autorotation
noun
au·to·ro·ta·tion
ˌȯ-tō-rō-ˈtā-shən 
: the turning of the rotor of an autogiro or a helicopter with the resulting lift caused solely by the aerodynamic forces induced by motion of the rotor along its flight path
Examples of autorotation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In autorotation, the upward flow of wind allows a helicopter's rotor blades to rotate at their normal speed, creating a gliding effect, according to the Federal Aviation Administration safety website.
—
Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 5 July 2024
Helicopter pilots deal with such emergencies using a technique called autorotation, which requires some deft manipulation of the helicopter’s rotor when power first cuts out and again when the helicopter nears the ground.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2011
The altitude record for a rotorcraft stands at just over 40,000 feet, and during that flight the engine flamed out and the pilot had to land using autorotation.
—Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, 15 May 2018
According to People, an autorotation is when an aircraft flies purely through air moving up its rotors.
—Megan Friedman, Country Living, 14 Sep. 2017
The company also should not have let an inexperienced instructor perform an autorotation on Kristian Blackwell's first night flight, the lawsuit said.
—Samantha Matsumoto, OregonLive.com, 25 May 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 5 July 2024
Helicopter pilots deal with such emergencies using a technique called autorotation, which requires some deft manipulation of the helicopter’s rotor when power first cuts out and again when the helicopter nears the ground.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Dec. 2011
The altitude record for a rotorcraft stands at just over 40,000 feet, and during that flight the engine flamed out and the pilot had to land using autorotation.
—Jay Bennett, Popular Mechanics, 15 May 2018
According to People, an autorotation is when an aircraft flies purely through air moving up its rotors.
—Megan Friedman, Country Living, 14 Sep. 2017
The company also should not have let an inexperienced instructor perform an autorotation on Kristian Blackwell's first night flight, the lawsuit said.
—Samantha Matsumoto, OregonLive.com, 25 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Autorotation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autorotation. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share