Book reviews: Helicopters, Principles of Flight etc

[heedm]

I know this subject has come up in the past, but...


We're looking at putting together a helicopter book & video library. Aimed at single pilot or crew, IFR, VFR, NVG, low level flying, utility work, EMS, and SAR (I know, kind of vague).

We're looking for stuff that will help professional development.

Oh yeah, and we have to be able to obtain it within one month.

Any ideas?

[Heliport]

Shawn Coyle's new book CYCLIC and COLLECTIVE - More Art and Science of Helicopter Flying will be available shortly -within your deadline.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/Rotorheads/cyclicandcollective.jpg

The author is Chief of the Rotary Wing Branch, and Rotary Wing Test Pilot Instructor, at the National Test Pilots School in California - and a contributor to this forum!
His first book ‘The Art and Science of Flying Helicopters’ quickly became established as the helicopter pilots 'bible' and, having read an advance copy of his second book, I have no doubt this will too.

It's not a book you can put down easily once started, but you're not going to get through it in one session either - we're not talking flimsy handbook here.
It's a substantial tome which covers everything from fundamentals, through flying at private level to advanced topics for professional pilots who operate helicopters rather than just fly them.

This isn't the sort of book you only read once, and then put on a bookshelf to gather dust - it's a reference work you'd keep going back to time and time when the need arises.

To give an idea of what the new book contains, the chapter headings are:

Some Fundamentals
Introduction to Helicopter Aerodynamics
The Rotor Blade
More Basics of the Helicopter
Air, Wind and Weather
Basic Helicopter Performance
Balance and Weight
The Aerodyamics of Autorotation
Instruments and Warning Systems
The Piston Engine

Dear Student
Before You Strap In
Helicopter Flying - The Basics
The Divine Art of Hovering
'Twixt Heaven and Earth'
Lift-off and Touchdown

Introducing Emergencies
Engine Failures for Beginners
Peculiarities of the Helicopter
Flight Manuals, Rules and Regulations
Miscellaneous

For the Professional Helicopter Pilot / Instructor
Advanced Helicopter Aerodynamics
Flight Controls and Rotor Heads
Advanced Performance
Other Components
Advanced Helicopter Flying
More Instruments
The Turbine Engine
Advanced Engine Failures
Advanced Emergencies
Multi-Engine Helicopters
Stability and Control of the Helicopter

Further Peculiarities of the Helicopter
Other Helicopter Types
Night and Instrument Flying
Automatic Flight Control Systems
Miscellaneous Musings

There are some people who have that wonderful gift of being able to explain things in such a way everyone can understand. We're lucky to have a number of such people on Rotorheads. Nick Lappos is one, Shawn Coyle is another. And Shawn Coyle has written this book!

In my opinion, no 'helicopter library' would be complete without this book.
Recommended. :ok:


Heliport

[The Nr Fairy]

"The Helicopter Pilot's Handbook" by Phil Croucher, ISBN 0-9681928-3-1, published by Electrocution.

Also by the same author, "The Professional Pilot's Manual", ISBN 1-85310-082-X published by Airlife books.

And just for the record I have no financial interest in Airlife, Electrocution or Amazon where you should find them quite quickly.

And does anyone have an ISBN for Shawn's book ?

[Golden Rivet]

Anyone know of any good books dealing with helicopter autopilot systems.

Already have Art & Science of flying helicopters(Coyle) and Automatic flight control (Pallet/Coyle).

Thanks

GR
:cool:

[Genghis the Engineer]

Depends upon the level you want. If you want to go back to basic principles, Donald McClean's "Automatic Flight Control Systems" is reasonable but it won't go into the actual electronic and mechanical design issues.

G

[HeliMark]

The ISBN for the first book is: 081382169X.

I have been unable to find anyone selling the new book yet, only the last edition.

Shawn, anyone near Mojave selling it?

[Shawn Coyle]

As the author / contributor of the two books quoted earlier, the question I would have is 'What do you want to know?'
Most of the books on automatic flight control systems concentrate on the design / engineering aspects, and precious few (read none) on the actual piloting aspects.
So, if you want to know more about the engineering aspects, look at the texts, but if you want to know how to use them, not much out there will help.
But what do you really want to know?

[Heliport]

Helimark, and others who've emailed me asking for the IBSN reference of Shawn's new book:
It's ISBN 0-9726368-0-3.

The book is available on the web at www.helobooks.com

I understand there was a small error in printing which is being corrected, and the book should be available in about two weeks.


Heliport

[Golden Rivet]

Thanks for the response chaps

The above listed books were good but I am looking to supplement this info.

I am a maintenance engineer currently studying for further licences, and as such my requirement is for books detailing the fundamentals of automatic flight control systems, representative working systems and system interfaces.

Texts also dealing with how the systems are actually used would also be benificial, but as Shawn has pointed out, these do seem to be few and far between.

Purchasing these type of books is a tad hit and mis as inevitably if you buy on line you do not get to flick through it first. They are also erring on the expensive side. I guess knowledge does'nt come cheap these days.


GR

[The Nr Fairy]

Any truth in the rumour that the printing error was to leave out the words "helicopter demi-god" in Shawn's bio ?

[Heliport]

Your mention of 'demi-god' made me think how lucky we are with the contributors to this forum.

Not only do we have the obvious stars like Nick Lappos and Shawn Coyle, but we also have lots of other professional pilots from all over the world who may not be as well-known, but have years of experience in every conceivable sphere of helicopter operations. They too are truly experts in their various spheres.

Heliport

[Shawn Coyle]

Demi-god???

You should be able to see the glow of the blushing from anywhere in the world following words like that.

I'm not even trying to be a semi-, part time, aspiring, hopeful, somewhat wannabe slightly-tarnished-and-bent-halo minor diety, thanks.

The amount I don't know far outweighs what I do know about helicopters. Just that I had some spare time on my hands and knew how to operate a word processor...

[Shawn Coyle]

I'd suggest that looking at the maintenance manuals that apply to the various systems by Honeywell and so on are a good starting point.
If in the UK, you might look at picking up AP3456 - not sure if it has anything on AFCS, but it is normally pretty comprehensive. Talk to the manufacturers to see if they have any training material, too.

[NickLappos]

In thanks for Heliport's kind comments. Taking the liberty of speaking for both Shawn and myself (Shawn is a close friend of many years), let me say that true demi-gods prove their status by flying WITHOUT the need of a helicopter!

