of
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`FAA-H-8083-21
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`Rotorcraft
`Flying Handbook
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`: Administration
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`DJI-1015
`IPR2023-01 104
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`DJI-1015
`IPR2023-01104
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`

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`ROTORCRAFT FLYING
`HANDBOOK
`
`2000
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
`FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
`Flight Standards Service
`
`

`

`ii
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`

`

`PREFACE
`The Rotorcraft Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for their pri-
`vate, commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter or gyroplane class rating. Certificated flight
`instructors may find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls,
`systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision making is included. Topics, such
`as weather, navigation, radio navigation and communications, use of flight information publications, and regula-
`tions are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
`
`This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different
`ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in the explanations
`of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept to flying helicopters
`and gyroplanes. The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles.
`Occasionally, the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of
`such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal
`Regulations (14 CFR). This handbook is divided into two parts. The first part, chapters 1 through 14, covers
`helicopters, and the second part, chapters 15 through 22, covers gyroplanes. The glossary and index apply to
`both parts.
`
`It is essential for persons using this handbook to also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR
`and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Performance standards for demonstrating competence required
`for pilot certification are prescribed in the appropriate rotorcraft practical test standard.
`
`This handbook supersedes Advisory Circular (AC) 61-13B, Basic Helicopter Handbook, dated 1978. In addition,
`all or part of the information contained in the following advisory circulars are included in this handbook: AC 90-
`87, Helicopter Dynamic Rollover; AC 90-95, Unanticipated Right Yaw in Helicopters; AC 91-32B, Safety in and
`around Helicopters; and AC 91-42D, Hazards of Rotating Propeller and Helicopter Rotor Blades.
`
`This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office
`(GPO), Washington, DC 20402-9325, or from U.S. Government Bookstores located in major cities throughout the
`United States.
`
`The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge
`codes for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the Flight Standards Services web site at
`http://av-info.faa.gov.
`
`Comments regarding this handbook should be sent to U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation
`Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.
`
`AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars and other flight infor-
`mation publications. This checklist is free of charge and may be obtained by sending a request to U.S. Department
`of Transportation, Subsequent Distribution Office, SVC-121.23, Ardmore East Business Center, 3341 Q 75th
`Avenue, Landover, MD 20785.
`
`AC00-2 also is available on the Internet at http://www.faa.gov/abc/ac-chklst/actoc.htm.
`
`iii
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`

`iv
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`

`CONTENTS
`
`HELICOPTER
`Chapter 1—Introduction to the Helicopter
`The Main Rotor System ..........................................1-1
`Fully Articulated Rotor System ..........................1-1
`Semirigid Rotor System......................................1-2
`Rigid Rotor System ............................................1-2
`Antitorque Systems .................................................1-2
`Tail Rotor ............................................................1-2
`Fenestron.............................................................1-2
`NOTAR® ............................................................1-2
`Landing Gear...........................................................1-2
`Powerplant...............................................................1-3
`Flight Controls.........................................................1-3
`
`Chapter 2—General Aerodynamics
`Airfoil ......................................................................2-1
`Relative Wind .....................................................2-2
`Blade Pitch Angle ...............................................2-2
`Angle of Attack...................................................2-2
`Lift ...........................................................................2-3
`Magnus Effect.....................................................2-3
`Bernoulli’s Principle ...........................................2-3
`Newton’s Third Law of Motion..........................2-4
`Weight......................................................................2-4
`Thrust.......................................................................2-5
`Drag .........................................................................2-5
`Profile Drag ........................................................2-5
`Induced Drag ......................................................2-5
`Parasite Drag.......................................................2-6
`Total Drag ...........................................................2-6
`
`Chapter 3—Aerodynamics of Flight
`Powered Flight ........................................................3-1
`Hovering Flight .......................................................3-1
`Translating Tendency or Drift.............................3-1
`Pendular Action ..................................................3-2
`Coning.................................................................3-2
`Coriolis Effect (Law of Conservation of
`Angular Momentum) ..........................................3-2
`Ground Effect .....................................................3-3
`Gyroscopic Precession........................................3-4
`Vertical Flight ..........................................................3-4
`Forward Flight.........................................................3-5
`Translational Lift ................................................3-5
