Recommended Helicopter Books

Helicopter Flying Handbook: FAA-H-8083-21B

This is required reading – helicopters 101 as far as the FAA is concerned. As you might expect, it covers helicopter controls, systems, aerodynamics, flight maneuvers, emergencies, hazards and more. A big chunk of your knowledge test and checkride questions come from information in this book. Being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) FAA-H-8083-25C

This is also required reading as far as the FAA is concerned. The PHAK (pronounced “Pee-Hack”) covers more general pilot information (with airplane bias) such as airspace, navigation, airport operations, aeromedical factors, aeronautical decision-making (ADM) and more. Some sections you can skim over (airplane specific areas). But again, a big chunk of your knowledge test and checkride questions come from information in this book. Being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version. Last updated (minor revision) July 10, 2023.

FAR/AIM 2025: Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual

This is another absolute must-read to become a pilot, but luckily not all 1216 pages!! The FAR/AIM is really two books in one. The first part (the FAR, often called the FARs) and is the legal rule book of aviation in the USA. This doesn’t even cover the full list of aviation regulations, just the bits relevant to most pilots. The FARs are broken down into subchapters such as definitions, aircraft, airmen, air traffic rules, accident reporting etc. It is written in more of a ‘legalize’ format than most other aviation books you will read, which can make it hard going.
The AIM part of the book is a bit easier to read – suggestions and best practices of how to follow the rules in the FARs. A lot of useful information but also a lot that will not apply. Chapters include helicopter operations, airport lighting & signs, medical facts for pilots, airspace, air traffic procedures, and more. After the AIM is the Pilot/Controller Glossary, which covers standard aviation phraseology and meanings, Roger?
When I first saw this book, my heart sank – I wanted to fly not become a lawyer! But a lot of your knowledge test and checkride questions come from information in this book. The good news, is at the start of the book, there is a suggested study list for each pilot rating – check that out, grab a highlighter, some page tabs and a cup of coffee…Oh and a new one comes out every year…
Being an FAA publication, there are free PDFs of the AIM & Pilot/Controller Glossary and web version of the FARs.

FAA Aviation Weather Handbook: FAA-H-8083-28

Published late 2022, this FAA publication combines 6 previous FAA weather advisory circulars (ACs) into one updated aviation weather handbook:

• AC 00-6, Aviation Weather
• AC 00-24, Thunderstorms
• AC 00-30, Clear Air Turbulence Avoidance
• AC 00-45, Aviation Weather Services
• AC 00-54, Pilot Windshear Guide
• AC 00-57, Hazardous Mountain Winds

This new FAA weather book contains content you need to know be a safe pilot and get you through your checkrides (and continue to be a great resource). This book dives into the theory of weather, covering the Earth’s atmosphere, atmospheric pressure, temperature and density, water vapor, air masses, stability, clouds, winds, turbulence, icing, thunderstorms and more. This book also covers the US-based aviation weather services – from METARs & TAFs to AIRMETs and SIGMETs. Throughout your flying career, being able to get and understand weather of how to understand weather products is critical. Your comprehension of this content will be assessed in all your FAA knowledge tests and checkrides. As an FAA publication, there is a free digital PDF version.

Risk Management Handbook: FAA-H-8083-2A

This is another FAA book referenced throughout all pilot knowledge tests and checkrides – so you have to at least skim/read most of it. It covers risk assessment, management and mitigation, aeronautical decision making and single pilot resource management. Personally I put it all into the category of ‘common sense’ but this book formalizes and labels the subject in a way the FAA wants you to know. So best read it! Again being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide

This is a fantastic resource that you will use through all your training and beyond! This guide covers detailed explanations and legends for all the FAA aeronautical charts – VFR Sectional Charts, Terminal Area Charts, VFR Flyway Planning Charts, Helicopter Route Charts, IFR Enroute Charts, Terminal Procedures Publications and more! I love the paper versions, but being another FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Private Pilot Test Prep 2024

Before you take your checkride, you will need to complete a knowledge test (often called ‘The Written’). Unfortunately there is a lot of the test that requires rote memorization and most people use some form of study software or online service (like the very effective Dauntless Ground School) to prepare for the test.

