The essential guide for anyone who wants to fly a helicopter or gyroplane newly updated.

One problem with helicoptering is that there are virtually no flying clubs, at least of the sort that exist for fixed wing, so pilots get very little chance to swap stories, unless they meet in a muddy field somewhere, waiting for their passengers. As a result, the same mistakes are being made and the same lessons learnt separately instead of being shared - it's comforting sometimes to know that you're not the only one to inflate the floats by accident! Even when you do get into a school, there are still a couple of things they don't teach you, namely that aviation runs on paperwork, and how to get a job, including interview techniques, etc - flying the aircraft is actually less than a third of the job. Another is that nobody really tells you anything, either about the job you have to do (from the customer) or how to do it (the company) - you will always be up against the other guy who managed to do it last week! Sure, there will be training, but, even in the best companies, this will be relatively minimal. This book is an attempt to correct the above situations by gathering together as much information as possible for helicopter pilots, old and new, professional and otherwise, in an attempt to explain the why, so the how will become easier (you will be so much more useful if you know what the customer is trying to achieve). In short, this is all the stuff nobody taught me - every tip and trick I have learnt has been included.

Providing a detailed look at helicopter maneuvers, the information in this guide helps to solidify concepts gained from flight training in a student pilot's mind by incorporating the Practical Test Standards into every maneuver description. The graphical and textual explanations work in conjunction with an instructor's lessons, allowing students to prepare before sessions and to review afterwards as well. There are many guides to flight maneuvers and how to fly them in airplanes but none specifically made for helicopters, and not in the complete and fully color-illustrated way as presented in "Helicopter Maneuvers Manual." This handbook will be of immense help to flight instructors teaching helicopter maneuvers, following the FAA's practical test standards for certification of helicopter pilots. This book not only helps in training but can also be used for reference throughout the helicopterpilot's flight career. It provides readers with a crystal-clear picture of what level of performance is expected of them every step and includes insights into the common errors associated with each move.

In this handbook, safe mountain flying techniques are explained in simple, non-technical language, as well as advanced techniques suitable for pilots already holding their helicopter licence.

This indispensable tool prepares helicopter pilots for their one-on-one checkride with an FAA examiner. Answers to the most commonly asked questions, clarification on the requirements of the written and oral portions, and study material for the exam are provided, and topics covered include certification and documents, helicopter flight-controls, weight and balance, and emergency operations. This volume of the Oral Exam Guide Series is intended as a helicopter-specific supplement to--and is meant to be used along with--the corresponding Oral Exam Guide book for Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, or ATP, depending on the specific license the applicant is testing for. The material is presented in a question-and-answer format, providing the questions the FAA checkride examiners are most likely to ask along with comprehensive, easy-to-remember responses. This guide teaches not only what to expect on the helicopter pilot oral exam, but also how to exhibit subject mastery and confidence while under the examiner's scrutiny.

Trade Paperback + PDF eBook "bundle" version: Trade paperback book comes with code to download the eBook from ASA's website. This comprehensive textbook explains the aerodynamics of helicopter flight as well as helicopter maneuvers, going beyond the strictly "how-to" type of aviation manual. Helicopter pilots need to thoroughly understand the consequences of their actions and base them upon sound technical knowledge; this textbook explains why the helicopter flies and even more importantly, why it sometimes does not. Beginning with aerodynamics, each step of the process is fully illustrated and thoroughly explained--from the physics of advanced operations to helicopter design and performance--providing helicopter pilots with a solid foundation upon which to base their in-flight decisions. Containing discussions on the NOTAR (no tail rotor) system, strakes, principles of airspeed and high-altitude operations, operations on sloping surfaces, and sling operations, this revised edition also includesthe latest procedures Federal Aviation Administration.

Discusses the principles of helicopter flight, controls, maneuvers, hovering, autorotation, emergencies, helicopter systems, safety, and other topics.