The great strength of pprune is that we learn from each other. There is not a time that I log on and can't learn something from those who participate. line pilot, Instructor, student of wannabe all have lots to offer!

[Winnie]

:D Hi, to all readers,
Just got my SIGNED copy of Cyclic & Collective, more art and science of flying helicopters, and what a truly excelent book it is!!!!
The work is great, and written with great humor, and I will no doubt spend my easter pouring over it, rather than doing anything productive, like being out in the sunny weather for sure (we don't get any of that here in CYQX anyway!).
So to all, it is well worth taking the time and money to pick it up, because it is very good, thoroughly written, and not overly technical

:ok:

[T_richard]

Good Morning

Is there a reommended title for non-pilots to read that explores the history of helios and how they work? I'm not a pilot but I'm pretty technical especially when it comes to airfoils since I am by birth a sailor. Everything I looked at in the library is about 30 years old.

[Shawn Coyle]

There are some very good websites that have stuff on the history of the helicopter. Can't remember them right now, but do a search for helicopter history etc.
I seem to recall a book that had some good stuff that was reasonably modern, but can't remember the title.
But if it is history, why does having a book that is 30 years old matter....

[T_richard]

I thought of websites, researched the birth and demise of the deHavilland Comet that way. A book is more portable. Iwas looking for something that was all inclusive, sort of a "everything you ever wanted to know" type. I figured if it existed, you guys would know based on some of th resumes I have read about here including you own, Mr. Coyle. I guess you have flew a bit, huh?

[Poe]

Hi all! :D

New here, thought this an appropriate thread for my question.

I've just read Chickenhawk by Robert Mason and Low Level Hell by Hugh Mills Jnr (both on Vietnam), and would like to tap into your collective wisdom an any good books about helicopter flying experiences, civil or military.

Cheers,
Poe :ok:

[pa42]

Well, everything, frankly. It's been reviewed here before, but not until I got my sticky fingers on the pages did I discover what I had been missing!

CYCLIC AND COLLECTIVE. Not an easy book to find on bookstore shelves. I finally got mine this week by stopping in at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, where Shawn is chief helicopter instructor. (And got a fascinating tour of the facilities and their fleet of extraordinary aircraft. Dazzling. Not to mention the challenge of trying to keep up with a brilliant expert in the field.)

The book: actually structured informally as Book 1 (pp 1-200, text for beginners w/piston-engine helis) and Book 2 (in same binding, pp 201-480, advanced & turbine operations). All 480 pages contain in-depth analysis of what goes on with rotors beating atmosphere into submission; and every page has at least one bit of delightful HUMOR (beat that, FAA Rotorcraft Flying Handbook). Example: "There is no doubt the first ten or so hours of helicopter flying are among the most humbling experiences one can go through. There are many parallels to learning to ride a bicycle . . . [footnote here says 'Except the falling off part'] or windsurf [footnote: 'except drier']"

Good news is, the inherently deep technical subjects can be read with enjoyment by nearly any helicopter pilot--if the material is too technical for you to understand, at least the sideline humor keeps it light--and additionally punctuates essential, or ignorable, subjects to keep you on track. And that inherent easy digestibility, in turn, allows a noticeably deeper and more thoughtful analysis of everything-helicopter.

The anecdotal reports of strange-accidents-that-happen are invaluable lessons in Murphy's Law--for instance, the middle-European sightseeing helicopter that crashed & killed 8, for unexplained reasons. EXCEPT that its normal tiedown was on a slope, so any water getting into the fuel tanks would be in the downslope corner of the tank, undiscovered during preflight--AND at takeoff the water would flow (downhill) to the front edge of the tank, away from the outlet; and then at approach-to-landing pitch-up the water would flow downhill to the outlet at aft edge of tank AND THENCE TO THE ENGINE! Exactly where the aircraft crashed!

And other jewels. "That helmets save lives should not be questioned. What should be questioned is the mental health of anyone who says they won't wear one." On immersion suits: "How long can you tread water? (With apologies to Bill Cosby and the Noah sketch.)" The lift equation: "Aerodynamicists use calculus to estimate the toatl lift on a single blade and then the whole rotor disk. We won't be doing that - the reader will probably be delighted to find we will hardly touch the formula again."

I've only read 10% of the book so far, but just had to share the fun. I could go on and on--as a matter of fact, I have. More to follow, but the only way to get the full thrust is get your own copy--www.helobooks.com, P.O. Box 787, Mojave, CA 93502, 661-823-8068. $44.95 (and no, I don't get a commission of any kind--but just think of all the complicated arguments we can get into here on pprune once we have a common--er, un-common?--frame of reference.)

Dave
helimaverick-at-large

[Dave_Jackson]

I'm up to page 161 ~ and enjoying it. :ok:

[Capn Notarious]

AMAZON knew nothing of it when I enquired. Will there be signed copies at Helitech?
Last time I saw Shawn, twas at Redhill he flying an ultra light single engine with fenestrated tail rotor. It's on me home video.
What's he going to fly this year...............

[Winnie]

I got my own personal SIGNED copy,

Benn through it twice already, and it is still great!!! If I now only could convince the students that it is a good investment then that would all bee good then!

Highly recommendable too all.

(P.S.) You scared me with the title!;)

[ATPMBA]

Does it cover helicopter instrument flying?

I am interested in any books that cover helicopter instrument flying, any ideas?

Thanks

[theraingod]

ATPMBA - it does not cover instrument, as to a good instrument book, not sure have not made it that far yet.

the depth and readability of Shawn's book is miles ahead of any other Helicopter book I have found.

very good, thanks Shawn.

[B47]

I couldn't agree more. This is the best text ever written on rotary flight.

First impressions are of a fairly heavy text (literally as its a substantial book), if you flick through and see the large number of charts and graphs. But it is so well written, humourous and immensely readable.

I started my copy at 9pm one night and didn't put it down until 3am - it's full of so many gems and 'I never realised that....'s.

One of the gems for me was: 'where should the slip ball be in balanced forward flight?' No, not in the middle. But in the same position as in the hover. My aircraft hovers noticeably one skid low when without pax, which means by chasing the precise centre of the slip ball, I've been flying very slightly out of trim, well.., forever....... Yes, like many of the gems in the book, I guess many of you knew this, but I guarantee you'll find one you didn't know.

Unless you're the kind of pilot who only kicks the proverbial tyres and isn't interested in 'how', this book will massively enhance your understanding of helicopters.