NEW 2024! Private Pilot Helicopter Airmen Certificate Standards (ACS): FAA-S-ACS-15

NEW! Effective May 31st, 2024. The FAA has switched many Helicopter standards from the PTS to the new ACS (Airmen Certificate Standards). These paper versions also include the new ACS Companion Guide for Pilots. If you would like to learn more about what has changes from PTS to ACS, check out this video playlist. You MUST read and understand the contents of the ACS before your checkride. This book outlines exactly what the examiner is going to cover for your checkride – it covers not only what flight maneuvers you may be asked to perform (and to what standards) and what you may be asked to explain in the oral portion of the checkride, but ASC also covers the elements you need to study for the Knowledge Test too. This is the core of your study guide for success! I’d also go far as to say that most examiners will expect you to know this book pretty well. And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide

It can sometimes be overwhelming when trying to work out what to study for the checkride, this book gives you some focus – work through the Private Pilot section to get a good idea of what you need know. BUT don’t forget, this only the helicopter-specific questions, you also need to check out the general Private Pilot Oral Guide. The good thing about this book is it also covers helicopter-specific commercial, instrument and flight instructor too. Or skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide

The Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide above only covers the helicopter-specific questions you might get. This guide covers the rest of the private pilot question areas. So you really need to use both books together. And as you go through this book just ignore (or draw a line through) the pages with obvious airplane specific content. Like mentioned above, another great option is to skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Helicopter Maneuvers Manual

I used this book during my Private Pilot training and again for during Commercial and once again as I was learning to teach these maneuvers as a Flight Instructor. The book covers the flight maneuvers you will be assessed on during the checkrides. It breaks each maneuver down into steps, with good illustrations, common mistakes and the Practical Test Standard (PTS) requirements or tolerances. Although you don’t need this book, I highly recommend it.

Pilot Operating Handbook or Flight Manual

Depending on which airframe you will be flying, you will need a copy of the helicopter Pilot Operating Handbook or Flight Manual. This book will be well used! You will be expected to know this book inside and out. It covers systems, preflight, normal operations, emergency procedures, limitations, performance and weight and balance data, handling & servicing. Some also have safety tips and notices too. Most are available as PDFs, but if you want a hard copy (to write notes and highlight/tab) you can get those too. As an example here is the Robinson R22 PDF and hard copy.

Knowledge Test Prep and Checkride Prep Software (Now get a 10% Discount)

Although not a ‘book’ I think it is worth mentioning here because software like Dauntless Ground School (Knowledge Test Prep) and Dauntless Ride Ready (Oral Exam Prep) can not only replace the knowledge test and oral test prep books mentioned above, but they also usually produce better results for less time. They are updated regularly throughout the year (free updates for life), unlike the books that are only printed once a year. They are also very specific to the exact certificate/rating you are going for (and not filled with a bunch of airplane specific questions). From my own experience and feedback of others using their software, the average knowledge test score after using their software is in the 90+% (70% needed to pass) – read their reviews and testimonials. Their products are also available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android phone and audio-only MP3s (listen while you drive etc). I really recommend them!

Instrument Flying Handbook: FAA-H-8083-15B

This is required reading for the instrument rating as much of your knowledge test and checkride questions reference this book. This book covers Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures, airspace, navigation, ATC system, human factors (illusions and disorientation), how to fly using just the instruments and a detailed look at the flight instruments. Being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version, but be sure to checkout the errata and addendums.

Instrument Procedures Handbook: FAA-H-8083-16B

This is also required reading for the instrument rating as again much of your knowledge test and checkride questions reference this book. This book is a technical reference (you will go back to it many times) for all pilots who operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) and expands on the information contained in the Instrument Flying Handbook above, introducing advanced
information for IFR operations. You don’t need to know the book cover-to-cover, but you need to have seen much of what is in there. It covers departure , enroute, arrival and approach procedures and chapter 7 covers helicopter-specific instrument procedures. Another FAA publication, so there is a free PDF version.

Instrument Rating Test Prep 2024

Once again, you will need to complete a knowledge test and many people find the Instrument knowledge test to be one of the hardest. And so most people use some form of study guide or online service (like Dauntless) to prepare for the test. Little pro tip here – you might as well take your Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) knowledge tests straight after the Instrument written as they all cover essentially the same material. One less thing to study for when you get to work on your flight instructor ratings.

