Which flight control allows the pilot to change the pitch and roll (bank angle) of the aircraft?

• A. Ailerons
• B. Cyclic
• C. Elevator
• D. Rudder

Answer: (B)

The cyclic control tilts the rotor disk, letting the pilot change both pitch and bank (roll). By pushing the cyclic forward or backward, the rotor tilts to pitch the aircraft nose up or down; by moving it left or right, the rotor tilts to roll the aircraft, creating a bank to the left or right. This single control is what lets a helicopter change orientation in two axes at once, which is why it’s the best fit for altering both pitch and bank.

The other controls have more specific roles: ailerons primarily control roll, the elevator controls pitch, and the rudder controls yaw.