Author's Notes: If you have never heard of helicopter racing, take a moment a google it. I only found out that it existed from my favorite helicopter crew podcast and now youtube keeps on suggesting new races for me to watch.
Y is for Yaw
Dusty thought he knew practically everything there was about air racing. He knew how to slice through pylons and build up speed in loops. He was comfortable maximizing both his speed and style scores on every single run. He knew which moves he could get away with and which ones would slam him with a penalty. Yes, Dusty Crophopper thought that he was on top of his game…until he saw his first video of helicopter racing.
Unlike planes who had a staggered start for the race, the helicopters started with a hover and when the signal to start began they dived towards the ground. Each aircraft were trying to pick up speed and take the inside line of the course. It was a critical advantage because in a helicopter race, the aircraft were only allowed to pass on the outside edge.
While the speed and intensity of the race kept Dusty on the edge of his tires, it was the maneuverability that each helicopter showed on the course that captured his imagination. Yes, the helicopters were moving at a snail's when compared with the speeds seen in fixed-wing races, but it didn't matter.
A helicopter race was not just a match of speed and maneuverability; it was a quick paced a battle of wits. It was impossible to take your eyes off of the racers as they swung around the triangle shaped course, each aircraft using their ability to yaw on a pin for perfect effect.
"So…can you do that?" Dusty asked his viewing campaign with awe.
"Can I fly like that?" Blade said with a flat tone. "Yes. Am I ever going to fly like that? The answer most definitely no."
Term- Yaw- When an aircraft or moving ship moves around a vertical axis.