NEW 2024! Airmen Certificate Standards (ACS) Instrument Rating Helicopter: FAA-S-ACS-14

NEW! Effective May 31st, 2024. The FAA has switched many Helicopter standards from the PTS to the new ACS (Airmen Certificate Standards). These paper versions also include the new ACS Companion Guide for Pilots. If you would like to learn more about what has changes from PTS to ACS, check out this video playlist. You MUST read and understand the contents of the ACS before your checkride. This book outlines exactly what the examiner is going to cover for your checkride – it covers not only what flight maneuvers you may be asked to perform (and to what standards) and what you may be asked to explain in the oral portion of the checkride, but ASC also covers the elements you need to study for the Knowledge Test too. This is the core of your study guide for success! I’d also go far as to say that most examiners will expect you to know this book pretty well. And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide

Check out the Instrument Pilot section to get a good idea of what you need know. BUT don’t forget, this only the helicopter-specific questions, you also need to check out the general Instrument Pilot Oral Guide. The good thing about this book is it also covers helicopter-specific private, commercial, and flight instructor too. Or skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide

The Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide above only covers the helicopter-specific questions you might get. This Instrument Pilot Oral Guide covers the rest of the instrument pilot question areas. So again you really need to use both books together. And as you go through this book just ignore (or draw a line through) the pages with obvious airplane specific content. The other great option is to skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

R44 Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)

For many students, starting IFR training also means changing from the Robinson R22 to the bigger R44 (equipped for flight on instruments) and so you may need to get another Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) . Like the R22 POH it covers systems, preflight, normal operations, emergency procedures, limitations, performance and weight and balance data, handling & servicing, safety tips and safety notices. Here is the Robinson R44 Raven II PDF and hard copy.

Knowledge Test Prep and Checkride Prep Software (Now get a 10% Discount)

Although not a ‘book’ I think it is worth mentioning here because software like Dauntless Ground School (Knowledge Test Prep) and Dauntless Ride Ready (Oral Exam Prep) can not only replace the knowledge test and oral test prep books mentioned above, but they also usually produce better results for less time. They are updated regularly throughout the year (free updates for life), unlike the books that are only printed once a year. They are also very specific to the exact certificate/rating you are going for (and not filled with a bunch of airplane specific questions). From my own experience and feedback of others using their software, the average knowledge test score after using their software is in the 90+% (70% needed to pass) – read their reviews and testimonials. Their products are also available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android phone and audio-only MP3s (listen while you drive etc). I really recommend them!

Commercial Pilot Test Prep 2024

Once again, you will need to complete a knowledge test and luckily many people find the Commercial knowledge test to be one of the easier ones. Many people still use a test prep software (like Dauntless) to prepare for the test. Otherwise use test prep books like this one (but remember there will many airplane-specific pages to ignore).

NEW 2024! Commercial Pilot Airmen Certification Standards (ACS) Helicopter: FAA-S-ACS-16

NEW! Effective May 31st, 2024. The FAA has switched many Helicopter standards from the PTS to the new ACS (Airmen Certificate Standards). These paper versions also include the new ACS Companion Guide for Pilots. If you would like to learn more about what has changes from PTS to ACS, check out this video playlist. You MUST read and understand the contents of the ACS before your checkride. This book outlines exactly what the examiner is going to cover for your checkride – it covers not only what flight maneuvers you may be asked to perform (and to what standards) and what you may be asked to explain in the oral portion of the checkride, but ASC also covers the elements you need to study for the Knowledge Test too. This is the core of your study guide for success! I’d also go far as to say that most examiners will expect you to know this book pretty well. And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide

Check out the Commercial Pilot section to get a good idea of what you need know. BUT don’t forget, this only the helicopter-specific questions, you also need to check out the general Commercial Pilot Oral Guide. The good thing about this book is it also covers helicopter-specific private, instrument, and flight instructor too. Or skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide

The Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide above only covers the helicopter-specific questions you might get. This Commercial Pilot Oral Guide covers the rest of the Commercial Pilot question areas. So again you really need to use both books together. And as you go through this book just ignore (or draw a line through) the pages with obvious airplane specific content. The other great option is to skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Knowledge Test Prep and Checkride Prep Software (Now get a 10% Discount)

Although not a ‘book’ I think it is worth mentioning here because software like Dauntless Ground School (Knowledge Test Prep) and Dauntless Ride Ready (Oral Exam Prep) can not only replace the knowledge test and oral test prep books mentioned above, but they also usually produce better results for less time. They are updated regularly throughout the year (free updates for life), unlike the books that are only printed once a year. They are also very specific to the exact certificate/rating you are going for (and not filled with a bunch of airplane specific questions). From my own experience and feedback of others using their software, the average knowledge test score after using their software is in the 90+% (70% needed to pass) – read their reviews and testimonials. Their products are also available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android phone and audio-only MP3s (listen while you drive etc). I really recommend them!

Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook: FAA-H-8083-4

This is the FAA’s official handbook on how to teach helicopters – so the required reading list. You find a lot of repeated information from the Helicopter Flying Handbook, so you will be reinforcing your learning as you read – which is a good thing if you are going to teach this stuff! 😉 And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Robinson Flight Training Guide

In 2019 Robinson updated their Flight Training Guide. This is a great reference for flight instructors in the R22/R44/R66. The guide covers Ground and Flight syllabi for initial and flight reviews. It also has the very useful sample SFAR 73 Endorsements and Maneuver Guides for R22/R44/R66. You can get a free PDF version too. When I went to the Robinson Safety Course (highly recommended, they gave us a hard copy of this guide)

Flight Instructor Test Prep 2024

Unfortunately for this certificate you will need to complete two Knowledge Tests (FOI and CFI) many people find the FOI one of the more difficult test. This is where many people use a test prep software (like Dauntless) to prepare for the two tests. Otherwise use test prep books like this one (but remember there will many airplane-specific pages to ignore).

NEW 2024! Flight Instructor Airmen Certificate Standards (ACS) Helicopter: FAA-S-ACS-29

NEW! Effective May 31st, 2024. The FAA has switched many Helicopter standards from the PTS to the new ACS (Airmen Certificate Standards). These paper versions also include the new ACS Companion Guide for Pilots. If you would like to learn more about what has changes from PTS to ACS, check out this video playlist. You MUST read and understand the contents of the ACS before your checkride. This book outlines exactly what the examiner is going to cover for your checkride – it covers not only what flight maneuvers you may be asked to perform (and to what standards) and what you may be asked to explain in the oral portion of the checkride, but ASC also covers the elements you need to study for the Knowledge Test too. This is the core of your study guide for success! I’d also go far as to say that most examiners will expect you to know this book pretty well. And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide

Check out the Flight Instructor section to get a good idea of what you need know. BUT don’t forget, this only the helicopter-specific questions, you also need to check out the general Flight Instructor Oral Guide. The good thing about this book is it also covers helicopter-specific private, commercial, and instrument too. Or skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Flight Instructor Oral Exam Guide

The Helicopter Pilot Oral Exam Guide above only covers the helicopter-specific questions you might get. This Flight Instructor Oral Guide covers the rest of the Flight Instructor question areas. So again you really need to use both books together. And as you go through this book just ignore (or draw a line through) the pages with obvious airplane specific content. The other great option is to skip the book and try focused and regularly updated Oral Exam Prep on your phone or computer (like the really effective Dauntless Ride Ready).

Knowledge Test Prep and Checkride Prep Software (Now get a 10% Discount)

Although not a ‘book’ I think it is worth mentioning here because software like Dauntless Ground School (Knowledge Test Prep) and Dauntless Ride Ready (Oral Exam Prep) can not only replace the knowledge test and oral test prep books mentioned above, but they also usually produce better results for less time. They are updated regularly throughout the year (free updates for life), unlike the books that are only printed once a year. They are also very specific to the exact certificate/rating you are going for (and not filled with a bunch of airplane specific questions). From my own experience and feedback of others using their software, the average knowledge test score after using their software is in the 90+% (70% needed to pass) – read their reviews and testimonials. Their products are also available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android phone and audio-only MP3s (listen while you drive etc). I really recommend them!

Instrument Test Prep 2024

If you haven’t already done your CFII Knowledge Test at the same time as your Instrument test (as they are almost identical) then this test prep also covers CFII. As mentioned before CFII and Instrument ratings are one of the hardest knowledge tests and many people use a test prep software (like Dauntless) to prepare for the tests. Otherwise use test prep books like this one (but remember there will many airplane-specific pages to ignore).

Flight Instructor Instrument Practical Test Standards (PTS) Helicopter: FAA-S-8081-9D

The CFII ride is still using the PTS for now, and like all ratings and certificates, you really MUST read and understand this before your checkride. This book outlines exactly what the examiner is going to cover for your checkride – it should guide you to make sure you understand not only what flight maneuvers you may be asked to perform (and to what standards) but also exactly what you may be asked to explain in the oral portion of the checkride. I personally made my checkride study guide around the contents of this book & I suggest you do the same! I’d also go far as to say that most examiners will expect you to know this book pretty well – after all, it is the roadmap for your ‘special day’ with your examiner. And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Knowledge Test Prep and Checkride Prep Software (Now get a 10% Discount)

Although not a ‘book’ I think it is worth mentioning here because software like Dauntless Ground School (Knowledge Test Prep) and Dauntless Ride Ready (Oral Exam Prep) can not only replace the knowledge test and oral test prep books mentioned above, but they also usually produce better results for less time. They are updated regularly throughout the year (free updates for life), unlike the books that are only printed once a year. They are also very specific to the exact certificate/rating you are going for (and not filled with a bunch of airplane specific questions). From my own experience and feedback of others using their software, the average knowledge test score after using their software is in the 90+% (70% needed to pass) – read their reviews and testimonials. Their products are also available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android phone and audio-only MP3s (listen while you drive etc). I really recommend them!

