Learning to Fly Helicopters

by R. Randall Padfield

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A comprehensive guide to helicopter flying and flighttraining for aspiring private or professional helicopterpilots--updated for the first time in 20 years!Extensively revised to cover the latest industry advances, Learning to Fly Helicopters, Second Edition, provides details on the technical and practical aspects of rotarywing flight, guiding you from preflight preparation through postflight procedures and everything in between. Written in a conversational style, the book demystifies the art and science of helicopter flying. Real-world advice from the author and other pilots is included throughout.

This copiously illustrated, up-to-date edition features new information on glass cockpits, turbine engines, IFR flying, the latest FAA test standards for a privatehelicopter pilot certificate, emergency and safety procedures, how to choose a flight school, career opportunities, and more. Become a private or professional helicopter pilot with help from this trusted resource!

Learning to Fly Helicopters, Second Edition, covers:


Five myths about helicopters
Basic aerodynamics
Flight controls
Your first flight
Basic flight maneuvers
Learning to hover
Autorotations
Advanced maneuvers--with new material on hoisting, sling loads, and offshore operations
Emergencies
Hazards of low-level flying
Flight training tips--civil and military
Aircraft systems--with new information on glass cockpits and turbine engines
Private pilot practical test standards for helicopterpilots
The Ten Commandments for helicopter pilots
Weight and balance, passenger briefings, and hand signals
Employment opportunities
Human factors and safety
A flight to remember--lessons learned from the author's most stressful flight
Born-again copilots--when experienced captains fly theleft seat
Resources for helicopter pilots
Data on and photos of common civil helicopters
There but for the grace of God--real hangar stories astold by real pilots
Postflight

Genres: Reference

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the FAA's Helicopter Flying Handbook, I found this book on helicopter flying both more understandable and a much more interesting book to read. Mr. Padfield's mix of information with diagrams, photos, and an occasional bit of humor help keep the pace. Instead of the usual trudge through a dry instructional text, the reader will be captivated while learning the ins and outs of how those of us, like myself, who already have fixed wing pilot's certificates call variously "eggbeaters" and "polliwogs with oversized beanie cap spinners" that "beat the air into submission"actually manage to fly.

For the student interested in taking on flying things where the pilot sits on the wrong side of the aircraft, this book is a must. Read it first before delving further into helicopter flying - you won't be disappointed.

[RStrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy completo para quienes quieran una buena base teórica para ir empezando a entender los conceptos del pilotaje de helicópteros.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean I'm gonna be honest here - I do not fly helicopters and probably never will. But I went through a phase where I was fascinated by them and wanted to know how in case the opportunity ever presented itself. I thought this book was a really great overview and managed to be interesting despite being a technical manual of sorts.

[Matthew Schlebusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, articulate, comprehensive, and simple enough to read for someone not familiar with the topic. All in all a great combination.

[Kendall Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for IFT