The Jean-Pierre Harrison book isn't that hard to find - last time I was shopping for books, I found 5 or 6 copies at sensible prices. Just do some digging on t'intertubes - try the usual suspects (Amazon, fleabay, Abebooks, etc). Harrison is an excellent read!

Not only do I agree with birddog that Rotorcraft Flying Handbook is a good resource, it's free online on the FAA's web site:

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/a...-h-8083-21.pdf

I've spent ages searching the net for it and can't find it in the UK or abroad......one day one will pop up on Ebay i'm sure!

In the meantime can anyone recommend any other 'must have' books for a student currently training for their PPL(H)?

Here are some the books I currently own:

Pooley's Helicopter Manual (Principles of Flight) H R Quantick
Official Robinson R22 Pilot's Handbook
Official Robinson Flight Training Guide
Robinson R22 Information Manual
Robinson R22 A Pilot's Guide John Swan
The Helicopter Pilot's Manual Volumes 1 and 2 Norman Bailey
Helicopter Flight Training Manual Transport Canada
Rotary Wing Flight Nicholas Ean
The Private Helicopters Guide Steven Sparrow
The Helicopter Pilot's Companion Helen Krasner
Flying the Robinson R22 David Dixon DVD
Official Robinson R22/44 Safety Awareness DVD

Shawn

If I can remeber I'll gladly PM you.

Just to be clear my comment is not a criticism, I think that your book is just pitched at a level I hadn't achieved when I first read it. I think if you tried to make it into 'Then Janet and John' Book of helicopters it would ruin it.

If it aint broke don't fix it,.

Cheers

GS

Not exactly a book, but a "must read" IMHO: the NTSB, CAA, etc accident reports, at least for the make/model you are flying, and similar (such as all light helicopters) if you can stand it. A humbling and instructive use of time. Also the FAA Special Report on the R22/R44 published mid 90's.

EN48,

I bought the R22 Safety Awareness DVD direct from Robinson and it has been suggested to me that I shouldn't watch it until i'm well through my training as it might put me off flying altogether! :eek:

K77.

At the risk of starting another war, and obviously I have an interest in this, but the FAA Rotorcraft Handbook has a lot of errors and a very poor buildup of information. It's currently in re-write, from what I understand.

Yea id agree there aswel, i walked out of the room after seeing the bit of the R22 coming down in the UK somewere due to carb ice.. Thou it does open your eyes!

How much is that DVD K77?

Davy,

It's $30 plus shipping direct from Robinson although i'm sure Transair or Flightstore will sell them......or no doubt you could get a 'copy' from Fleabay!

There's always kind enough people out there who will give you a copy of Robinson safety DVD cheap :ok:

This is the ostrich method of training. What you dont know can still hurt you.

Not sure from your post if you are familiar with the NTSB accident database. This lists every US R22 and R44 accident (more thna 400 IIRC), with supporting details, and in most cases, a probable cause. Far more useful, IMO, than the Robinson video (which is still definitely worth watching more than once). Google NTSB aviation database for a link.

At the risk of restarting a war, the R22 is perhaps the MOST demanding light civilian helo in the fleet. It is in your best interest to find out as much as possible about this acft (assuming you are training in it.) The R44 is less demanding, but shares certain characteristics.

I've ended up with cyclic and collective, at least for starters.

Haven't started it yet as been out flying my flexwing microlight the weather is so nice.

Thanks for the input

david

I've just started to read the Wagtendonk book.......is it me or have other 'trainees' found the book hard going? :{

Can anyone suggest a more easier read for students? :O

Yea i found it a bit hard aswel when i first opened it but i battered on through it and understood it more as i read on, excellent book thou, keep at it!

Cheers Davy!

I still can't find that Jean-Pierre Harrison book ANYWHERE!

In the US the Robinson R22 Awareness DVD has to be watched before you start flying the thing.

I don't see the need for a PPL(H) student to read every book on the market.

Cyclic and Collective is my preferred one (although a bit advanced for the beginner at some points)

I keep asking Jean-Pierre to republish his book but he is too busy. If I find any I will stock them and let you guys know of the availability.

phil

PPL Books
 

I see Capt Phil isn't going to push his own superb PPL manual, so I'll do it! I'd have to say having read the initial copy while in draft ... I rate it as highly as Shawn Coyle's excellent item and ditto the infamous AP 129 of my RAF days. Buying both has to be a good idea.

Just a side note from one of the COFs in this business. Who remembers the Royal Air Force's way of promoting AP 129? As a randy youngster, I well recall the busty bombshell Diana Dors holding the AP 123 manual to her ample bosom. Underneath was the caption. "AP129 covers everything!"

Ah ... golden days.

Happy new year to everyone.

Dennis K

Reference Book for Helicopter Flying
 

Hello folks, just wondering if anyone could give advice on a book I can read on heli flying. I been reading the one with Wagtendonk and sure it is good stuff. Principles of Helicopter Flying is really good one. I need to know other book(s) so I could buy it without having to go through the whole library. Thanks guys.

For My ATPL(H) I found chicken Hawk helped the most !! And that was a good few years ago now.