`Induced Flow ......................................................3-6
`Transverse Flow Effect .......................................3-6
`Dissymmetry of Lift ...........................................3-6
`Sideward Flight .......................................................3-8
`Rearward Flight.......................................................3-8
`Turning Flight..........................................................3-8
`Autorotation.............................................................3-8
`Autorotation (Vertical Flight) .............................3-9
`Autorotation (Forward Flight) ..........................3-11
`
`Chapter 4—Helicopter Flight Controls
`Collective Pitch Control ..........................................4-1
`Throttle Control.......................................................4-1
`Collective Pitch / Throttle Coordination .................4-2
`Correlator / Governor ..............................................4-2
`Cyclic Pitch Control ................................................4-2
`Antitorque Pedals ....................................................4-3
`Heading Control..................................................4-3
`
`Chapter 5—Helicopter Systems
`Engines ....................................................................5-1
`Reciprocating Engine..........................................5-1
`Turbine Engine....................................................5-1
`Compressor.....................................................5-2
`Combustion Chamber.....................................5-2
`Turbine ...........................................................5-2
`Transmission System...............................................5-3
`Main Rotor Transmission ...................................5-3
`Tail Rotor Drive System .....................................5-3
`Clutch..................................................................5-4
`Centrifugal Clutch..........................................5-4
`Belt Drive Clutch ...........................................5-4
`Freewheeling Unit..........................................5-4
`Main Rotor System .................................................5-4
`Fully Articulated Rotor System ..........................5-4
`Semirigid Rotor System......................................5-5
`Rigid Rotor System ............................................5-5
`Combination Rotor Systems...............................5-5
`Swash Plate Assembly ........................................5-5
`Fuel Systems ...........................................................5-6
`Fuel Supply System ............................................5-6
`Engine Fuel Control System...............................5-6
`Reciprocating Engines ...................................5-7
`Carburetor ..................................................5-7
`Carburetor Ice ............................................5-7
`Fuel Injection.............................................5-8
`Turbine Engines .............................................5-8
`Electrical Systems ...................................................5-8
`Hydraulics ...............................................................5-9
`Stability Augmentations Systems..........................5-10
`Autopilot................................................................5-10
`Environmental Systems.........................................5-10
`Anti-Icing Systems ................................................5-11
`
`Chapter 6—Rotorcraft Flight Manual (Helicopter)
`Preliminary Pages....................................................6-1
`General Information ................................................6-1
`Operating Limitations .............................................6-1
`Airspeed Limitation ............................................6-1
`Altitude Limitations............................................6-2
`Rotor Limitations................................................6-2
`
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`Powerplant Limitations.......................................6-2
`Weight and Loading Distribution .......................6-2
`Flight Limitations ...............................................6-3
`Placards...............................................................6-3
`Emergency Procedures ............................................6-3
`Normal Procedures ..................................................6-3
`Performance.............................................................6-3
`Weight and Balance.................................................6-4
`Aircraft and Systems Description ...........................6-4
`Handling, Servicing, and Maintenance ...................6-4
`Supplements ............................................................6-4
`Safety and Operational Tips ....................................6-4
`
`Chapter 7—Weight and Balance
`Weight......................................................................7-1
`Basic Empty Weight ...........................................7-1
`Useful Load ........................................................7-1
`Payload................................................................7-1
`Gross Weight.......................................................7-1
`Maximum Gross Weight.....................................7-1
`Weight Limitations .............................................7-1
`Determining Empty Weight ................................7-1
`Balance ....................................................................7-2
`Center of Gravity ................................................7-2
`CG Forward of Forward Limit.......................7-2
`CG Aft of Aft Limit .......................................7-2
`Lateral Balance ...................................................7-3
`Weight and Balance Calculations............................7-3
`Reference Datum ................................................7-3
`Arm .....................................................................7-4
`Moment...............................................................7-4
`Center of Gravity Computation ..........................7-4
`Weight and Balance Methods..................................7-4
`Computational Method .......................................7-4
`Loading Chart Method........................................7-5
`Sample Problem 1 ..........................................7-5
`Sample Problem 2 ..........................................7-5
`Sample Problem 3 ..........................................7-6
`Combination Method ..........................................7-6
`Calculating Lateral CG .......................................7-7
`
`Chapter 8—Performance
`Factors Affecting Performance................................8-1