Unmissable. Get a copy.

(the usual health warnings of: never met Shawn Coyle, not on commission, etc.)

[Heliport]

Just read Phil Croucher's latest book - Phil is better known to Rotorheads regulars as paco.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/Rotorheads/hphandbook.jpg

Phil holds UK and Canadian professional licences and has been Chief Pilot, Ops Manager and Training Captain for various companies in both countries.
Using that experience, he has gathered together information which will invaluable for all helicopter pilots - from those trying to get into the industry - through those embarking on their first job - right through to experienced pilots undertaking a task which is outside their normal experience.

After a short (inevitable) introduction about 'How Helicopters Work', Phil gets into what this book is really about - the sort of helpful advice and tips usually picked up in conversation with experienced pilots who've been out there doing the job rather than from training courses: 'Specialised Tasks' and 'Operational Stuff.'

The book has two chapters on two of the most commonly used light turbines, the B206 and AS350, which will be especially useful for private pilots.

The Handbook clearly aims at a different market from fellow-Rotorhead Shawn Coyle's book, recently reviewed here, but is no less valuable in a different sphere. I think it will be most popular amongst 'newish' professional pilots - but I suspect many old-timers who read it will wish there'd been a book like this when they started out!

The only small criticism I'd
make is that, for some reason,
the publisher has adopted a
two column format which makes
it rather more tiring to read
because we're used to our
eyes scanning the whole
width of a page instead of
having to go forwards and
backwards to the next line
every five words or so. But
don't let that put you off.

ISBN 0-9681928-3-1
Paperback £14.99 (UK)

Recommended. :ok:

[Ascend Charlie]

On another thread we have reviews of theory books by Shawn Coyle and Paco, but how many of you are out there, having written your own "There I was..." book?

And where can we buy them?:confused:

[Lu Zuckerman]

I have written a book and it is in the final edit stage. It is being published by Pacos’ Electrocution publishing house. The book has only one chapter dealing with helicopters and it describes how a major helicopter manufacturer lied their way out of a wrongful death suit. A US Navy helicopter crashed killing the three-man crew. The Navy determined that a critical part had not been installed causing a tail rotor failure. The company insisted the part had been installed but the Navy investigators did not believe them.

The other chapters deal with man caused missile explosions and commercial aircraft crashes and their causes as well as how the crashes could have been prevented. An interesting read if I do say so myself. I will send a copy to Heliport for review and comment.


:cool:

[Vortex what...ouch!]

Whirly, why don’t you consider writing a book about your experiences becoming a pilot? You have regaled us here on Rotorheads with your ups and downs on the FI course but I’m sure a comprehensive book on why you started and how you got to where you are now would be a success. I don’t think such a story has been written before.

I’m sure it is no small undertaking but you seem to have a gift for capturing the feeling of the moment and it would make a riveting read of that I’m sure. :ok:

What do other prooners think?

[Shawn Coyle]

At the risk of this being considered advertising - if anyone does have a book they would like to have published, please contact me. I'd be happy to talk about how to get it done.

[winchop]

Not really in the "study guide" vein, but had to recommend a great book I have just finished reading to you guys..

"In the Company of Heroes" by Michael Durant (co-written by Steven Hartov)

If the name rings a bell, Mike is the US Army Blackhawk pilot shotdown and captured during a battle in Mogadishu Somalia, recently made famous in the movie "Blackhawk Down"

Excellent read, an amazing guy, also tells of his flying career in the US Army, he also saw action in Panama and Desert Storm.

Read the book "Blackhawk Down" first if you haven't already, so you get an idea of the battle itself. It's a great read also and is called a "treasured diary' by the soldiers actually involved in the battle.

In his book, Mike Durant finally reveals details of some horrific incidents that happened to him and his fellow crew that weren't in the book and certainly aren't in the movie!

Terrible tale, but worth reading, it tells the tale from the aviators point of view and you come away feeling positive about it all if that's possible, by his wisdom, that can only come from a helicopter pilot!!

[paco]

You know, I did wonder about the two-column format - will look into changing it if I get more feedback.

Instrument flying (plank and heli) is covered in my JAR Professional Pilot Studies

Talking of books, look out for one from Lu, coming soon...... I enjoyed reading it, and I will enjoy publishing it

cheers

Phil

[Steve Davies]

Written 3 books, but all of them about military machines of the pointy-nosed variety :}

[RW-1]

Hi all,

I'm happy to announce that I've completed (took a couple of weeks) bringing the Aviation Instructor's handbook to my website, Dynamic Flight, and it is now live and available for viewing!

FAA Flight Instructor's Handbook (http://www.dynamicflight.com/avcfibook)

You may reach it directly using the provided link above, or from a link on my homepage.

Appendicies shall be added later ... Enjoy!

RW-1

[NickLappos]

Great site, RW-1! Nice work, I will use it often, thanks.

Nick

[Lu Zuckerman]

My book titled "Finger trouble" has been published. The ISBN is
0-93732253-3-5.

:E :E

[Johe02]

Good mate of mine has written a helicopter instuctors handbook for the US market. There's loads of 'em over here but apparently none in the states.





John
Why not suggest he contributes to Rotorheads?
He can tell us about his book himself then.

Heliport

[Spaced]

Beat me to the punch with that question.

[NickLappos]

I am familiar with those publications, and they are not in the same league with the texts you already have. The Army design guides have lots of sepcification info, so you can nail down the criteria to design to, if you have the Army as a customer. In other words, they tell you what the design answer must be - speeds, structural criteria, strengths, etc. They do not really teach you much about how to get that answer.

For someone who flies a light civil helo, those criteria will read like the specs for Klingon battle tank, at once very strange and also very tough!

[2rotors]

Thanks Nick that was the information I was looking for.

Rene

[Genghis the Engineer]

If you are just interested in the general theory, and not in designing specifically for the US army, the UK military equivalent is Def-Stan 00-970 part 2, which is very similar.

UK Def-Stans (Defence Standards) are all available online for free, there's a link on the sticky on the "tech-log" forum.

Mind you, by the time you've paid ISP charges for downloading most of Def-Stan 00-970, you may have spent almost $300 anyway !

G

[Spaced]

I know there are a few therads on this already, so sorry in advance.
I've merged the various threads for easy reference. Heliport

Making a list for Christmas book list and could do with some advice.
Mainly looking for theory and design books. I have nearly finished a degree in Space sciences, so the maths isnt to much of a problem, as long as the assumed knowledge isnt to great.

