In mast bump recovery, what is the second input after applying aft cyclic to reload the rotor disk?

In mast bump recovery, what is the second input after applying aft cyclic to reload the rotor disk?

• A. Right cyclic
• B. Left cyclic
• C. Collective up
• D. No further input

Answer: (B)

When recovering from mast bump, the goal is to reload the rotor disk and re-center the rotor plane under the mast so the blades can re-engage cleanly. After you apply aft cyclic to tilt the rotor disk backward and unload the mast, the next move is to apply left cyclic to shift the rotor disk laterally toward the left. This lateral input helps re-center the rotor disk and reduce continued mast contact, stabilizing the helicopter as you regain normal lift. Pushing right cyclic would move the disk the other way and could worsen the situation; collective up increases lift but doesn’t correct the misalignment; no further input would leave the rotor misloaded.

When recovering from mast bump, the goal is to reload the rotor disk and re-center the rotor plane under the mast so the blades can re-engage cleanly. After you apply aft cyclic to tilt the rotor disk backward and unload the mast, the next move is to apply left cyclic to shift the rotor disk laterally toward the left. This lateral input helps re-center the rotor disk and reduce continued mast contact, stabilizing the helicopter as you regain normal lift. Pushing right cyclic would move the disk the other way and could worsen the situation; collective up increases lift but doesn’t correct the misalignment; no further input would leave the rotor misloaded.