Best Helicopters Books of 2025

The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25B (Color Print) is a must-have for any pilot, from beginners to those pursuing advanced certificates. This updated FAA handbook covers a broad range of topics, including aircraft construction, flight controls, weather theory, and aeromedical factors. The book also includes addenda issued in 2021 and 2022 and is printed in color. This comprehensive guide provides essential knowledge for pilots and is an excellent resource for flight training. Overall, this book is highly recommended for anyone interested in aviation.

The Aviation Instructor's Handbook FAA-H-8083-9B is a comprehensive guide designed for aviation instructors, both experienced and novice. The handbook provides up-to-date information on learning and teaching, making it an essential tool for improving effectiveness in training activities. The Flight Standards Service, Airman Testing Standards Branch, in cooperation with aviation educators and industry, developed the book to help instructors understand and apply the fundamentals of instruction. With its color print, it is easy to read and provides a wealth of information on aeronautical knowledge and skills for learners. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone involved in aviation education.

The Helicopter Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-21B is the official technical manual for individuals preparing for private, commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter class rating. This handbook provides detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls, systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision-making. It also serves as a valuable training aid for certificated flight instructors. The book is printed in color, has 201 pages, and was released in 2019. Overall, the Helicopter Flying Handbook is an essential resource for anyone looking to become a helicopter pilot or instructor.

The Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is the official guide to the FAA's aeronautical charts and publications. It is an essential tool for pilots, both new and experienced, as it explains the VFR and IFR air navigation charts used in training, planning, enroute, approaches, and taxiing. The guide contains 129 pages and covers VFR Charting Products, IFR Enroute Charts, and Terminal Procedure Publications. This edition renews every 56 days and has an effective date of 08 September 2022. Overall, this guide is a valuable resource for pilots and is unique in its comprehensive coverage of all aeronautical charts and publications.

This FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Instrument Rating is an essential guidebook for pilots seeking to obtain or maintain their instrument rating. The 247-page handbook is designed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Flight Standards Service and supersedes the previous version dated 2005. It is intended for use by AKT ODA Holders and other entities authorized to administer airman knowledge tests on behalf of the FAA. The book covers various knowledge areas, including Instrument Rating for airplane, rotorcraft/helicopter, powered lift and foreign pilot, among others. The full-color print and comprehensive content make it a valuable resource for pilots.

The Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide by Ryan Dale is an excellent study tool for aspiring helicopter pilots who want to prepare for their oral exams. This second edition has been updated to reflect the latest regulations and procedures. The book is arranged in a question-and-answer format, listing the questions most likely to be asked by examiners and providing succinct, ready responses. What makes this book unique is that it serves as a supplement to ASA’s Oral Exam Guide Series, preparing students for the oral portion of their private, instrument, commercial, flight instructor, or ATP helicopter checkride. Overall, this is a valuable resource for helicopter pilots looking to pass exams and reach their flying goals.

The AC 00-6B Aviation Weather Advisory Circular is a reference book that has been canceled as of December 22, 2022. It has been replaced by the new FAA-H-8083-28 Aviation Weather Handbook. This book is categorized as an Airports Book and provides insight into aviation weather for pilots. The book is no longer available, but the new edition is an updated version of the previous one and is a valuable resource for pilots. It is a comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of aviation weather and provides practical information for pilots to make informed decisions while flying.

This updated handbook, titled "Principles of Helicopter Flight," provides a comprehensive understanding of the aerodynamics of helicopter flight. Unlike other aviation manuals, it explains the physics and principles behind helicopter maneuvers and design, providing pilots with a solid foundation for making in-flight decisions. Written by W. J. Wagtendonk, a retired flight instructor and former pilot in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, this book is a valuable resource for helicopter pilots of all levels. The inclusion of the latest FAA procedures and discussions on NOTAR systems and high-altitude operations make this book unique. Overall, a must-read for any aspiring or experienced helicopter pilot.

The AC 00-45H Aviation Weather Services Advisory Circular (Change 1 & 2) is a comprehensive guide to U.S. aviation weather products and services. It covers traditional weather products and the latest weather information and capabilities to help pilots and operators plan safe and efficient flights. The publication supplements its companion manual, AC 00-6, Aviation Weather, which covers weather theory and its application to aviation. While this AC is being superseded by the new Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28, it remains a valuable resource for those seeking to understand U.S. aviation weather.

The Helicopter Maneuvers Manual is an excellent resource for those learning to fly helicopters or for flight instructors looking to improve their teaching methods. Written by Ryan Dale, a helicopter Certified Flight Instructor, this guide offers a step-by-step illustrated approach to performing all helicopter flight operations. The full-color illustrations and textual explanations make it easy to visualize concepts learned in flight training and incorporate the Practical Test Standards into every maneuver. The book is applicable to all helicopter models, including the popular Robinson R22. Overall, this comprehensive guide is an essential tool for any flight bag.