Im settled on the three Ray Prouty books, however would like some more. The others are,

1)Helicopter Theory, Wayne Johnson

2)Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics, J. Gordon Leishman

I was also thinking about getting Shawn Coyles book as well.

Are all these books going to overlap alot, or do they offer extra information.
Any other books that someone feels like recomending would be appreciated.
Im also looking for information on the S-69 ABC. If anyone knows of books or papers on this helo, and where I can purchase them it would be much appreciated.

[Dave_Jackson]

Spaced,

Re the Sikorsky ABC:

The American Helicopter Society can supply at least 11 reports, of presentations that were made on the ABC in the 70's. I think they are $15 each for members and $20 each for non-members. There is some duplication of information in these reports.

If you want a cursory overview, you might find Coaxial - Sikorsky ~ S-69 (XH-59) ABC (http://www.unicopter.com/0891.html) of value. At the least, it's free.

[Jarvy]

Bought Wayne Johnson's Helicopter Theory on recent trip to San Francisco, very technical with lots of long equations.Haven't built up to reading it yet but will hopefully in New Year. See it as a must have reference book in ones library.

[Spaced]

Has anyone bought the Ray Prouty book from helo books? On the site it says its a reprint of articles in rotor and wing. If it is a reprint of all three books its cheap at $60, at Barnes and noble, though they dont have any copies, their price is $200 per book, leaving me confused.
Could anyone who has purchased please let me know if it is a reprint of the volumes, or a reprint of the articles from rotor and wing.

Thanx again

[B47]

The two 'must have' books are Shawn Coyle's Cyclic & Collective (excellent and much discussed previously on PPRuNe) and newly published, Fatal Traps for Helicopter Pilots by Greg Whyte.

Fatal Traps is a thorough analysis of all types of rotary accidents. Mine has just arrived and looks a very useful read. You can order it direct from www.fataltraps.com. Good service and it was with me in about a week from NZ.

[maintranschip]

There is mention on page 1 of this thread about the deer hunting in NZ. I've seen a video/doco about this and that was brilliant. It certainly made for some interesting flying particularly late on in the piece when they were having to do it in the dark with minimal lighting as they were now poaching!!!
Anyone know where to find it?

[Shawn Coyle]

Ray Prouty's books will be back in print very soon. First three volumes of his columns from Rotor and Wing will be in one book. see www.helobooks.com for more details.
We're pretty pleased to get them back in print. Thanks to Rotor and Wing for being so easy to get along with.

[In the swamp]

Hi Nervy

I am an HAI grad and FAA & JAA CFII. As Charlie said, princiles of flight is very good, I would further recomend helicopter aerodynamics by R prouty (quite expensive, but the best) and for a starting place the FAA's own book "helicopter flying handbook" which is a much easier book for the beginer. It's like all government books ienot always right, but any answer from there can't be questioned by the examiner, cos it's approved material. You will find that if you read several books, you get slightly different answers to the same question. Personaly I wouldn't waste your pre departure time learning the ASA prepware, as the written tests can be learnt & taken over a long weekend and cheaper at HAI than in the UK. The writtens are easy, but that is not the emphasis here. It's all about the oral exam before the flight test. These can be lengthy and you do need to know your subject to be able to talk convincingly about it.
Hope that helps

Swampy

[Flingwing207]

These four books will give you a world of study material:

Rotorcraft Flying Handbook - FAA
- read this first, simple concepts and descriptions of manuvers

Private Pilot's Handbook - Ron Machado
- the best and most interesting overview of the world of aviation - don't be put off by a seeming airplane bias, 90% of the book is for all pilots.

Cyclic & Collective - Shawn Coyle
- goes in-depth through the world of helicopter flight. It might be a bit deep at first...

Principles of Helicopter Flight - W. J. Wagtendonk
- fairly technical, cut and dried, but if you are going through to CFI, you'll need the info in this book.

[bellsux]

I know that Shawn Coyle is a regular on Rotorheads and I just want to give him a pat on the back for his book, Cyclic & Collective. For sure one of the most readable books on helicopter theory and easy reading for anyone in the helicopter game regardless of time in the industry. The only problem for me now is that the copy I am reading is out of the work library and will have to fork out some cash for my own copy...
:ok:

[SASless]

Purple Pitot...

"Chickenhawk" is a decent book so long as you ignore the fact that Mason borrowed the majority of his account from the experiences of others in his unit. I have a very close friend who shared the cockpit with Mason on more than a few flights as Mason's Aircraft Commander and he has very little good to say about him.

Other excellent books are "BlackHawk Down!", "We were soldiers once and young", "The Ravens", "Shooting at the Moon","Dispatches", "A Soldier Reports", "About Face", "Hamburger Hill"....lots of others....

[PurplePitot]

Blimey.. I haven't used this moniker for yonks - 4 years flash to bang (I'm even two stone heavier!) Thanks for the info SAS - I always suspected he was a bit of a wide boy when I read the about the drugs bust...

[Leftpedal]

I never read the sequel which presumably gives the story behind Mason's drug bust. What's it called and how does it compare to Chickenhawk?

Another good Vietnam / choppers book is "Low Level Hell" (can't remember the author's name) - by a Hughes pilot if I remember right.

[Buitenzorg]

There are quite any number of personal histories written by Vietnam helicopter pilots, most quite readable. But, in my opinion there are three which stand out, because they are so well-written. In other words, besides having a great story to tell, the author is a great story-teller.

They are: "Chickenhawk" by Bob Mason, as mentioned; "Maverick" by Dennis Marvicsin, and "CW2" by Layne Heath. The last two authors use a totally different style of writing to Mason, but the results are equally fantastic. Very highly recommended.

BTW, Shwawn's book is outstanding, and for those wishing to delve a little deeper into helicopter aerodynamics without a lot of formulae, W. Wagtendonk's "Principles of Helicopter Flight" is very hard to beat.

Edited for finger trouble.

[The Nr Fairy]

Leftpedal:

It's called "Low Level Hell" and it's by Hugh Mills.

[Pat Malone]

The sequel to Chickenhawk is 'Chickenhawk - Back in the World' and it's as bad as Chickenhawk was good.
He got caught with a boatload of dope and did time. There's a lot of self-serving maundering about the vicissitudes of life.
Anyone can have my copy if they're prepared to pay the postage. (It's a doorstopper).

