How does blade pitch directly affect a helicopter's lift?

Blade pitch directly affects a helicopter's lift by changing the angle of attack of the rotor blades. The angle of attack is the angle between the rotor blade's chord line (an imaginary line from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the blade) and the relative wind (the direction of the air flowing past the blade). Increasing the blade pitch increases the angle of attack, which generates more lift. This is because a larger angle of attack causes the rotor blade to deflect more air downwards, creating a greater upward force (lift). However, increasing the blade pitch also increases drag, which requires more power from the engine. Conversely, decreasing the blade pitch decreases the angle of attack, which reduces lift and drag. The pilot controls the blade pitch using the collective and cyclic controls, allowing them to adjust the amount of lift generated by the rotor system and control the helicopter's flight path.