Sikorsky Helicopter Flight Theory for Pilots and Mechanics by John R. Montgomery

Softcover. Condition: Very Good. 1975. United Technologies Sikorsky Aircraft.

In the days before the widespread use of the helicopter, it was relatively unimportant that the average aircraft mechanic possess a detailed knowledge of flight theory. While the technical education of maintenance personnel generally included a course on the subject, it was generally conceded to be information of the nice to know variety, but not mandatory for the successful performance of aircraft maintenance. The advent of the helicopter produced, among other things, the necessity for the mechanic, as well as the pilot, to fully understand the aircraft being flown and maintained. For the pilot the requirement was definitely in the line of duty. The value of a knowledge of flight theory was recognized in the general helicopter maintenance field because of the following factors Support and Propulsion -- While there are structural and aerodynamic relationships between the propulsion and support systems of the conventional, fixed-wing aircraft, the helicopter closes the gap completely. The propulsion system is also the support system and the complexities inherent in each are compounded because of the integration. To further emphasize the system interdependance, it need only be remembered that the propulsion-support system is also the means by which the control of the helicopter is accomplished.