What is the role of pilot assist servos?

• A. They transmit pilot inputs to the mixing unit
• B. They power the tail rotor
• C. They stabilize automatically
• D. They provide emergency backup to pedals

Answer: (C)

Pilot assist servos are part of the stabilization augmentation system. They automatically damp and stabilize the helicopter by sensing attitude and rate information and then commanding small hydraulic movements of the flight controls to counter deviations. This keeps the aircraft level and steadier in gusty conditions or during hover, reducing the pilot’s workload and stick effort. They augment the pilot’s input rather than replacing it; the tail rotor power and primary control linking are handled by other parts of the system, and these servos aren’t an emergency backup to pedals.