Helicopter Flying Handbook

by Federal Aviation Administration

Compiled by the Federal Aviation Administration, this handbook is the ultimate technical manual for anyone who flies or wants to learn to fly a helicopter. If you’re preparing for private, commercial, or flight instruction pilot certificates, it’s more than essential reading—it’s the best possible study guide available, and its information can be life-saving. In authoritative and easy-to-understand language, here are explanations of general aerodynamics and the aerodynamics of flight, navigation, communication, flight controls, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and more. 
Also included is an extensive glossary of terms ensuring that even the most technical language can be easily understood. The Helicopter Flying Handbook is an indispensable text for any pilot who wants to operate a helicopter safely in a range of conditions. Chapters cover a variety of subjects including helicopter components, weight and balance, basic flight maneuvers, advanced flight maneuvers, emergencies and hazards, aeronautical decision making, night operations, and many more. With full-color illustrations detailing every chapter, this is a one-of-a-kind resource for pilots and would-be pilots.

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2000

Reviews

[gastrointestinalissues{🆓🇵🇸}{he~him} · Rating 1 out of 5]

instructions unclear; ï am now stuck in the fuel tank.

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I rolled my eyes at the premise of Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21) - For Gyroplane Use Only and then got totally sucked in. FAA has this knack for making tiny stakes feel huge, like a fight over a borrowed jacket that turns into a fight about everything. By the end I was low-key invested in people I'd have avoided at a party. Pacing drags a bit around the halfway mark, but it picks back up. Read it if you like quiet, character-heavy drama. Skip it if you need action to stay awake.

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 3 out of 5]

The vibe in Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21) - For Gyroplane Use Only was completely off for me at first, all sarcasm and zero heart. Then FAA drops one quiet scene that rewires everything before it, and I forgave a lot. Worth it for slow-reveal fans, a pass if you need to connect right away.

[rabbitprincess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives the reader a solid chunk of knowledge that would help those beginning their flying careers or a quick overview of certain specifics for pilots.

[Anne Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is your typical FAA manual. Having spent time as a flight instructor, I'd say that's about the most accurate way to put it. As an editor, I found some editing problems (for instance, on page 1-4, the last line is repeated in the paragraph on rotor configurations, and in the first paragraph in Chapter 2, the description of what is seen in Figure 2-1 is not in accord with what Figure 2-1 actually shows). Another thing I found a bit disconcerting was the use of terms that had not been defined, and even references to parts of the helicopter that are never shown in a diagram.

But, those in the know also know that the contents of this book are what the FAA bases their knowledge test upon, so if you're planning on learning to fly a helicopter, it's a good idea to own this book.