What does increasing aircraft weight during flight affect primarily?

Increasing aircraft weight during flight primarily affects handling and stability. As the weight of a helicopter increases, the dynamics of flight become more complex. Heavier aircraft require more power to operate effectively, which can lead to a reduction in responsiveness and maneuverability.

Handling refers to how well the pilot can control the helicopter, and increased weight can make it more difficult to perform certain maneuvers, especially in terms of initiating turns or recovering from unusual attitudes. Stability is another critical aspect impacted by increased weight; a heavier helicopter may have a lower margin for error when it comes to maintaining controlled flight.

While weight does affect climb rate, speed, altitude performance, fuel consumption, and range, the most significant immediate impacts are felt in the areas of handling and stability. As the aircraft becomes heavier, it can also lead to diminished performance in those other areas; however, the fundamental control characteristics are the most significantly affected during flight.