Book Description
In this updated edition, the author provides a guide for newcomers and others interested in new developments in the design and manufacture of radio controlled helicopters. This handy book offers all the essential information and fact you need to make the right decisions, taking you through all the stages-from the choice of model and radio to your first flights and finally to basic aerobatics. Contents include: Advantages of flying helicopters. Where Do I begin? Choosing the model. All about engines. Radio systems. Finding your flying sites. Accessories and training aides. Building the model. Installing the radio. Setting up the model. Before your first flights. The day arrives. Hovering, circuits & simple aerobatics. Routine maintenance. After the crash. Scale models. Conclusions.
Customer Reviews:
A good basic guide.......2007-09-28
This is a good basic guide to RC helicopters. Because of its age it has little information specific to electric helicopters so it is more useful to those running nitro helis. But even for electric fliers it has good basic info on setup and flight but don't expect too much.
Out of date and superficial.......2007-03-16
The book is a very basic guide. I was dissapointed regarding the level of information - very basic, and the dated nature of the information. The book has not been updated since it's first printing and it is way out of date. Only the cover has been re-done to give the impression that it is much newer than it acutally is.
Not Recomended.
more needed.......2005-12-20
good book for the most part. however, despite it being reprinted in '04, it is really lacking in up-to-date info for anyone considering electric helis as an entrypoint to the hobby. also, the section on flight simulators is woefully inadequate and in no way reflects what is available today (eg G3, XTR etc).
both these two areas have come along in leaps and bounds in the last few years and this book would be more complete if the info were up-to-date. The existence of high-quality simulators with extrememly advanced physics can drastically cut the entry cost for a beginner (i'm talking from experience!) which is an important factor when considering whether or not to take the plunge. that said, it still makes a good read and explains a lot.
for those interested in the electric-path here's the latest beginner's guide: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439635
A real guide for the beginner.......2005-08-14
The best thing about this book is that it is really a guide - it gives you all the information you need from the basics, through choosing your first helicopter model to flying and repairing it. After reading it you will feel you know something about this great hobby and be ready to get into it. Plus it's written in understandable and entertaining style so even if you know something about the topic you won't be bored to read about it.
The only drawback is the price - 26 dollars for tiny paperback with only black and white pictures is bit too much, so after you open the package you may think you wasted your money. But only until you start to read it. The text is worth the the price for sure.
New and Improved and a Must-Have.......2005-05-20
Papillon's book has been revised substantially, but even the old one was a keeper. The new one has more information and less of the risible Anglicisms that peppered the text of the previous edition.
Nick Papillon, an Englishman with a French name (meaning "butterfly," hilarious for someone so involved in model helicopters) has a finely developed sense of what we hobbyists want from a book like this one, and he knows what to leave out, too. Here in San Francisco we have a club, the Flying Goobers, that meets monthly--and in the summer, weekly--at Baker Beach and I would say about forty per cent of our members already own one or both of Nick's handbooks. Sometimes the air is awash with the sound of seagulls and the hovering buzz of our RCs. Indeed sometimes we adjourn somewhere else when the air is too filled with static, etc., too many speedboats patrolling the Bay seem to such the energy right out of the controls. Feels like earthquake weather.
If you want to know about aerobatics, beyond your simple push-pull, up-down "flight patterns," he's got it all down in language that is fairly easy to understand even for the tyro. His chapter, "After the Crash," while sobering enough, is one of those classic, stop feeling sorry for yourself and get out there and do it again sort of pep talks. When I started I didn't know the difference between a transmitter and a receiver, they'd call me the "late great Johnny Ace" with a sneer. Now the shoe is on the other foot as I explain to the newbies why lithium is cheaper in the long run, et cetera, all knowledge I got either from fellow Goobers or from pal Nick's rc handbook.
