unit automatically disengages the engine from the main rotor  allowing the main rotor to rotate freely. It is the means by  which a helicopter can be landed safely in the event of an  engine failure; consequently, all helicopters must demonstrate  this capability in order to be certificated.  The purpose of the swash plate is to transmit control inputs  from the collective and cyclic controls to the main rotor  blades. It consists of two main parts: the stationary swash  plate and the rotating swash plate.  [Figure 2-44]  The stationary swash plate is mounted around the main rotor  mast and connected to the cyclic and collective controls  by a series of pushrods. It is restrained from rotating by an  antidrive link but is able to tilt in all directions and move  vertically. The rotating swash plate is mounted to the  stationary swash plate by a uniball sleeve. It is connected to  the mast by drive links and is allowed to rotate with the main  rotor mast. Both swash plates tilt and slide up and down as  one unit. The rotating swash plate is connected to the pitch  horns by the pitch links. throttle control, which is mounted directly to the collective  pitch control in order to fly the helicopter.  The collective pitch control is located on the left side of the  pilot’s seat and is operated with the left hand. The collective  is used to make changes to the pitch angle of all the main  rotor blades simultaneously, or collectively, as the name  implies. As the collective pitch control is raised, there is a  simultaneous and equal increase in pitch angle of all main  rotor blades; as it is lowered, there is a simultaneous and  equal decrease in pitch angle.  [Figure 2-45]  This is done  through a series of mechanical linkages, and the amount  of movement in the collective lever determines the amount  There are three major controls in a helicopter that the pilot  must use during flight. They are the collective pitch control,  cyclic pitch control, and antitorque pedals or tail rotor control.  In addition to these major controls, the pilot must also use the  Rotorcraft Controls Swash Plate Assembly Collective Pitch Control Figure 2-44.  Stationary and rotating swash plate.  Figure 2-45.  Raising the collective pitch control increases the pitch angle by the same amount on all blades. Pitch link Rotating swash plate Control rod Stationary swash plate 2-28