Study library · FAA-H-8083-21B

Helicopter Flying Handbook

The FAA's free textbook for helicopter pilots, from how a rotor makes lift to autorotations, confined areas and decision-making. Read it a chapter at a time here, then practise the same topic on the trainers.

NoteThis is a United States handbook. The aerodynamics, systems and flying technique apply anywhere, but rules, airspace, licensing and procedures in it are the FAA's. For New Zealand exams and flying, the CAA NZ Civil Aviation Rules and AIP New Zealand take precedence. Downloads come straight from faa.gov; the handbook is a US Government publication, free to read and share.

The whole book

One PDF with all 13 chapters, 170.8 MB. On mobile data, download the chapters you need instead.

Download full handbook (PDF)
Chapter by chapter

Read, then practise

  1. 01Introduction to the HelicopterPDF · 10.2 MBWhat helicopters do, the main rotor systems and anti-torque arrangements, and the basic layout of the machine.
  2. 02Aerodynamics of FlightPDF · 12.1 MBLift, drag, torque, dissymmetry of lift, translating tendency, translational lift and the aerodynamics of autorotation. Practise it on the theory trainer.
  3. 03Helicopter Flight ControlsPDF · 12 MBCollective, throttle and governor, cyclic and anti-torque pedals, and how they work together. The twist grip gets a workout in the piston trainer.
  4. 04Helicopter Components, Sections, and SystemsPDF · 14.5 MBPiston and turbine engines, transmission and freewheel unit, fuel, electrical and hydraulic systems. See them working in the piston and turbine start trainers.
  5. 05Rotorcraft Flight ManualPDF · 7.7 MBHow the flight manual is laid out: limitations, instrument markings, placards, normal and emergency procedures. The turbine trainer puts start limits on the gauges.
  6. 06Weight and BalancePDF · 9.3 MBWeight terms, centre of gravity limits, lateral and longitudinal balance, and working a loading problem. Do the arithmetic on the E6B computer.
  7. 07Helicopter PerformancePDF · 6.8 MBDensity altitude, weight and wind, and reading hover, climb and speed charts. Work density altitude on the E6B computer.
  8. 08Ground Procedures and Flight PreparationsPDF · 9 MBPreflight inspection, cockpit management, engine start and rotor engagement, and ground operations. Run the start in the piston or turbine trainer.
  9. 09Basic Flight ManeuversPDF · 10.1 MBHovering, hover taxi, take-off, straight and level, turns, climbs, descents, circuits and approaches.
  10. 10Advanced Flight ManeuversPDF · 34.4 MBReconnaissance, confined areas, pinnacles and ridgelines, slope operations, running take-offs and landings. The biggest file in the set.
  11. 11Helicopter Emergencies and HazardsPDF · 7.7 MBAutorotation, vortex ring state, dynamic rollover, loss of tail rotor effectiveness, retreating blade stall and ground resonance. Test yourself on the theory trainer.
  12. 12Night OperationsPDF · 16.4 MBNight vision, lighting, illusions, and preparing for and flying at night.
  13. 13Effective Aeronautical Decision-MakingPDF · 8.6 MBRisk management, hazardous attitudes, situational awareness and single-pilot resource management, the human factors side of the theory trainer.
Front matter and preface · 7.5 MB Table of contents · 179 KB Glossary and index · 208 KB
How to use it

A chapter, then a session

Read one chapter at a sitting. Each is a single PDF, so you can save the one you're on to your phone.

Then practise the same topic. Each chapter above points to the trainer that drills it, so the reading turns into something you can do.

Check the local version. Where the handbook quotes a US rule or procedure, look up the CAA NZ rule instead. Your instructor and the aircraft's flight manual have the final word.