Book Description
An introduction to helicopter flying techniques, many of which are difficult to master, as well as a discussion of emergency procedure, human factors, advanced operations and even a section on careers.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Pre-Beginner Book.......2007-08-20
In other words, it's a great book to read if you're thinking about learning to fly helicopters and want to learn more of what it's all about. Don't confuse this with a real flight training manual -- it falls far short of that. But it is a fun read that will make someone interested in flying helicopters more eager to get started. It'll also give you the information you need to better understand what's going on during those first few training flights.
For the beginner.......2007-05-08
Perfect for the beginner. Lets you know in plain English what flying is all about and what you have to know to do it. Goes beyound laws and theory and explains why things work instead of makeing you memorize. I only gave it 4 stars because it needs to be updated from the 80's.
Great Beginner Book.......2006-08-05
This book immediately draws you in and teaches you the basics. The first few chapters are really easy to read and understand. It does get harder at the end but by then you're hooked. I read this one before moving on the FAA manual. If I had started with the FAA manual I would have been completely lost.
Learning to fly helicopters.......2005-09-07
Learning to fly helicopters is an undertaking unlike no other. It is more of a calling, actually. And a huge commitment of time, money, and energy. Mr. Padfield understands this. He knows what it feels like to learn, get scared, become frustrated, and he helps the reader through it all with warm humor and inspiration. The text is clear and readable with many helpful illustrations. This is a great book to read as you study, to refer to as a beginning pilot, or to refresh your memory with. This book is unlike the majority of instructional volumes which are very dry and where the authors either talk down to the reader or lapse into technical jargon. Learning to fly helicopters is fun to read and very helpful
It also has lots of cool pictures.
Informative, well-written, and an all-around fun book.......2003-06-12
I read this book before I started my helicopter training just about two years ago. Since then, I have bought and read just about every book about rotary-wing aircraft that I can get my hands on. This book is fundamental in nature, but fairly complete none the less and an absolute joy to read. I recently read it again and loved it more than when I first picked it up. Of all the helicopter books I have read this one is still by far my favorite.
Book Description
From the authors of the bestselling In the Company of Heroes come the thrilling, never-before-heard stories of the Army's elite aviation unit, the most daring and professional helicopter crews in the world.
In his first book, Michael Durant told his harrowing tale of being shot down in his Blackhawk over Mogadishu and held captive by a Somali warlord. It was a remarkable account, particularly because Special Operations pilots are notoriously reticent-they don't talk about their missions, at least not to anyone outside their small community. But now, with the publication of The Night Stalkers, Durant and Steven Hartov shed a fascinating light on these mysterious super commandos and take readers into a world they have only imagined.
From Iran to Grenada to Iraq, the 160th SOAR (A) has been at the point of the spear and in the thick of combat, delivering and supporting Delta operators, Rangers, and SEAL teams to any target, at any point on the globe, in all weather-night or day. Simply put, they are the best of the best, and here for the first time are their hair-raising true stories of battle, capture, victory, and loss.
Customer Reviews:
Eye Opener!!.......2007-09-06
This book is a great read! What these soldiers can do is amazing. I had to read this because my son is a new Night Stalker. I can't help but well up with pride and fear because I now have an idea of what the Night Stalkers can do.
Execellent.......2007-03-23
This is the kind of book that get you reading for hours.
Already among my favourites.
I think this is one of the most descriptive accounts about what the Night Stalkers do and a very detailled description of the few missions that can be talked about.
An excellent book.
GREAT BOOK ON GREAT MEN.......2007-03-02
AWESOME READ ... TRUE HEROES AND THIS IS ONLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG FOR WHAT THESE MEN DO ... NSDQ
More biographical than operational.......2007-02-05
I'm only about 80 pages into the book but find it difficult to continue. The book reads more like a biography of the men and women in the 160th SOAR rather than an operational history of the unit. The book cover flap says "never-before-heard stories" and "Top-Secret Missions of the US Army's SOAR" but so far, the book hasn't lived up to the claims.
A big annoyance is how the authors include a one to ten page biographical background of every person introduced. These biographical "flashbacks" throw off the pace of the book. The book starts in Grenada, jumps back to Iran in 1980, rewinds again to JFK, then Grenada in 1979, then back to Grenada in the 1980s. There is no continuity of thought.