`Density Altitude ..................................................8-1
`Atmospheric Pressure .........................................8-1
`Altitude ...............................................................8-2
`Temperature ........................................................8-2
`Moisture (Humidity)...........................................8-2
`High and Low Density Altitude Conditions .......8-2
`Weight .................................................................8-2
`Winds ..................................................................8-2
`Performance Charts .................................................8-3
`Hovering Performance........................................8-3
`Sample Problem 1 ..........................................8-4
`Sample Problem 2 ..........................................8-4
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`Takeoff Performance...........................................8-5
`Sample Problem 3 ..........................................8-5
`Climb Performance.............................................8-5
`Sample Problem 4 ..........................................8-6
`
`Chapter 9—Basic Flight Maneuvers
`Preflight ...................................................................9-1
`Minimum Equipment Lists (MELS) and
`Operations With Inoperative Equipment ............9-1
`Engine Start and Rotor Engagement.......................9-2
`Rotor Safety Considerations ...............................9-2
`Safety In and Around Helicopters ......................9-3
`Ramp Attendants and Aircraft
`Servicing Personnel........................................9-3
`Aircraft Servicing...........................................9-3
`External-Load Riggers ...................................9-3
`Pilot at the Flight Controls.............................9-3
`External-Load Hookup Personnel..................9-3
`Passengers ......................................................9-4
`Vertical Takeoff to a Hover .....................................9-5
`Technique............................................................9-5
`Common Errors ..................................................9-5
`Hovering..................................................................9-5
`Technique............................................................9-5
`Common Errors ..................................................9-5
`Hovering Turn .........................................................9-6
`Technique............................................................9-6
`Common Errors ..................................................9-7
`Hovering—Forward Flight......................................9-7
`Technique............................................................9-7
`Common Errors ..................................................9-7
`Hovering—Sideward Flight ....................................9-7
`Technique............................................................9-7
`Common Errors ..................................................9-8
`Hovering—Rearward Flight....................................9-8
`Technique............................................................9-8
`Common Errors ..................................................9-8
`Taxiing.....................................................................9-8
`Hover Taxi ..........................................................9-9
`Air Taxi ...............................................................9-9
`Technique .......................................................9-9
`Common Errors..............................................9-9
`Surface Taxi ........................................................9-9
`Technique .......................................................9-9
`Common Errors............................................9-10
`Normal Takeoff From a Hover..............................9-10
`Technique..........................................................9-10
`Common Errors ................................................9-10
`Normal Takeoff From the Surface.........................9-11
`Technique ..........................................................9-11
`Common Errors.................................................9-11
`Crosswind Considerations
`During Takeoffs ................................................9-11
`Straight-and-Level Flight ......................................9-12
`
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`Technique..........................................................9-12
`Common Errors ................................................9-12
`Turns......................................................................9-12
`Technique..........................................................9-12
`Slips ..................................................................9-13
`Skids..................................................................9-13
`Common Errors ................................................9-13
`Normal Climb........................................................9-13
`Technique..........................................................9-13
`Common Errors ................................................9-14
`Normal Descent.....................................................9-14
`Technique..........................................................9-14
`Common Errors ................................................9-14
`Ground Reference Maneuvers...............................9-14
`Rectangular Course...........................................9-14
`S-Turns..............................................................9-16
`Turns Around a Point........................................9-17
`Common Errors During Ground
`Reference Maneuvers .......................................9-18
`Traffic Patterns ......................................................9-18
`Approaches............................................................9-19
`Normal Approach to a Hover ...........................9-19
`Technique .....................................................9-19
`Common Errors............................................9-19
`Normal Approach to the Surface ......................9-20
`Technique .....................................................9-20
`Common Errors............................................9-20
`Crosswind During Approaches .........................9-20
`Go-Around.............................................................9-20
`After Landing and Securing ..................................9-20
`Noise Abatement Procedures ................................9-20
`
`Chapter 10—Advanced Maneuvers
`Reconnaissance Procedures...................................10-1
`High Reconnaissance........................................10-1
`Low Reconnaissance ........................................10-1
