Coning is an upward sweeping angle of the rotor blades as a result of lift and centrifugal

force.

Centrifugal force is caused by blade rotation. This force pulls the rotor blades horizontally
and provides rigidity to the blades. The faster the rotation of the blades, the more
centrifugal force. In contrast, lift acts perpendicular to airflow or resultant relative wind.
The lift generated by a rotor blade increases from the root to the tip. The coning angle
increases when more lift is generated as compared to centrifugal force.

Conversely, the coning angle decreases when the centrifugal force increases as compared
to the lift generated. When a helicopter transitions from the ground to a hover, the
increase in coning angle is easy to see. There are several flight conditions that effect the
coning angle. Lower rotor RPM reduces the centrifugal force, which results in an increase
in coning angle if the lift requirement remains the same. If the centrifugal force remains
the same, the coning angle will increase with an increase in lift. High gross weight and
high-G maneuvers require more lift.

With low rotor RPM, a dangerous situation can result when the blades cone due to the
inadequate centrifugal force. The blades can cone to a level where it is unable to support
the helicopter’s weight.

Reference(s):

FAA-H-8083-21A – Helicopter Flying Handbook pg. 2-15

Principles of Helicopter Flight, 2nd Edition, pg. 54, 85

Other Helicopter Aerodynamic Principles

Aerodynamics
Lift
About the Author

Bradley J. Fenster loves aviation and has a passion for teaching. Brad is the owner and the
primary helicopter instructor for ETL Aviation. Prior to learning to fly, Brad spent several
years in the military. Brad was a Special Warfare Combat Craft Crewman in the U.S. Navy
and he was also a Ranger-qualified infantry officer in the Army. Brad is a father and lives in
Lexington, Kentucky with his beautiful wife and two cats.

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