[Shawn Coyle]

For those who didn't know, Ray's first three books are back in print as a single volume. (www.helobooks.com)
The next volume will have all the rest of his columns (1992-2000) from Rotor and Wing, plus the columns he's done for Vertiflite. Due later this year.

[fernytickles]

or some such title - is there a good "how to" and "why does it fly" book for a fixed wing person who's interested in learning? Preferably accessable in the US, but not a necessity.

Thank you :)

[helicopter-redeye]

Principles of Helicopter Flight by Mr WJ Wagtendonk

"Explains the complexities of helicopter flight in clear, easy to understand terms. Technical knowledge and sound handling drills are the ingredients of this book.It examines the aerodynamic factors associated with rotor stalls, mast bumping, wind effect and many other aspects which pilots must know. B&W, Softback, 276 pages"

Cyclic & Collective by S Coyle

"This book is the second book in the series and includes; detailed description of piston engines for helicopters. Turbine engine operation. Twin engine helicopter operations including Cat A.This easy to understand overview of the theory and practice of helicopters, covers nearly all aspects of learning to fly a helicopter from basic theory through to advanced autopilots. An overview of most of the helicopter rotor systems and how they work. Detailed overview of flight manuals and legal aspects of flying. The book also contains advanced section for professional pilots, as well as those who want to know more about helicopters and how they work. 458 pages, B&W, Softback"

[fernytickles]

Thank you very much - I shall do some researching now.

[verticalhold]

The best explanation I ever read of all the techno stuff was the first five chapters of Robert Mason's Vietnam autobiography, Chickenhawk. The rest of the book is disturbing and stunning, but Mason is a natural helicopter principles of flight teacher:ok:

[fernytickles]

WoW - Mr Coyle's book must be special, Barnes and Noble are selling it for $131.20.... back to the library....

[nibog]

Check out:

helicopterflight.net

(theres no "www", just "helicopterflight.net")

[Heliport]

fernytickles

It is special but, if Barnes and Noble are selling it for $131.20, you could make some money buy buying some and selling them to B & N.
The US price is around $50 incl shipping. :D

[fernytickles]

Heliport - now there's an idea! I could make a penny or two before they cottoned on to the idea... Might be the only way I can make money as I'm not allowed to donate plasma (for which you get $50 a time) being of dubious British stock.

[Shawn Coyle]

I wish I could get $131 for the book!
see www.helobooks.com for a much better price.
(on the other hand if you really, really want to pay that much, we can talk...)

[Aser]

Amazon.com: Learning to Fly Helicopters (9780071577243): R. Padfield: Books (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0071577246/ref=pd_ir_imp4/002-3187013-4840020?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0071577246.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.gif


I think is good.
:ok:

[Whirlygig]

I would go along with Padfield's book as well. Funny, informative and eminently readable.

Cheers

Whirls

[Hobbit]

I think the title says it all really! I've been searching high and low for those exquisite Shawbury P of F notes and it seems the wife has had an early spring clean! Is there anything online, or in print, that matches the short, pithy, clear and succinct style of the CFS notes?
Thanks in advance.

[Gordon Bennet]

Phil Croucher's (paco) new Professional Helicopter Pilot Studies ought to do it - I know 170' has read some of it.

G

[thecontroller]

one word: Wagtendonk

[212man]

AP3456 is available commercially, in sections. I assume it is that P of F section you refer to? Transair used to sell it, but I am not sure they still do. You may find it easiest to contact the 'Editor of AP3456' at Cranwell.

[Cron]

AP 3456

Executive Editor AP3456
Royal Air Force Cranwell
Sleaford
Linconshire
NG34 8HB

Vol1 = pof
vol2 = a/c systems
vol3 = ins
vol4 = avionics
vol5 = a/c ops
vol6 = medical
vol7 = nav
vol8 = maths
vol9 = mag/electric/electronic

[Gordon Bennet]

Wagtendonk is fine if you just want the POF, but it is not compliant enough for the JAA exams, and probably needs updating a bit to cover turbines better. I know a lot of people read it for the exams, but a lot of questions don't come from Wagtendonk.

The AP is not as good as Wagtendonk for POF, and also needs updating, although I can't comment on the weapons chapters!

G

[MD900 Explorer]

Hobbit

Can't help you with the Shawbury notes, but if you take Wagtendonk added with the "Rotorcraft Flying Handbook", FAA publication, mixed with the Pooleys P of F book designed for "PPL-CPL" then i think you will be near the JAR standard for P of F. :{

They are all informative, but i wish firms like "O.A.T" and "bristol.gs" would do an interactive CD-ROM for Helicopter P of F, as there seems to be far too much effing fixed wing stuff out there and not nearly enough rotary educational material available. :mad:

MD :ugh:

[The Ferret]

Have a look at http://www.copters.com/helo_aero.html ! Although not JAA terminology it's not bad!

The Ferret:cool: :cool: :cool:

[Shawn Coyle]

At the risk of putting down another book - the FAA Rotorcraft handbook has several omissions - not one word on range and endurance, for example. It also quite bluntly states that 'autopilots have automatic disengage features in turbulence'.
Beware
What about Prouty's Helicopter Aerodynamics????

[212man]

Oh yeah, some bloke called Shawn Coyle has a book or two you might like to read!

I was so impressed by the first one, I even typed a letter on my (then state of the art) psion 3a to him, congratulating him on filling a gaping hole in the market.

Seriously, you could do a lot worse than looking for a copy of 'the art and science of flying helicopters':ok:

[finalchecksplease]

I second that 212 man, having done my exams years previous I still read his first one (The Art and Science of Flying Helicopters) cover to cover and very impressed with it.
Recommended it to a friend who was about to sit his then CAA exams and his words were: “the first book that clear up those more complex P of F bits and it was paramount in me passing my exam”.

Also it says a lot about a person if he doesn’t plug his own book but recommend another (see above). Don’t get me wrong Prouty’s books are an institution but IMHO Shawn’s book reads easier and that’s a bonus on a sometimes “dry” subject that P of F can be.

[Hiro Protagonist]

A third vote here for modest Mr. Coyle's books, although I think "The Art and Science..." has been superseded by "Cyclic and Collective (http://secure.netsolhost.com/620409.632847/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MB&Product_Code=CC&Category_Code=HeB)"

Very comprehensive and thought provoking.

