Helicopter Flying Handbook (2025)

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This handbook FAA-H-8083-21B is current in 2025.

The FAA’s Helicopter Flying Handbook introduces the skills and knowledge essential for piloting helicopters. It benefits student pilots just beginning their aviation endeavors, as well as pilots preparing for additional certificates and ratings or who want to improve their flying proficiency, and flight instructors engaged in teaching pilots of all skill levels.

This handbook provides information and guidance on the procedures and maneuvers required for pilot certification. In addition to a basic introduction to the helicopter, readers will find chapters on aerodynamics, flight controls, components and systems, the rotorcraft flight manual, weight and balance, performance, ground procedures, basic and advanced flight maneuvers, emergencies and hazards, attitude instrument flying and night operations.

The Helicopter Flying Handbook is the official FAA source for learning to fly helicopters and is a primary reference for the FAA Knowledge Exams. Complete with chapter summaries and illustrated throughout with detailed, full-color drawings and photographs. It also includes a comprehensive glossary and index.

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