When it comes to understanding and mastering the art of flying helicopters, having the right resources at your fingertips is essential. Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, a seasoned aviator, or simply fascinated by rotorcraft, the following list of the top 10 best books about Helicopters is your go-to guide for the best literature in the field. These books offer a blend of practical knowledge, historical insight, and fascinating stories that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of Helicopters.

Dive into the World of Helicopters with These Must-Read Books

If you’re passionate about Helicopters or looking to enhance your skills and knowledge in this thrilling field, these books are carefully selected to provide you with the essential information you need. From instructional manuals to thrilling escape stories, this list has something for everyone interested in the versatile world of helicopters.

Author: Mark Sullivan

Mark Sullivan is an aviation enthusiast and former helicopter pilot with over 20 years of experience. He has a passion for educating others about rotorcraft and the aviation industry.


10. The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter

Author: Vivian Gussin Paley
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 4
Category: Helicopters

The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter is a unique take on how a child’s imagination can be both a powerful and educational tool. While not a technical manual, this book offers a profound narrative on childhood development through the lens of helicopter fascination.

Why You’ll Love It:
This book is perfect for those who appreciate a psychological perspective on the fascination with helicopters. It’s a touching story that will resonate with both aviation enthusiasts and those interested in child psychology.

Fun Fact:
Vivian Gussin Paley is a MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, known for her pioneering work in early childhood education.

The Boy Who Would Be a Helicopter

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9. Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter (Library of Flight)

Author: Ray D Leoni
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 42
Category: Helicopters

This book offers an in-depth look at the development and history of the Black Hawk helicopter, one of the most iconic rotorcraft ever built. Ray D Leoni’s Black Hawk is a must-read for anyone interested in military aviation and helicopter design.

Why We Chose It:
The detailed account of the engineering and development challenges behind the Black Hawk makes this book a valuable resource for those interested in the technical aspects of helicopters.

Fun Fact:
The Black Hawk helicopter has been in service since 1979 and is still used by militaries around the world, a testament to its robust design.

Black Hawk: The Story of a World Class Helicopter (Library of Flight)

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8. The 10-Second Jailbreak: The Helicopter Escape of Joel David Kaplan

Author: Eliot Asinof
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 9
Category: Helicopters

This thrilling book recounts the daring escape of Joel David Kaplan from a Mexican prison via helicopter. The 10-Second Jailbreak is an edge-of-your-seat read that showcases the audacity and ingenuity involved in one of the most famous helicopter escapes in history.

Why You’ll Love It:
The book’s gripping narrative and detailed recounting of the jailbreak make it a must-read for those who love true crime and aviation history.

Fun Fact:
The escape was so bold that it inspired a movie adaptation titled Breakout starring Charles Bronson.

The 10-Second Jailbreak: The Helicopter Escape of Joel David Kaplan

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7. Private Pilot Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-15) Plus Companion Guide for Pilots

Author: U.S. Department of Transportation
Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 1
Category: Helicopters

This official guide by the U.S. Department of Transportation is essential for anyone pursuing a private pilot license for helicopters. It outlines the standards required to earn certification, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring helicopter pilots.

Why We Chose It:
Its official status and comprehensive coverage of certification standards make this book an indispensable tool for pilots working towards their helicopter rating.

Fun Fact:
The FAA continuously updates its certification standards, ensuring that pilots are trained according to the latest industry practices.

Private Pilot Rotorcraft Category Helicopter Rating Airman Certification Standards

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6. Helicopter Flying Handbook: FAA-H-8083-21B

Author: Federal Aviation Administration
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 147
Category: Helicopters

The Helicopter Flying Handbook is an essential manual for anyone learning to fly helicopters. Published by the FAA, this book covers the basics of helicopter aerodynamics, flight maneuvers, and emergency procedures, making it a must-have for student pilots.

Why You’ll Love It:
Its clear, well-structured content provides a solid foundation for helicopter flight training. The book is written in a way that makes complex concepts accessible, even for beginners.

Fun Fact:
This handbook is widely used in helicopter flight schools across the United States and is considered a primary resource for helicopter pilot training.

