Hooked on the Helis but now I got a question

[aeio540]

After much trial and error, I finally have the helicopter flying down (atleast on FSX) but I have a question about the RPM Governor.  
What is true purpose of controlling the RPM of the rotor blades.  Atleast on most turbine helicopters, I (think) understand that the throttle is similar to a condition lever with settings: Off, Idle, Take-off, Flight, and I think there is an emergency setting.  What is the purpose of selecting a lower or higher rpm?  Is it only during starting and shutdown procedures that it becomes necessary to fiddle with it or would you want say, a lower RPM for cruise and higher for Take-off like most fixed wing aircraft?  

I remember reading somewhere that if the RPM is not reduced while at cruise, the helicopter will begin to bank somewhat uncontrollably in one direction because the retreating blade will be making less lift than the proceeding blade.  Is this true?  If so, FSX doesn't seem to mind too much because I on the 206, I keep the TQ at 82% and RPM at 100% and it doesn't seem too big of a deal while heading forward at almost 130 knots.

Oh, and first post.  Hello everyone.  

[expat]

Welcome to Simv, and now I will direct you away from Simv (though you are most welcome here hang around here too)

The best place to ask chopper questions is at Hovercontrol, you can even get lessons too.

Matt

[R44 PILOT]

the governor on heli's keeps the needles together, (rotor rpm and engine rpm), you can notice a gauge on the top right of the console on a r22 or r44 for ease.
during real training you learn to fly with the governor off for simulated governor failure, with this you use slight movements of the throttle to keep the needles 'married' it isnt hard as most piston helis have a correlator which wen pitch is applied the correlator adds power, the hughes 300 range dont have a governor and rely soley on pilot to keep the needles married. the worst possible thing to happen in a helicopter emergency is the loss of rotor rpm, and 32% of all fatel accidents in the Robinson R22 are due to rrpm loss. You never change rotor rpm on a heli unless doing different autorotaions, you only ever change the power and pitch of the blades or angle of attack. loss of rotor rpm will result in you being killed very quickly.
the r22 autos at 65kt with 102% rrpm, thats for a normal auto, a range auto is 70k 102%rrpm and a max range is 70kt 90% rrpm which isnt a nice one as once you lose your rrpm to 75% (robinson say 80% to cover there back) you cant regain it not with a flair or full power! the r44's and jetrangers are much better and safer in autos. but you dont actually have to turn the govenor off any time in the r22 as it doesnt cut in below 80% on the erpm so start ups and run ups can be done without turning the governor off stopping the chance of forgetting to switch it back on, and over speeding your heli, which i witnessed at the airfield the other day, and watched them take a guys r44 away on a low loader, one hefty bill coming his way. that was because he accidently knocked off the governor with his sleave! alot happen like that is a silly place to but it on the r22 and r44's, but there is a big orange light to tell u its off. hope that helps