Originally Posted by
ShyTorque
The problem with comparing the person holding buckets to a helicopter rotor blade is that in the first case, the person applies all of the force to change the “flight path” of the bucket. The bucket doesn’t naturally want to change.
The force to change the flight path of a helicopter rotor comes via lift, from changing the angle of attack of the blade itself, so it “wants” to fly up.
What is the significance of the source of the force? The normal force, no matter its nature, causes a deflection of the path of the object. Whether it comes from lift, or anything else. I don't see what difference it would make.