What part of a helicopter controls vertical flight?

The aspect of helicopter flight that controls vertical movement is collective pitch changes. The collective pitch control, typically located on the left side of the pilot's seat, allows the pilot to adjust the pitch angle of all the rotor blades simultaneously. When the pilot increases the collective pitch, it increases the angle of attack of the rotor blades, resulting in greater lift. Conversely, lowering the collective pitch decreases the lift. This ability to adjust the lift directly correlates with the helicopter’s ability to ascend or descend.

Collective pitch changes play a critical role in vertical flight, as they determine how much lift is generated by the rotor system at any given time. This is essential for maintaining hover, climbing, or descending during flight.

Rudder inputs, antitorque pedals, and throttle control serve different functions in helicopter operations. While rudder inputs (and antitorque pedals) help control yaw and maintain directional control by counteracting the torque produced by the main rotor, throttle primarily manages engine power. However, neither of these mechanisms directly adjusts the lift required for vertical flight as effectively as the collective pitch does.