What control operates the helicopter tail rotor?

The tail rotor of a helicopter is operated by the anti-torque pedals. These pedals are used to control the pitch of the tail rotor blades, allowing the pilot to counteract the torque effect produced by the main rotor. When the main rotor spins, it creates a rotation in the opposite direction that must be balanced out to maintain a straight flight path. By adjusting the tail rotor's thrust through the anti-torque pedals, the pilot can control the yaw of the helicopter, ensuring it remains stable and aligned in the desired direction.

This system is critical for maintaining control, especially during maneuvers requiring changes in direction or altitude. The other controls mentioned serve different purposes: the collective pitch control modifies the angle of the main rotor blades for altitude changes, the elevator control is primarily used in fixed-wing aircraft for pitch control, and the cyclic control affects the tilt of the main rotor to alter forward, backward, or lateral movement.