Another minor annoyance is some of the conversations reported. They sound like something from a B movie or a bad "blood and guts" novel. "The United States coming in is gonna scare the (expletive) out of those militia amateurs" or "cool as ice water at a helo's controls, and loose as a goose at the officers' bar".
Admittedly, covering the people who fly Special Ops troops into battle might be a challenge, but so far, the authors have come up short. Instead of hearing about more Vietnam stories, I was expecting -- or hoping -- for more stories about how the SOAR was formed, the equipment used, the tactics, and so on.
There are little nuggets of gold in the book thus far. Learning about the OH and AH-6 choppers -- and seeing them in action (pictures included) -- was interesting. Seeing operators perched on the side of those choppers, which little or nothing to restrain them, was eye-opening.
Will revise review when/if I finish the book.
Great Book - Great American Soldiers.......2007-01-22
I have just finished this book in a great 4 night read. I found the book to be well written, exciting and a great tribute to the men and families of the Night Stalkers. I served at Fort Campbell as an Army Surgeon during the creation of this unit (1980-81) and saw the first "Little Bird" conversions. One of the authors (LtCol Bob Johnson) was my guide on that day. Until then, I had never seen a helicopter with seats on the OUTSIDE! My thanks to the authors for providing insight into a very secret and special military unit and some of its famous operations.
My family and I are glad that we have the men and the will to create, deploy and support a unit such as this. I hope that we can all learn what it means to be an American from this book and the Night Stalkers.
Read this book - you will not be disappointed! NSDQ
Doug McConnell, M.D. Long Beach, CA
Book Description
Acquire the Life-Saving Skills Needed to Eliminate or Reduce Most Helicopter Accidents
A vital resource for pilots, helicopter enthusiasts, and aircraft maintenance technicians, Fatal Traps for Helicopter Pilots analyzes all aspects of helicopter accidents, including flight basics, engineering, meteorology, flight training, and human factors. This life-saving guide shows how proper preparation can help prevent accidents by addressing causes such as aerodynamic problems, mechanical failures, poor loading, mid-air collisions, and more.
Filled with case studies and first-hand accounts of accidents, the book organizes accident types by primary causes, presenting proven methods for eliminating or reducing the possibility of each type. Greg Whyte, an ex commercial helicopter pilot and professional aviation writer, draws on his own flying experiences and those of other flight veterans to provide a wealth of practical information and safety tips that are essential for everyone who flies, maintains or crews in helicopters. Filled with over 100 helpful illustrations, Fatal Traps for Helicopter Pilots enables readers to:
- Identify and address the common causes of helicopter accidents
- Explore in-depth examples of accident scenarios
- Examine the technical details of accident causes
- Review case studies and first-hand accounts of accidents
- Learn from the plain-English notes on avoidance and recovery
Inside This Aviation Accident-Prevention Guide
• Basic Flight Principles • Vortex Ring State • Recirculation • Ground Resonance • Retreating Blade Stall • Dynamic Rollover • Overpitching • Main Rotor Strikes • Mid-Air Collisions • Mast Bumping • Engine Failures • Tail Rotor Failures • Mechanical Failures • Fuel • Fire • Ditching • Loading Issues • Winching • Weather • Crew and Pre-flight Hazards • Human Factors • Training Mishaps
Customer Reviews:
Great Idea.......2007-09-16
First off, the idea of dissecting accidents to learn what/what not to do is a great idea and something that rotorcraft pilots definitely miss out on--Whyte should be praised for taking the initiative to do this. On the downside, too much of the book is just raw accident reports (or Whyte's summary of them) that offer either the most basic details or minutiae that makes sense only to the manufacturer's engineers. At some points it's frustrating to read through these not knowing where they're going, or trying to understand technical details only to end a chapter without getting any insight from them. Whyte could have vastly improved this book by taking the time to cut through the crap in these reports and focus on the details relevant to the point he's looking at, although the page count would have been much smaller...
