Helicopter Cruising Force

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter

This is a fairly broad based question for a machine that is very complicated in it's functions. How does a "Helicopter Fly"? Having flown a few of these wonderful machines, lets say I am still amazed they even fly. But in a short term the swash plate located at or near the blade attachment point is the device that makes all of this happen. As the rotors turn the leading blade will produce lift in a arch towards the direction of flight (I won't go into the Physics of this as page is too short). The trailing blade is then free from lift production until it reaches the point of transitional lift beginning in the arc or swing of rotor mast. In a nut shell the pilot moves the cyclic in the direction they wish to go. Rotors tilt in that direction the rest of the aircraft follows. Tail Rotor is there to keep the front in the front.

Go out to a local airport and take a ride. Best money you can spend.

To simplify, the rotor is tilted so that its downdraft is mostly vertical but somewhat to the rear. The vertical component holds the helicopter up; the horizontal component moves the helicopter forward.

Out of four answers, mr. tornado's one is the appropriate one. I had gone through number of articles and got the answer.

Thanks for the comments answers made by everybody.

This can also be demonstrated using a simple desk top fan and feeling where the airflow goes when you pick it up and tilt it to simulate a helicopters motion, just be sure no one is around if you feel the need to make helicopter noises.