many types and styles of helicopters that are available for a wide range of applications. In order to know just what your business needs, make sure you learn the meaning of terms like ultralight, tandem rotor, coaxial rotor, Bell Helicopter, NOTAR technology and effective transitional lift.

Ultralight

Ultralight describes small, lightweight helicopters. Manufacturers sell these in kits, and you put it together. Ultralights are significantly cheaper than traditional helicopters and generally weigh only 150 to 180 pounds.
Try: Read all about ultralight helicopters at Ultralight-airplanes.info.

Tandem rotor

A tandem rotor helicopter is one that employs the use of two main rotors, instead of one main and one smaller tail rotor. This rotor configuration offers a more complicated design than a single rotor design. This term applies to larger helicopters.
Try: Visit the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission website to read about tandem rotor helicopters and to look at helpful illustrations.

Coaxial rotor

A coaxial rotor helicopter has two rotors that rotate in opposite directions. The rotors mount one atop the other on the same mast. Helicopters with this design are extremely stable and adept at maneuvering in tight spots.
Try: CoaX Helicopters provides an excellent explanation of what a coaxial rotor helicopter is.

Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter is one of the biggest names in the helicopter manufacturing industry and is an important company to be aware of when buying or selling helicopters. Founded in 1935, Bell invented the tilt rotor helicopter and was the first helicopter company to receive commercial helicopter certification.
Try: Learn about Bell Helicopter and its several lines of helicopters at its website.

NOTAR

Developed by MD Helicopters, the no tail rotor (NOTAR) anti-torque system uses directed air to allow a helicopter to operate without a tail rotor and provides a smoother, quieter and safer ride.
Try: Read about NOTAR technology at the MD Helicopters website.

Effective transitional lift

Effective transitional lift describes the moment when a helicopter moves from hover mode to forward flight mode. This usually occurs at a speed of 15 to 20 knots.
Try: The Helicopter Page provides an in-depth definition of effective transitional lift along with a helpful illustration.