For "real world" information distilled, I've not seen beter than Paco's, "The Helicopter Pilots Handbook (http://www.helicoptersonly.com/store/index.html?lang=en-us&target=d2.html)", and I think he's got some JAA specific stuff in print as well.

[farmpilot]

Any good books on turbines specific to helicopters?

Thanks in advance

[helilad]

Wagtendonk is the best P of F book available.Read that twice and complete the questions at the end of each chapter and you will have a sound knowledge on how the helicopter flys.Alot of JAA questions use the same terminology as he does.:ok:

[paco]

Helilad - I believe the JAA use his book, but it does need a supplement for the exams, else why do Bristol add a supplement for their military bridging course? As a standalone non-exam book, though, it's good enough - and you do need to read it twice! My own preference for a compact book, if you can get an old copy, is John Fahey's The Helicopter and How It Flies, supplemented, of course, by Shawn's Books!

I would not be at all surprised to hear that the JAA also refer to Rotary Wing Flight, which was distilled from US NAvy material. I will ask them next time I speak.

Farmpilot - PM me for details on such a book.

Phil

[Whirlygig]

I love books and I love flying therefore, books on flying are a bit of an addiction!

However, I have Shawn Coyle's Cyclic and Collective and was wondering if this is essentially a re-write of the earlier Art and Science book or are the different enough to warrant buying that one as well!

Cheers

Whirls

[Rigga]

Try looking for John Fay's The Helicopter, History, Piloting and How it Flies.
Many engineers' basic reading material.

[BigMike]

Ron Newman's book "Helicopters will take you anywhere" is a good book for those starting out. Its written in a straight forward practical style.

http://www.skylines.com.au/product_images/unknown/heli-newman.jpg

Available here: http://www.skylines.com.au/index.php?subheading=21

[Shawn Coyle]

Cyclic and Collective contains all the material from Art and Science, plus a lot more bad jokes (and about 30% more material, plus bigger print size...).
I only wish I made as much money on Art and Science as I see some of the older editions go for on various used book shops...
Phil Croucher's books (and upcoming course) covers all the non-flight mechanics things very very well. Wagtendonk is also pretty good for the piston engine machines (as there are some differences with turbines). Nice diagrams and good explanations.

[Whirlygig]

Thank you Shawn! Actually I like the bad jokes! Even the self-deprecating footnotes!

However, it sounds as if I had better source an old Art & Science anyway; it may be collector's item and a worthy investment!

Cheers

Whirls

[SASless]

I just finished reading "Chopper" by Robert E. Dorr and found it very interesting reading. It is a collection of personal accounts by various pilots from WWII to The War on Terror.

One account of a Vietnam combat flight in a Cobra by Ken Whitley and Robert Cashon is absolutely riveting! They along with their their Scout Pilot, Rod Barber recount the flight where the Cobra gets hit by ground fire, loses all fore/aft cyclic and only retained very slight lateral cyclic control but ultimately made a safe landing at Song Be, a 1st AirCav base camp. The explanation of how they figured out a way to control the aircraft while close to the ground in bad weather, coordinate assistance from an Air Foce FAC aircraft in locating Song Be really shows what a good crew can do under extreme stress.

Those Cats used up eight of their nine lives on that one flight!

[jetflite]

The book on whole has some amazing stories, this one in perticular leave's you very impressed with the skill of the crew.

I'm sure everyone has also read the infamous "Chicken-Hawk" by Robert Mason. If not....then this is a must for any pilot or helicopter lover, It's a fantastic first hand account of the Vietnam War from a Pilot in the 1st Cav.

[Expat Skypilot]

Some more good reads for rotorheads:


Aeroscouts, by Charles Holley

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671760556 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0671760556/qid=1154902278/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/104-6347416-7982346?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)


Dustoff, by Michael J. Novosel (MOH winner, former WW2 B29 pilot!)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0891418024 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0891418024/qid=1154902313/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-6347416-7982346?s=books&v=glance&n=283155)


War Pilot, by Richard C. Kirkland (WW2 fighter pilot who switched to choppers)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345458125 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345458125/ref=ed_oe_p/104-6347416-7982346?ie=UTF8)


All good reads.

[HELOFAN]

Fire Birds by Chuck Carlock is another one that I re-read over and over along with Chicken Hawke, By Robert Mason.

Just great , well written helicopter Non Fiction.


HF

[blave]

I have done some flying with a guy that, while flying helicopters in Vietnam, came to know - or at least indirectly know of - the author of Chickenhawk. The story I got is that it's somewhat more of a collection of war stories that in some cases happened to people *other* than the author, rather than a pure autobiography.
I have no way of determining whether this is true or not, but I respect the pilot that told me these things and thought it was worth a post. FWIW I thoroughly enjoyed the book when I read it many years ago.
cheers,
Dave Blevins

[Rigga]

Even if Chicken Hawk was just a collection of stories (or not?) that wouldn't stop it being a terrific read, and a very well informed and written book.
I knew one pilot who wanted to try the "Spinning around in a Field" trick after reading it!
After I read it, I often thought of what it might have been like on those missions, as I flew many times in a -1H, but no in combat!
A good tribute even if it turns out to be a composite story.

[SASless]

As to Mason's accounts in "Chickenhawk"...a fellow that shared the cockpit with him literally "spits" when he sees the man at the VHPA conventions. It is fore sure a "collection" of other's experiences. He does write a good book until he gets around to singing the "O Poor Me!" chorus at the end.

Mason flew for the 1st Cav in late 65 then was transferred to the 48th Bluestars in '66.

[Old Skool]

For me 'Low Level Hell' is an excellent book, i will go so far as to say...way better than 'ChickenHawk'. I think the author was called Mills. It tells the story of a little bird pilot and some of the accounts are very gripping.

[Bravo73]

SAS,

Have you got an ISBN for the Robert E. Dorr book, please? I can't seem to find it on Amazon...


Thanks

[SASless]

ISBN 0-425-20273-9 published by the Berkley Books Group

I also finished "Beyond Band of Brothers" by Dick Winters.

Add that one to your list.....he was the main character in the PBS special "Band of Brothers". I read it in one go....could not put it down.

[blave]

For me 'Low Level Hell' is an excellent book, i will go so far as to say...way better than 'ChickenHawk'. I think the author was called Mills. It tells the story of a little bird pilot and some of the accounts are very gripping.

Agreed. I have all of the helo pilot memoirs books that I know about, and that is my favorite. Hugh Mills is the author.

Note that he's mentioned (and quoted) several times in the new "LOACH!" book about the OH-6.


dB.