On the flip side, the value in this book comes from:
1/ It is specific to helicopter flight and operations
2/ Whyte's sorting thru all the accident reports that illustrate all the bad stuff you read about in your training. In addition, some (but not all) of the illustrations and explanations go far beyond what you'll find in other books (eg, the FAA's book), making it a good complement for what you'll need during your training. For example, Whyte's book has the best explanation of VRS/SWP that I've seen.
I would have liked to see more focus on R22-specific issues (the SFAR 73 accidents) and a chapter on personnel safety at landing sites would have been a nice addition. Operation-specific hazards (eg, long-lining, operations over water or dense forest), discussion of the relative risks in different ships, and an analysis of how a situation could have been averted or recovered would have made this book a grand slam. Overall though, this is a worthwhile read for any student (as long as you don't get scared from reading a string of accident reports).
An excellent book for Helo Pilots.......2007-08-16
Well,i had been looking for a book related to helicopter accidents and causes until i saw "Fatal Traps For Helicopter Pilots".The dramatic accident rate of helicopter operations always took my attention and made me ponder over the subject.This book gives vast information of helicopter aerodynamics and inspects the accident "cause" and "result" logic,rather than connect the dots theory.It does not matter if you are a novice or a veteran pilot,you had better have a look at the Fatal Traps For Helicopter Pilots,because i am sure that you would find something from yourself in this book.
Bottom line;Helo pilots must read this book in order to save lives,because the experince which is the most valuable asset in aviation world comes to you with a reasonable cost.
Excellent book.......2007-05-14
I liked the book very much, there were lot of basic things that I could learn from it. Evry helicopter pilot should read it!
An excellent overview of many of the dangerous situations helicopter pilots need to be aware of.......2007-03-23
Fatal Traps is a very well thought out and informative book. I am an airplane and helicopter pilot, and as such have read many books on both subjects. This book manages to be very educational without a lot of superfluous material (as is a problem with a lot of aviation books). All the dangers brought forth are supplemented by very pertinent case studies. An excellent read for the helicopter student, or an engaging review for the seasoned veteran.
riview on "Fatal traps for helicopter pilots".......2007-03-08
Excellent reading and study material for ab initio Heli pilots, as well as veteran pilots.
Book Description
Recently updated, this comprehensive handbook explains the aerodynamics of helicopter flight, as well as how to perform typical helicopter maneuvers, unlike many aviation training manuals which are strictly how-to guides. Beginning with the basics of aerodynamics, each step of the process is fully illustrated and thoroughly explained—from the physics of helicopter flying and advanced operations to helicopter design and performance—providing helicopter pilots with a sound technical foundation on which to base their in-flight decisions. Containing discussions on the NOTAR (no tail rotor) system, strakes, and frequently misunderstood principles of airspeed and high-altitude operations, this revised edition also includes the latest procedures and regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Customer Reviews:
Principles of Helicopter Flight.......2007-10-10
I purchased this book as an optional book for a helicopter theory class, knowing nothing about helicopters going into the class. Since, I have found this book an essential read to supplement the FAA's rotorcraft flying handbook. Principles of Helicopter Flight delves deep into the theory of helicopter operation more than the FAA version, with chapters broken up well for each subject. It also follows a very logical, simple format so that people not familiar with basic physics concepts can pick up the book and learn everything they need to know. Overall, it is the perfect text for new pilots and veterans alike. Engineers will have to use it only as reference, as it does not delve too deep into the equations of flight theory and aerodynamics.Principles of Helicopter Flight
Helicopter Flight Backgrounds for the layman.......2007-08-27
The book tries to explain the physics of helicopter flight to people without any background in mathematics or physics. A lot of the ideas that could be written down in a simple formula are explained over and over again in prose. So if you have some physics or math background you will find the text quite annoying.
If you are looking for a more in depth treatment of the topic take a look at Helicopter Theory by Wayne Johnson, or Principles of Helicopter Aerodynamics by J. Gordon Leishman.
