Dedicated to all Experimental and Personal Helicopters

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Resources: Books

Flying the Rotors, W.C. E Loftus. Recommended by Charmienne Pohlman.

Aerodynamics Of The Helicopter, Alfred Gessow and Garry C. Myers Jr.; Outstanding source, has a bit of math to support conclusions; covers the topic well. A “Must Have” in every enthusiast’s library.

Rotary-Wing Aerodynamics. Two volumes bound as one.
Vol. 1.: “Basic Theory Of Rotor Aerodynamics” (With application to helicopters), W. Z. Stepniewski; Vol. II: “Performance Prediction Of Helicopters”, C.N. Keys & W.Z. Stepniewski. Quite a bit of vector mathematics but very useful if the math doesn’t leave you cold.

The Helicopter: The History, Piloting & How It Flies, John Fay. Now here is a book for the mathematically challenged. It even contains a section on Helicopter Avionics—easy & enjoyable to read.

Bramwell’s Helicopter Dynamics, A.R.S. Bramwell, George Done & David Balmford. This book uses Calculus but is clear in its statement of results after the Calculus derivations are complete. Highly acclaimed book can be found in just about every designer’s library.

Helicopter Aerodynamics, R.W. Prouty. This recent edition by Helobooks compiles three volumes of previously published magazine articles written by Ray Prouty. Since the audience encompasses lay people as well as engineers, the articles were written without resorting to mathematical formulas for support. As such it is an amazing work of art. The books are the easiest to read documents on helicopter aerodynamics out there. Eagle Eye Solutions, Matt Johnson is in the process of doing a reprint of this critical volume. Check out www.helicopterseminars.com/books for the complete story.

Helicopter Design & Data Manual, S.J. Dzik. A short, 103 pgs.; book is aimed at the student pilot with heuristic descriptions of the helicopter without resorting to mathematics. Some surprising data is presented in such a short easy to read book. While not a true design reference work in the classical sense, it should be well used to the “dog eared” stage by the student helicopter pilot before starting lessons.

Standard Handbook For Mechanical Engineers, Baumeister & Marks, The title says it all. It is questionable, how can anyone function in a workshop without this reference work. This standard will even help you design a steamboat.

Mechanical Vibrations, J. P. Den Hartog. Nearly fell off the stool when I read page 235 -- the original light bulb experience when needed most. An older engineering manual for those who really want to know the inner working of the black art of helo vibration analysis. Read review

Cyclic & Collective, Shawn Coyle
Written by an instructor for helicopter test pilots at the Test Pilot School in Mojave, California. Ranks with Prouty’s books as a must have. At last, this book is now available through www.helicopterseminars.com/books, Eagle Eye Solutions.

NOTE: At present there isn't a single source from which to acquire these volumes. If you cannot locate one or more through the usual channels, try 'Googling' the title and/or the author. This will at least bring up a variety of web sources, including the publisher's site. As you can see from above, a new source appears to be coming. We'll definitely keep you posted.

Email: eh@iwvisp.com