[HELOFAN]

I have not heard of that one & have done some searching on the net for this book.

Can some one do ... or is there already a list of book with stories of helicopter stories?

Better than Chickenhawk, WOW I really love that book so I gotsta get me one of dem.

HF

[Aser]

I also have read low level hell , it's just great
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0891417192/ref=ml_bd/102-7654015-3044955?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155
http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/0891417192.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
This one is also very good
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080411062X/ref=ml_bd/102-7654015-3044955?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155
http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/080411062X.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
I have in my house ready to be read also this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1574885650/ref=ml_bd/102-7654015-3044955?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1574885650.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Regards.

[SASless]

"Roberts Ridge" by MacPherson also provides an excellent account of helicopter combat operations in Afghanistan.

http://www.robertsridge.com/

[Bravo73]

Thanks, SAS.

A copy of 'Chopper: A History of America Military Helicopter Operators from WWII to the War on Terror - Robert F. Dorr' is now on it's way. :ok:

[BigMike]

I read "Low Level Hell" by Hugh Mills recently, and can highly recomend it! Fantastic book.
If you are a 500 fan, then Wayne Mutza's book "Loach, the story of the H-6/Model 500 helicopter" is a must read.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0764323431.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[CopterD]

Having read some these impressive books, I am now looking for a couple of books written by SAR crews (Coast Guard/Civilian/Mil).
Can someone help me with a few titles or are all the good helo-books based on combat ops?
Thanks,
CopterD

[bobjim]

yep, I was wonderin that myself...there's a lot of military stuff out there, but surely there must be some good non-military accounts? Most pilots seem to have at least a few good stories to tell, and some of the older guys could talk your ear off all day...easily enough to fill a book!

[clear to land]

Another highly recomended read is 'Hunter Killer Squadron' edited by Matthew Brennan, which is a collection of stories from Vietnam Helicopter Crews from all operational aspects - Lift, Guns, LOH and Dust-Off. If you can find it its worth the time. :D

[Aser]

CopterD: I have this one in my wish list at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471264369/ref=wl_itt_dp/103-6159578-6393416?%5Fencoding=UTF8&colid=GICJZW3NOIQB&coliid=I2CPBSEMC3Q56I&v=glance&n=283155
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/0471264369.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[heliduck]

For an Australian EMS perspective try "Helicopter Rescue", written by Dr. Ken Wishaw. www.panmacmillan.com.au ISBN 1-4050-3568-4.
I can't comment on the quality yet as it is still in my book backlog.

[SirVivr]

I reccomend a book entitled "Red Bird Down", by Bruce Carlson. He was a Scout Pilot that I followed around, as a Snake Driver on many missions. He and I were roomies for a while.

This is not a "John Wayne" book, but an account of how a young, idealistic, person is changed by the situation.

The now Reverand, Mr. Carlson, was shot down five times before his 21st birthday. Once after. He never completed his 365 due to injuries incured 40 days before his DEROS, in a Jungle Rules volley ball game. That is a unique story on it's own.

He was the Chaplain in Apr, 2006, when the 7/17th was re-activated at Ft. Campbell. We were C Troop. Have to include that.

A great list of books that I will order immediately.

06:00 showup tomorrow.

Cheers,

Chas Alexander

[Stan Switek]

Are there any books out there by the OH-6 pilots that flew in the battle of Mogusishu where Blackhawk Down originated? I read Mike Durant's book. Anyone else?

[Ground flight]

Title self explanatory , books that have changed the way you fly or consolidated what information you already have about aviation .
Just to elaborate its so easy to get a bit stale when your in the job long enough wondering how ppruners keep the edge .(dont laugh)
Thanks in advance .

[griffothefog]

Illusions by Richard Bach.
Inspired me when I was a young crop duster :ok:

[albatross]

Fate is the Hunter - Ernest K Ghann (SP?)

Stranger to the Ground - Richard Bach

Chickenhawk - Richard Mason

My Secret War - Richard S Drewry (SP?)

Rainbow and the Rose - N Shute -

[Ground flight]

Thought I was going to get some smart answers like Lasors or Faraim!Thanks everyone :ok:

[rick1128]

There is a new one out that is interesting. Marine One by James Huston. About a lawyer who has experience as a Marine Helicopter pilot trying a tort case involving the crash of Marine One.

[bb in ca]

One Hell of a Ride: How Craig Dobbin Built the World's Largest Helicopter Company

(The family of helicopter companies under Canadian Helicopters or CHC)

By: John Lawrence Reynolds

I thought this was an excellent read.

[windowseatplease]

Debt Advice Handbook: Amazon.co.uk: Peter Madge: Books (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Debt-Advice-Handbook-Peter-Madge/dp/1906076219/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256317413&sr=1-5)

[VeeAny]

I've just bought APACHE to read while on holiday.

[carholme]

Nevil Shute:

- No Highway

- In The Wet

- Round The Bend


Regards

carholme

[Heli-Ice]

How pruners keep the edge?

Read Hustler magazine :}

[Dantruck]

The Naked Pilot

by David Beaty


Amazon.com: Naked Pilot: The Human Factor in Aircraft Accidents (9781853104824): David Beaty: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Pilot-Factor-Aircraft-Accidents/dp/1853104825)

Dan

[JTobias]

Fatal Traps for Helicopter Pilots (http://www.fataltraps.com/)

Joel

Also:-

Apache - Ed Macy
Apache Dawn - Damien Lewis
Low Level Hell - Hugh Mills
Hellfire - Ed Macy

[albatross]

Landfall

Pastoral

Both by Nevil Shute as well as his autobiography "Sliderule" are also nice reads.

I think "Fate is the Hunter" and "Stranger to the Ground" should be required reading for all student pilots - helicopter or fixed wing.

[KNIEVEL77]

I'm still trying to get my hands on Principles of Helicopter Flight by Jean Pierre Harrison if anyone knows of one for sale please?

[TheVelvetGlove]

Wind, Sand and Stars- by Antoine de Saint Exupery

[Teglen]

Wind, Sand and Stars- by Antoine de Saint Exupery

Fabulous book, true raw adventure.

[tigerfish]

"Hammerheads" by Dale Brown. First published in 1990 about drug counter diction and featuring the V22 Osprey, long before that aircraft ever flew.

A superb author about aviation, and one who often predicted world events. Sadly later became much too Sci Fi & lost it.

tigerfish

[JTobias]

How about......