`Ground Reconnaissance....................................10-1
`Maximum Performance Takeoff ...........................10-2
`Technique..........................................................10-2
`Common Errors ................................................10-2
`Running/Rolling Takeoff.......................................10-2
`Technique..........................................................10-3
`Common Errors ................................................10-3
`Rapid Deceleration (Quick Stop) ..........................10-3
`Technique..........................................................10-3
`Common Errors ................................................10-4
`Steep Approach to a Hover ...................................10-4
`Technique..........................................................10-4
`Common Errors ................................................10-5
`Shallow Approach and Running/Roll-On
`Landing..................................................................10-5
`Technique..........................................................10-5
`Common Errors ................................................10-5
`Slope Operations ...................................................10-6
`Slope Landing...................................................10-6
`
`Technique.....................................................10-6
`Common Errors............................................10-6
`Slope Takeoff ....................................................10-6
`Technique.....................................................10-7
`Common Errors............................................10-7
`Confined Area Operations.....................................10-7
`Approach...........................................................10-7
`Takeoff ..............................................................10-8
`Common Errors ................................................10-8
`Pinnacle and Ridgeline Operations .......................10-8
`Approach and Landing .....................................10-8
`Takeoff ..............................................................10-9
`Common Errors ................................................10-9
`
`Chapter 11—Helicopter Emergencies
`Autorotation...........................................................11-1
`Straight-in Autorotation ....................................11-2
`Technique .....................................................11-2
`Common Errors............................................11-3
`Power Recovery From Practice
`Autorotation ......................................................11-3
`Technique .....................................................11-3
`Common Errors............................................11-3
`Autorotation With Turns ...................................11-3
`Technique .....................................................11-3
`Power Failure in a Hover..................................11-4
`Technique .....................................................11-4
`Common Errors............................................11-4
`Height/Velocity Diagram.......................................11-4
`The Effect of Weight Versus
`Density Altitude ................................................11-5
`Vortex Ring State (Settling With Power) ..............11-5
`Retreating Blade Stall............................................11-6
`Ground Resonance.................................................11-7
`Dynamic Rollover .................................................11-7
`Critical Conditions ............................................11-8
`Cyclic Trim .......................................................11-8
`Normal Takeoffs and Landings.........................11-8
`Slope Takeoffs and Landings............................11-8
`Use of Collective ..............................................11-9
`Precautions ........................................................11-9
`Low G Conditions and Mast Bumping ...............11-10
`Low Rotor RPM and Blade Stall ........................11-10
`Recovery From Low Rotor RPM........................11-10
`Systems Malfunctions..........................................11-11
`Antitorque System Failure ..............................11-11
`Landing—Stuck Left Pedal........................11-11
`Landing—Stuck Neutral or
`Right Pedal .................................................11-12
`Unanticipated Yaw / Loss of Tail Rotor
`Effectiveness (LTE) ........................................11-12
`Main Rotor Disc Interference
`(285-315°) .......................................................11-12
`Weathercock Stability
`(120-240°) .......................................................11-13
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`Tail Rotor Vortex Ring State
`(210-330°) .......................................................11-13
`LTE at Altitude...........................................11-13
`Reducing the Onset of LTE .......................11-13
`Recovery Technique...................................11-14
`Main Drive Shaft Failure ................................11-14
`Hydraulic Failures...........................................11-14
`Governor Failure.............................................11-14
`Abnormal Vibrations.......................................11-14
`Low Frequency Vibrations.........................11-15
`Medium and High Frequency
`Vibrations ...................................................11-15
`Tracking and Balance ................................11-15
`Flight Diversion...................................................11-15
`Lost Procedures ...................................................11-16
`Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear ..........11-16
`
`Chapter 12—Attitude Instrument Flying
`Flight Instruments .................................................12-1
`Pitot-Static Instruments ....................................12-1
`Airspeed Indicator........................................12-1
`Instrument Check.........................................12-1
`Altimeter ......................................................12-2
`Instrument Check.....................................12-2
`Vertical Speed Indicator....................................12-2
`Instrument Check.........................................12-2
`System Errors...............................................12-2
`Gyroscopic Instruments ....................................12-3
`Attitude Indicator.........................................12-3
`Heading Indicator ........................................12-3
`Turn Indicators.............................................12-4
`Instrument Check.........................................12-4
`Magnetic Compass............................................12-4
