This new volume is designed to replace the slightly dated Helicopter Pilots Manuals Volumes 1 & 2 and is to be used by anyone embarking on their initial PPL(H) course. The text is a cut down version of the Professional Helicopter Pilot Studies which is for those pilots intending to go onto commercial helicopter flying. It is both comprehensive and easy to read and uniquely discusses situations using anecdotal comments so lighting the load on the brain as you begin tackling this complicated aircraft.
While it covers breifley each of the course sin turn, ( Human Factors, Navigation etc) we would still recommend the purchase of the Volumes 3, 5 and 6 of the Air Pilot's Manuals. To understand the excellence of this work it is perhaps better to re-print some of the comments from Helicopter Instructors as such:
Dennis Kenyon:
"Phil ... first I have to acknowledge a truly monumental piece of technical writing. As a one time Geologist and physics grad, I thought my technical knowledge was rather good, but it doesn't approach yours. So all I can say is an exceptional "well done" in producing the tome.
Your work will be an invaluable reference source and as I'm sure you know, the level you have set will appeal to a particular type who does want to raise his knowledge higher than the average.
I like the fact that you separate Map reading from Navigation. So many FIs don't. I also like your use of 'Gyroplane' There's so much confusion between Autogyro and Autigiro. And finally - finally - just love the constant use of your humour to lighten the student's day.
Anyway, I still stand by my first comment .. that what you have produced is in the same league as the ancient but totally comprehensive AP 129."
Oliver Heynes:
"Once I got into it I found it a great read. The style of putting in your anecdotal stuff really helps to put the hard facts into perspective. Anyway the bottom line is that the guys are getting good passes in the exams with very little input from me, which is good."