However most laymen should find the text quite understandable, although the desire of the author to make it easy to read, renders the text quite inaccurate.
A great work,but not for the beginners..........2007-08-16
This is an outstanding book which presents principles of helicopter flight and depicts the theories with figures.Moreover,there are quiz pages at the end of the each section.As a helicopter pilot,i assure you that you are going to learn much from this book.However,it is not for the beginners.The book requires basic understanding of numbers,i.e maths,physics and aerodynamics.After having some hours with helicopters,this book is going to improve your decision making process and make you understand precisely how a helo tries to fly.
Good read but too sophesticated.......2006-11-05
I was looking for a more practical manual about helicopter flying. This book is a very good one but keeps repeating the same idea over and over and goes to very academic details......the illustrations are very good.
If you want to start from the zero point, this book is for you, but if you need a more practical book about helicopters, then look for another title
Come fly with me... Lets fly away........2006-03-20
Excellent study guide for PPL,CPL and ATPL. W.J. Wagtendonk does what any great teacher can do, make the theory side easily understandable.
Good read!
Book Description
Provided in this text, for both the student and the practicing helicopter aerodynamicist, is the information necessary to analyze the performance of an existing helicopter or to participate in the design of a new helicopter. This information includes the derivation of the theory behind the various methods of analysis, appropriate experimental data to correlate and supplement the theory, and charts that permit rapid analysis. A special attempt is made to relate helicopter aerodynamics to airplane aerodynamics for those who are making the transition. The first six chapters are devoted to the various aspects of helicopter performance. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 cover stability and control. The final chapter presents the tradeoff considerations that the engineer must face during the preliminary design phase to ensure both good performance and good flying qualities. In Appendix A, an "Example Helicopter" is defined and is consistently used throughout the book to illustrate! , by numerical calculations, the application of the analysis.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing.......2004-04-01
This book covers the topic of helicopter stability and control in an excelent manner. It is a very useful reference for aerospace students specialized in rotary-wing design and control like myself.
My favorite book on Helicopters.......1999-10-06
Well written, complete book on helicopter design, aerodynamics, stability & control, and performance. Includes the overall concepts as well as the detailed equations
Book Description
This book is a modern treatment of the aerodynamic principles of helicopters and rotating-wing vertical lift aircraft. Part one covers the technical history of helicopter flight, basic methods of rotor aerodynamics, and performance-related design issues. Part two contains advanced topics in helicopter aerodynamics, including airfoil flows, unsteady aerodynamics, dynamic stall, rotor wakes, and rotor-airframe aerodynamic interactions. Part three contains chapters on autogiros and advanced aerodynamic analysis and a new chapter on the aerodynamics of wind turbines. The book is extensively illustrated and contains homework problems.
Customer Reviews:
A must have for all rotorcraft engineers.......2000-08-05
As an aerospace engineer I have read many books on rotorcraft and I must admit that this is the most up to date and useful text on rotorcraft that I have had the pleasure to read. There are many aspects of the text that stand out, however the one I found most useful, especially as a graduate student, was that the equations are derived from engineering basics and are accompanied by clear explanations of the principles involved. The text and equations are also supplimented by clear diagrams that serve to enhance understanding of the more complex topics covered. All in all a great book and one that I would highly recommend to both rotorcraft students and practicing engineers alike.
Customer Reviews:
excellant addition to my reference library.......2007-02-16
Dave Day,s "flying model helicopters" is exactly what I was hoping it would be. I could not be more pleased with the content of this excellant referance book. Anyone interested in flying model helicopters would be well advised to purchase this book. I flew cobra gunships in vietnam, and assumed that I could easily fly model helicopters {WRONG}. This book put me on the right track, and now I am enjoying the best hobby I ever had!
Book Description
Parenting Styles and the Messages They Sendwritten and told by Jim FayParenting expert and humorous storyteller, Jim Fay, helps you identify your parenting style, then shares practical, stress-free techniques for becoming a consultant parent. Enjoy being a parent again!