`Compass Errors............................................12-4
`Magnetic Variation.......................................12-4
`Compass Deviation..................................12-5
`Magnetic Dip ...........................................12-5
`Instrument Check.....................................12-5
`Instrument Flight ...................................................12-5
`Instrument Cross-Check ...................................12-5
`Instrument Interpretation ..................................12-6
`Aircraft Control ................................................12-7
`Straight-and-Level Flight..................................12-7
`Pitch Control ................................................12-7
`Attitude Indicator.....................................12-8
`Altimeter ..................................................12-8
`Vertical Speed Indicator ..........................12-8
`Airspeed Indicator ...................................12-9
`Bank Control................................................12-9
`Attitude Indicator.....................................12-9
`Heading Indicator ..................................12-10
`Turn Indicator ........................................12-10
`Common Errors During
`Straight-and-Level Flight ...........................12-10
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`viii
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`Power Control During
`Straight-and-Level Flight ...........................12-11
`Common Errors During
`Airspeed Changes.......................................12-11
`Straight Climbs (Constant Airspeed
`and Constant Rate)..........................................12-11
`Entry...........................................................12-12
`Leveloff......................................................12-14
`Straight Descents (Constant Airspeed and
`Constant Rate) ................................................12-14
`Entry...........................................................12-14
`Leveloff......................................................12-15
`Common Errors During
`Straight Climbs and Descents ....................12-15
`Turns ...............................................................12-15
`Turns to a Predetermined Heading ............12-16
`Timed Turns ...............................................12-16
`Change of Airspeed in Turns.................12-16
`30° Bank Turn............................................12-17
`Climbing and Descending Turns ...............12-17
`Compass Turns...........................................12-17
`Common Errors During Turns...................12-18
`Unusual Attitudes............................................12-18
`Common Errors During Unusual
`Attitude Recoveries....................................12-18
`Emergencies ........................................................12-18
`Autorotations ..................................................12-19
`Common Errors During
`Autorotations..............................................12-19
`Servo Failure...................................................12-19
`Instrument Takeoff ..............................................12-19
`Common Errors During
`Instrument Takeoffs ........................................12-20
`
`Chapter 13—Night Operations
`Night Flight Physiology ........................................13-1
`Vision in Flight .................................................13-1
`The Eye.............................................................13-1
`Cones ................................................................13-1
`Rods ..................................................................13-2
`Night Vision......................................................13-2
`Night Scanning .................................................13-2
`Aircraft Lighting...............................................13-3
`Visual Illusions .................................................13-3
`Autokinesis ..................................................13-3
`Night Myopia...............................................13-3
`False Horizon...............................................13-3
`Landing Illusions .........................................13-4
`Night Flight ...........................................................13-4
`Preflight ............................................................13-4
`Engine Starting and Rotor Engagement ...........13-4
`Taxi Technique..................................................13-4
`Takeoff ..............................................................13-4
`En route Procedures..........................................13-5
`
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`Collision Avoidance at Night............................13-5
`Approach and Landing .....................................13-5
`
`Chapter 14—Aeronautical Decision Making
`Origins of ADM Training......................................14-2
`The Decision-Making Process ..............................14-3
`Defining the Problem........................................14-3
`Choosing a Course of Action............................14-3
`Implementing the Decision and
`Evaluating the Outcome ...................................14-3
`Risk Management..................................................14-4
`Assessing Risk ..................................................14-4
`Factors Affecting Decision Making ......................14-5
`Pilot Self-Assessment .......................................14-5
`Recognizing Hazardous Attitudes ....................14-5
`Stress management ...........................................14-6
`Use of Resources ..............................................14-6
`Internal Resources........................................14-7
`External Resources.......................................14-7
`Workload Management.....................................14-7
`Situational Awareness .......................................14-8
`Obstacles to Maintaining
`Situational Awareness ..................................14-8
`Operational Pitfalls.......................................14-8
`
`GYROPLANE
`Chapter 15—Introduction to the Gyroplane
`Types of Gyroplanes..............................................15-1
`Components...........................................................15-2
`Airframe............................................................15-2
`Powerplant ........................................................15-2
`Rotor System ....................................................15-2
`Tail Surfaces .....................................................15-2
`Landing Gear ....................................................15-3
`Wings ................................................................15-3
`
`Chapter 16—Aerodynamics of the Gyroplane