Bell 206 Flight Control Mixer Operation

Question: When you pull the collective up, there is also a slight forward cyclic input.

Since all three movements can occur simultaneously, through the action of the mixing unit, the position of any primary servo unit is the result of the combined input of the cyclic control and collective pitch sticks. This results in a primary servo system in which any one servo has an effect on both collective pitch and cyclic (lateral or fore-and-aft pitch).

However, in any cases, this mechanical feedback is of little or no consequence with hands on the controls.

When the hydraulic control boost system is operational it service as an irreversible hydraulic system, which isolates the pilot from feedback forces of the main rotor by the use of servos. When the hydraulics fail on an aircraft that normally requires hydraulics, both mechanical and aerodynamic flight loads combine to make control difficult if not impossible in some cases.

Clip Descriptions:

Clip 1 Collective down; Cyclic moved fore & aft

Clip 2 Collective down; Cyclic moved laterally

Clip 3 Collective moved up & down; Cyclic held in desired position

Clip 4 Collective moved up & down; Cyclic allowed to move freely with feedback

Clip 5 Collective moved up & down; Cyclic is again held in desired position to counter feedback