Learning to Fly Helicopters, Second Edition

A comprehensive guide to helicopter flying and flight training for aspiring private or professional helicopter pilots--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 private helicopter 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 helicopter pilots

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 the left seat

Resources for helicopter pilots

Data on and photos of common civil helicopters

There but for the grace of God--real hangar stories as told by real pilots

Postflight