Q: Does rain affect helicopter liftoff?

A:

During liftoff, helicopters create thrust with their propellers (called rotors). Propellers are twisted wings that create high air pressure below them and low air pressure above them due to Bernoulli’s principle. This thrusts the helicopter upward. As a result, rain alone will not affect the ability of a helicopter to take off. However, rain can result in poor visibility. Thus, helicopter pilots have to be careful when lifting off in the rain.