The Art of the Helicopter

In a publication dominated by medical concerns but intimately related to the transport industry, a discussion of The Art of the Helicopter is a departure. This is a book for the pilots, aviation technologists, and industry officials who worry about the transportation side of air medical transport. A description of the physics behind helicopter operation is provided, beginning with first principles and building to helicopter operation, using simple diagrams and a minimum of mathematics. John Watkinson, a pilot and technical writer, provides this description in a handsomely bound text of approximately 420 pages. After reviewing rotorcraft terms and components, he describes, without extensive mathematics, the physics underlying helicopter operation and proceeds into essential components of these machines. Specific chapters describe the physics of rotors, the tail section, engines, and transmissions. Later chapters manage issues surrounding control of the helicopter in flight and technical descriptions of helicopter performance. A concluding chapter uses the preceding principles and descriptions to compare other rotor-wing aircraft, including the gyroplane, compound helicopter, synchropter, and multirotor helicopters. Chapters are well written but not always easy to read. The author makes a significant effort to define his terms but, at times, does not go quite far enough. A highlight is the reproduction of black and white photographs of classic machines from the past, including an early Sikorsky with the inventor at the controls. Only a brief reference list is provided after the first chapter. References are general technical compilations and descriptions of helicopter performance. These date to within 2 years of publication. A subject index of approximately 12 pages provides adequate access to contents. The Art of the Helicopter is an excellent technical introduction for students with the necessary background in physics and science related to aviation. Watkinson organizes his book in a manner consistent with his background as a helicopter pilot. While this is not an easy read for the generalist, I recommend this book to pilots and members of the medical aviation industry working on the “technical” side.