Customer Reviews:
A Brief Synopsis of Love & Logic.......2007-08-30
I found this book to be enlightening but too brief. I would describe it as a synopsis of Jim Fay's work entitled "Love and Logic". I would use this book in this way: I would share it with someone I am trying to introduce the book "Love & Logic" to. It would be my hope that this would introduce the concepts that they would read about and peak their interest in the book "Love & Logic".
I would not recommend that this book be used in place of "Love & Logic" as it only introduces (or summarizes) the approach taken in "Love & Logic".
I was looking for an additional resource in this book but found it to be merely a summary introduction of "Love & Logic". I will still find it useful but only in using it as a way of getting "Love & Logic" into the hands of readers who I feel would benefit to a greater degree from that book.
Excellent intro to love and logic.......2007-05-12
As a social worker and mom, I recommend this to anyone willing to accept advice. This is a wonderful little intro to the whole theory. I strongly recommend getting the Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood: Practical Parenting from Birth to Six years to help with really practical ways to apply this parenting philosophy.
A must have for EVERY parent.......2006-11-08
This is a mini preview of a parenting method that is amazing. Love and Logic WORKS!! It does not matter the age of the child or behavior of the child...ADHD, to sweet angel. I have used this parenting method on my 10 month old and it works. My sister-in-law introduced me to Love & Logic before I was even a parent to start preparing. I read this book over and over again, along with the many other resources Love & Logic provides. Look up the other books and get them, it will be worth every penny...it will be priceless knowledge!!
Funny easy read to help raise responsible, safe kids without all the power struggles........2006-08-18
Not sure what the other reader was talking about. I am an agnostic so I am pretty aware of that kind of thing. I was also a teacher. Not only does Love and Logic work in the classroom but it does amazing things with my kids. I have 2 toddlers and I think the Love and Logic books and videos are an indespensible resource. It seems to me that the previous reviewer was just looking for a forum to rant about something totally unrelated to these books. He also wasn't reviewing this book - I guess some people will actually mislead people to try and get their voice heard. If click on "see my other reviews" under his name you will see that he has reviewed every book in the Love and Logic series with this rhetoric that is based on complete ignorance. Charles Fay and Foster Cline (founders of Love and Logic) are from Evergreen Colorado - not Colorado Springs and have nothing to do with the whole "family first" thing. There is no affiliation whatsoever. Again, not sure what the other reviewer was talking about - but it is a shame that he may turn people away from a resource that is the most effective tool I have come across to raise children who are responsible, able to make choices effectively, have great self-esteem, and to avoid all the arguments and power struggles that come with parenting.
Good Starting Point.......2006-03-19
If every adult or parent would read this book, they can help being a better parent. I recommend it highly.
Book Description
• With its first major use in battle during the Vietnam War, the helicopter ushered in a radically different way of fighting, despite its proven vulnerability to ground fire. Either delivering troops into hostile territory and removing them after the fighting ended, or armed with guns, grenade launchers, and rockets to provide rapid and wide-ranging air to ground support fire, the helicopter - available for the first time in sufficient numbers and capable of a wide range of missions - played a central role in the war.
• From the beginning, with obsolete Korean War helicopters carrying ARVN troops into battle, to Huey gunships evacuating the wounded at la Drang in 1965, and transport helicopters evacuating Americans from Saigon rooftops in 1975; this was the first real helicopter war. By the middle of the war, the helicopter, in particular the Huey model had become as important to the army as the tank, the armored personnel carrier, and the jeep.
• Presenting a concise history of the first ever major use of helicopters in battle, Gordon L. Rottman, a former Green Beret in Vietnam, describes in detail the development of the critical airmobile tactics that ultimately changed the way America fights its battles.
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Books Index
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Flying Model Helicopters: From Basics to Competition
Basic RC Helicopter Training Program
Helicopter Theory
Learning to Fly Helicopters
Principles of Helicopter Flight