Helicopter Flying Handbook: FAA-H-8083-21B

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5. Helicopter Maneuvers Manual: A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide to Performing All Helicopter Flight Operations

Author: Ryan Dale
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 134
Category: Helicopters

Ryan Dale’s Helicopter Maneuvers Manual is a detailed guide for helicopter pilots at all levels. This book provides step-by-step instructions and illustrations for performing a wide range of helicopter maneuvers, making it an invaluable resource for enhancing your flying skills.

Why You’ll Love It:
The clear illustrations and detailed explanations make complex maneuvers easier to understand and execute, making this book perfect for both new pilots and those looking to refine their skills.

Fun Fact:
Ryan Dale is a highly experienced helicopter pilot and instructor, known for his ability to break down complex flight maneuvers into easy-to-follow steps.

Helicopter Maneuvers Manual: A Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide to Performing All Helicopter Flight Operations

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4. Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook FAA-H-8083-4 (Color Print): Pilot Flight Training Study Guide

Author: U.S. Department of Transportation
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 10
Category: Helicopters

This official FAA handbook is designed specifically

for helicopter instructors. It covers essential teaching methods, safety protocols, and instructional techniques, making it a crucial resource for those training the next generation of helicopter pilots.

Why We Chose It:
Its focus on instructional techniques and safety makes it a must-read for any helicopter flight instructor or those aspiring to become one.

Fun Fact:
The FAA’s Instructor’s Handbook is one of the most widely used resources in helicopter flight training programs across the United States.

Helicopter Instructor's Handbook FAA-H-8083-4 (Color Print): Pilot Flight Training Study Guide

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3. Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22

Author: U.S. Department of Transportation
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 104
Category: Helicopters

Though focused on unmanned aircraft systems, this guide is essential for those interested in expanding their knowledge of remotely piloted helicopters. It covers everything needed to pass the FAA’s remote pilot certification exam, making it a critical resource for modern pilots.

Why You’ll Love It:
The book’s comprehensive coverage of remote piloting, combined with its relevance to the fast-growing field of unmanned systems, makes it indispensable for anyone looking to broaden their aviation knowledge.

Fun Fact:
The FAA expects the number of certified remote pilots to exceed traditional pilots in the near future, reflecting the rapid growth of unmanned aerial systems.

Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22

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2. Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Airplane Rating and Helicopter Rating (FAA-S-8081-9E)

Author: U.S. Department of Transportation
Rating: ★★★★★ (5.0/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 3
Category: Helicopters

This FAA guide provides the official practical test standards for flight instructors seeking an instrument rating for airplanes and helicopters. It’s a key resource for instructors preparing their students for the instrument rating exam.

Why We Chose It:
Its comprehensive coverage of test standards ensures that both instructors and students are well-prepared for the certification process.

Fun Fact:
Instrument ratings are among the most challenging certifications for pilots to obtain, requiring a high level of precision and skill.

Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards (PTS) for Airplane Rating and Helicopter Rating

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1. Helicopter Study Guide: A Practical Review for the Checkride

Author: Bradley J. Fenster
Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 stars)
Number of Ratings: 9
Category: Helicopters

This practical study guide is designed to help pilots pass the helicopter checkride with flying colors. It covers key areas of the checkride, providing clear, concise information that will boost your confidence and preparedness.

Why You’ll Love It:
The guide’s focus on practical, real-world scenarios makes it an invaluable resource for pilots preparing for their checkride.

Fun Fact:
The checkride is a comprehensive evaluation that tests a pilot’s ability to handle emergency procedures, advanced maneuvers, and in-flight decision-making under pressure.

Helicopter Study Guide: A Practical Review for the Checkride

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Unlock the World of Helicopters with These Top Picks

Whether you’re training for your next flight exam, interested in the technical aspects of rotorcraft, or simply looking to explore fascinating helicopter stories, these top 10 books offer invaluable insights into the world of Helicopters. Enhance your knowledge and skills by diving into these expert-recommended reads.

Check out some more Top10 categories www.top10books.org



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