Rotorcraft Flying Handbook

The Rotorcraft Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manualfor applicants who are preparing for their private commercial orflight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter or gyroplaneclass rating. Certificated flight instructors may find thishandbook a valuable training aid since detailed coverage ofaerodynamics flight controls systems performance flightmaneuvers emergencies and aeronautical decision making isincluded. Topics such as weather navigation radio navigation andcommunications use of flight information publications andregulations are available in other Federal Aviation Administration(FAA) publications. This handbook conforms to pilot training andcertification concepts established by the FAA. There are differentways of teaching as well as performing flight procedures andmaneuvers and many variations in the explanations of aerodynamictheories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective methodand concept to flying helicopters and gyroplanes. The discussionand explanations reflect the most commonly used practices andprinciples. Occasionally the word must or similar language isused where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of suchlanguage is not intended to add to interpret or relieve a dutyimposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).This handbook is divided into two parts. The first part chapters 1through 14 covers helicopters and the second part chapters 15through 22 covers gyroplanes. The glossary and index apply to bothparts. It is essential for persons using this handbook to alsobecome familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR andthe Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Performance standardsfor demonstrating competence required for pilot certification areprescribed in the appropriate rotorcraft practical test standard.This handbook supersedes Advisory Circular (AC) 61-13B BasicHelicopter Handbook dated 1978. In addition all or part of theinformation contained in the