Written in a clear, no-nonsense style, it covers a whole range of subjects concerning rotary aviation including common myths about flying helicopters, choosing a flying school and an instructor, the basics of rotary aerodynamics, and all practical aspects of learning to fly helicopters. Issues are examined that are important when the new helicopter pilot has gained his, or her, licence and is able to fly along, including flying with passengers, coping with challenging weather and dealing with emergencies. In addition, the author provides useful advice to those readers who are considering becoming professional helicopter pilots.

Helen Krasner holds a Commercial Pilot's Licence and Instructor's Rating for helicopters and also flies fixed-wing aircraft for pleasure. She began working as a helicopter instructor in 2003, and instructs for Staffordshire Helicopters at Tatenhill Airfield, flying Robinson R22s and R44s. Helen has been writing professionally for many years, and writes about aviation for a number of publications. She is also the Newsletter Editor for BWPA [British Women Pilots' Assocation], and was nominated for an Aerospace Journalist of the Year award in 2004, for an article about flying helicopters in Russia.