Helicopter Flying Handbook: FAA-H-8083-21A

by Federal Aviation Administration

Designed by the Federal Aviation Administration, this handbook is the ultimate technical manual for anyone who flies or wants to learn to fly a helicopter or gyroplane. 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 understandable language, here are explanations of general aerodynamics and the aerodynamics of flight, navigation, communication, flight controls, flight maneuvers, emergencies, engines, night operations, and much 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

201 pages, paperback

First published May 26, 2000

Reviews

[★—jaymarie—★]

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

[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.