Helicopter Flying Handbook
The knowledge and maneuver reference for helicopter pilots — rotor aerodynamics, systems, flight controls, and helicopter-specific emergencies.
About this document
The Helicopter Flying Handbook is the FAA's primary reference for rotorcraft-helicopter pilots. It parallels the Airplane Flying Handbook but for the unique aerodynamics and handling of helicopters.
It covers rotor aerodynamics, helicopter systems and flight controls, the flight maneuvers from hovering through approaches and confined-area operations, and helicopter-specific emergencies such as autorotation, settling with power (vortex ring state), retreating blade stall, and dynamic rollover.
It supports the Private, Commercial, and Instructor certificates in the rotorcraft-helicopter category and class.
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Take a free practice test →FAA-H-8083-21 is an official FAA publication in the public domain. We host a copy so you can read it in-browser; always confirm you are reading the current edition on faa.gov. The description above is an original summary and is a study aid, not a substitute for the document or the regulations.