This series of textbooks and supplements for pilots, student pilots, aviation instructors, and aviation specialists provides information on every topic needed to qualify for and excel in the field of aviation. Most FAA Knowledge Exams’ questions are taken directly from the information presented in these texts.
Written for applicants preparing for the private, commercial, or flight instructor certificate with a helicopter or gyroplane class rating, this guide covers both aeronautical knowledge and skill for operating rotorcraft vehicles. It is also a valuable tool for flight instructors as a teaching aid. This is the Basic Helicopter Handbook (Advisory Circular 61-13B) updated and renamed. This is FAA handbook FAA-H-8083-21.
This book gives the reader a solid chunk of knowledge that would help those beginning their flying careers or a quick overview of certain specifics for pilots.
This is your typical FAA manual. Having spent time as a flight instructor, I'd say that's about the most accurate way to put it. As an editor, I found some editing problems (for instance, on page 1-4, the last line is repeated in the paragraph on rotor configurations, and in the first paragraph in Chapter 2, the description of what is seen in Figure 2-1 is not in accord with what Figure 2-1 actually shows). Another thing I found a bit disconcerting was the use of terms that had not been defined, and even references to parts of the helicopter that are never shown in a diagram.
But, those in the know also know that the contents of this book are what the FAA bases their knowledge test upon, so if you're planning on learning to fly a helicopter, it's a good idea to own this book.