Wings create lift because of a relationship called the Bernoulli Principle. ... A helicopter's rotor blades are wings and create lift. An airplane must fly fast to move enough air over its wings to provide lift. A helicopter moves air over its rotor by spinning its blades.

What is the science behind a helicopter?

The science of a helicopter is exactly the same as the science of an airplane: it works by generating lift—an upward-pushing force that overcomes its weight and sweeps it into the air. Planes make lift with airfoils (wings that have a curved cross-section).

How do helicopters stay in the air?

A helicopter remains stationary by balancing the external forces. There are no horizontal forces, as the helicopter is not moving left or right, so there is no drag or horizontal thrust. The blades generate a vertical lift, and when this is exactly balanced with the force of gravity, the helicopter remains stationary.