Helicopter Flying Handbook. FAA 8083-21a

by Federal Aviation Administration

The Helicopter Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for their private, commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter class rating. Certificated flight instructors may find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls, systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision-making is included.

This book includes the following topics:

Introduction to the Helicopter
Aerodynamics of Flight
Helicopter Flight Controls
Helicopter Components, Sections, and Systems
Rotorcraft Flight Manual
Weight and Balance
Helicopter Performance
Ground Procedures and Flight Preparations
Basic Flight Maneuvers
Advanced Flight Maneuvers
Helicopter Emergencies and Hazards
Attitude Instrument Flying
Night Operations
Effective Aeronautical Decision-Making

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction

200 pages, Hardcover

First published May 26, 2000

Reviews

[rabbitprincess]

3.5 rounded up

[Nicholas]

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]

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.