For the student learning to fly helicopters in the 21st century, this book is one of the essential keys to flight.

Helicopter pilots need to thoroughly understand the consequences of their actions, and base them upon sound technical knowledge. This textbook provides a foundation by explaining why the helicopter flies and, more importantly, why it sometimes doesn't. It examines the aerodynamic factors associated with rotor stalls, mast bumping, and wind effect, as well as maneuvering flight to include the hover, forward flight, flare, and autorotation. Helicopter design and components, performance, and weight and balance are covered, along with special techniques such as different types of takeoffs and landings, operating on sloping surfaces, sling operations, mountain flying, and helicopter icing. Technical knowledge and sound handling are the crucial ingredients that make a safe pilot.

This second edition benefits from additional discussion of the NOTAR system and strakes, as well as frequently misunderstood principles of airspeed and high altitude operations. The book also concludes with a multiple-choice practice examination; used in conjunction with quizzes for each chapter, the reader can test their grasp of helicopter aerodynamics.

Principles of Helicopter Flight explains the complexities of helicopter flight in clear, easy-to-understand terms, and is the type of manual the helicopter training industry has been waiting for. It provides pilots and students with important background knowledge on how helicopters fly, and, more important, why they sometimes don't.

Author profile:

Wal Wagtendonk served in the Royal new Zealand Air Force, retiring as an A-2 instructor in 1960. He established one of New Zealand's best known theory and flight training establishments, Nelson Aviation College. The school became the first "approved" school to conduct both fixed-wing and helicopter courses in New Zealand, and many experienced helicopter pilots started their basic training under Wal's careful instruction.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.; 2nd edition (July 1, 2006)
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• Part Number ASAPHF2
• ISBN 9781560276494