Rich Man Poor Man - the riches to rags story of a Jet Ranger owner.;)

Joel

[heli1]

Look out for "Alan Bristow..Helicopter Pioneer "...his autobiography being released in November and available from The Helicopter Museum at around £25.00 plus P and P. A "Must Read" for Christmas I reckon .
Already got my order in !

[Heliport]

By the end of the first chapter, I was gripped and eagre to read more. By the end of the book, I didn’t know if I would have liked him or loathed him but I was sure of one thing: I wish I’d met him.
‘Alan Bristow: Helicopter Pioneer’ tells the story of an extraordinary man's extraordinary life.

http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/images/jackets/2386.jpg

As everyone who worked for Bristow Helicopters in his day has told me, the ‘Old Man’ was an almost mythical figure, sometimes frightening, bombastic, capricious, unpredictable, sometimes generous and forgiving, but always a one-man show, able to do any job in the company from writing the contracts to flying the helicopters to maintaining the engines and even sweeping the hangar floor.

Aged 16 the day war broke out, Bristow joined the Merchant Navy. Two ships were sunk under him before he ran away to join the Fleet Air Arm and learned to fly on Cornells and Harvards in Canada.

Diverted to helicopters against his will, he went on to become Westland Aircraft’s first helicopter test pilot working under the great Harald Penrose. Characteristically, he was sacked after knocking out the sales manager, picking him up by the ears and banging his head against the wall.

Bristow flew Hillers in North Africa and had many crashes, then went to Indochina where he won the Croix de Guerre evacuating wounded French soldiers under fire.

He fell in with some ex-SS mercenaries who were leaving the Foreign Legion to go whaling and sold helicopter services to Aristotle Onassis who had a pirate fleet in the Antarctic. Bristow had many narrow squeaks, including landing an iced-up Hiller on an iceberg when it would fly no more.

His big break came in 1955 when he met Douglas Bader, then managing Shell’s aviation assets, and began supplying oil rigs in the Persian Gulf using piston-engined Whirlwinds. Bristow clearly loved the camaraderie of the campfire and kept flying in Bolivia until the late 1950s, but when Freddie Laker bought Bristow Helicopters on behalf of Air Holdings Ltd in 1960, Bristow was already a tax exile in Bermuda.

During the 1960s the company expanded across the world and launched the North Sea services which it was eventually to dominate, with Bristow at the helm except for a three-year secondment as CEO of BUA.

Ousted by Lord Cayzer in an argument over a Board position for the son of the Indonesian President, Bristow launched a takeover for Westland Helicopters, which led to the famous ‘Westland Affair’. Bristow’s insider take on the political events of the time is particularly fascinating – the book says he was twice offered a knighthood to switch sides.

Perhaps the man himself sums up the flavour of the book in part of his own summary: “I have drunk champagne with billionaires in the best hotels in the world and hauled my men out of some of the seediest whorehouses in South America. I have been court-martialled for desertion and awarded the Croix de Guerre and the Order of the British Empire. I have triumphed in shipboard brawls which would have appalled the Marquis of Queensbury and have represented my country at four-in-hand carriage driving with the Duke of Edinburgh. I have put a lot of backs up and disjointed a lot of noses, physically and metaphorically, and in an era when most companies are controlled by risk-averse men in suits shuffling other people’s money and creaming off their cut, my way of doing business is perhaps an anachronism. But by God, it was fun while it lasted!”
Full of adventure and humour, a great life properly celebrated. Very well written - not surprising because it was co-written with Patrick Malone who is a superb aviation writer and also an enthusiastic pilot.
Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in the helicopter industry. :ok:
.

[R22_EGNH]

Just ordered myself a copy of "Professional Helicopter Pilot Studies - JAA" the new colour version, it was highly recommended by a friend in the industry.

[Dave_Jackson]

For those who like reading, the 32-page booklet 'The Luftwaffe Profile Series No. 6 ~ Flettner FL 282' (http://uploading.com/files/get/9WXPLUML/) can be read on the Internet, or downloaded for future reading.

It is probably the most interesting story ever written in English on the Flettner FL 282. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about this remarkable craft.


Dave

[EN48]

Armed Action by James Newton: 847 Naval Air Squadron operations in Iraq featuring Lynx and Gazelle;

The Night Stalkers by Michael Durant & Steven Hartov: U. S. Army 160th SOAR(A) mission stories featuring AH6/MH6, Blackhawk, and Chinook

Both good reads! :ok:

[nuggets]

Hello guys, any new aero-d' books in the recent years worth having a look at?

[Chugalug2]

Thanks for bringing this thread back to life, Nuggets. I don't know whether my recommendation ticks your particular box, but it should do for anyone who cares about airworthiness whether rotary or fixed wing. It is Their Greatest Disgrace by David Hill, and is available from that familiar small South American stream in either paper or ebook format:-

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Their-Greatest-Disgrace-campaign-Chinook/dp/1526204460/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1476097879&sr=1-1

The crash that killed all 29 occupants of Chinook ZD576 was some 22 years ago and most of the time since then was spent in getting the RAF Very Senior Reviewing Officers' ruling of pilot gross negligence successfully reversed. What had emerged was that the Chinook Mk2's had been released into RAF service in a knowingly grossly unairworthy condition. The reason for that is revealed in the book. It further reveals a cover up that continues to this day, and which still prevents the proper reform of UK Military Airworthiness. I highly recommend it.

[Old Farang]

Hello guys, any new aero-d' books in the recent years worth having a look at?
I recently bought the following. Advertised as a workshop manual, but it is actually a comprehensive account of the development and use of the Merlin engine used in the Spitfire and many other aircraft. Most informative book.

Rolls Royce Merlin, Owners Workshop Manual
ISBN 978 0 85733 758 0

[Old Farang]

There is also a Haynes manual for the Sea King, but I do not have it yet. If it is anything like the Merlin book, it should be a good read.

Westland Sea King Owners' Workshop Manual: 1988 onwards (HU Mk.5 SAR model) - An insight into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the Royal Navy's life-saving SAR helicopter

Publisher: Haynes Publishing UK, 2015
ISBN 10: 0857335057 ISBN 13: 9780857335050
Hardcover

[[email protected]]

Chugalug - I am reading it now and it is very well written - perhaps the author is a ppruner methinks - a damning criticism of many senior RAF officers who I was led to believe had the highest standards of integrity but clearly failed in their duties.