Airline Transport Pilot Test Prep 2024

I put this here for those that like studying from a book, but more than other helicopter knowledge test I have done, there are many irrelevant airplane questions (high altitude operations, etc.) in the actual helicopter test, that you have to memorize. The trouble is you don’t always know which airplane questions in the book you need to know for this test and which ones you can skip. That makes this test very frustrating to study for. I quickly ditched the book and went to test prep software (like Dauntless) to make the process as ‘easy’ and efficient as possible (it streamlines down the question bank).

Airline Transport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) Helicopter: FAA-S-8081-20

Like all ratings and certificates, you really MUST read and understand this before your checkride. This book outlines exactly what the examiner is going to cover for your checkride – it should guide you to make sure you understand not only what flight maneuvers you may be asked to perform (and to what standards) but also exactly what you may be asked to explain in the oral portion of the checkride. I personally made my ATP checkride study guide around the contents of this book & I suggest you do the same! I’d also go far as to say that most examiners will expect you to know this book pretty well – after all, it is the roadmap for your ‘special day’ with your examiner. And of course, being an FAA publication, there is a free PDF version.

Knowledge Test Prep and Checkride Prep Software (Now get a 10% Discount)

Although not a ‘book’ I think it is worth mentioning here because software like Dauntless Ground School (Knowledge Test Prep) and Dauntless Ride Ready (Oral Exam Prep) can not only replace the knowledge test and oral test prep books mentioned above, but they also usually produce better results for less time. They are updated regularly throughout the year (free updates for life), unlike the books that are only printed once a year. They are also very specific to the exact certificate/rating you are going for (and not filled with a bunch of airplane specific questions). From my own experience and feedback of others using their software, the average knowledge test score after using their software is in the 90+% (70% needed to pass) – read their reviews and testimonials. Their products are also available for Windows, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Android phone and audio-only MP3s (listen while you drive etc). I really recommend them!

Cyclic and Collective

This is one of the most complete books on helicopters and one that you will go back to many times as you progress. For many this will be bit of an overkill for Private Pilot study, but if you want to deepen your knowledge (but you need to know some basic first) in all things helicopter (aerodynamics, systems, maneuvers, emergencies, weather, performance, and more.) this is the book for you! This is a good additional study book from about Commercial Pilot and up. I am a big fan of this one.

Say Again, Please

Talking on an radio and understanding air traffic control (ATC) instructions can be one of the most intimidating aspects of flight training. The book explains how the ATC system works and teaches pilots what to say, what to expect to hear, and how to interpret and react to clearances and instructions. There are many examples of typical radio transmissions explaining how ATC works, and correct communication procedures in each class of airspace. This book is great for all levels, from student pilot to seasoned commercial pilot.

Little Book of Autorotations

By the same author as Cyclic and Collective (Shawn Coyle), this is a great reference for autorotations. You could read it and learn before you even start autorotations, but to get the most out of this book, I would say you should be starting to get comfortable with the basics of performing an autorotation (2nd-half of Private Pilot). Some of the information seems more suited to larger helicopters than the R22, but it is still a great reference on the subject. Also a very useful resource for a CFI teaching autos.

Fatal Traps for Helicopter Pilots

A bit of a dark title (you should have seen my wife’s face when she saw it!) but really it is all about becoming a safer pilot by learning from others (often fatal) mistakes. The book breaks down the accidents by type (weather, mechanical, fuel, various aerodynamic hazards, etc.) and describes the events (to help put you in their situation) and then covers the learning points and safety considerations to avoid the same fate. This book really makes you think and be a safer pilot. And as a Flight Instructor the content can add to your teaching – helping provide examples of the ‘why you need to know this’.

Principles of Helicopter Flight

This is a book similar to Cyclic and Collective – it expands on content from the Helicopter Flying Handbook and is probably not meant for complete beginners. But if you are ready for a deeper understanding of helicopter aerodynamics, systems, etc. Not as much content as Cyclic and Collective but I still have both books and find unique information in both.

Learning to Fly Helicopters

This is a book sits somewhere between the FAA’s Helicopter Flying Handbook and Cyclic and Collective or Principles of Helicopter Flight. It expands somewhat on the content from the Helicopter Flying Handbook but is also less ‘dry’ and easier to read. I’d say it explains some of the more complex helicopter aerodynamics better too.

Chickenhawk

Arguably, one of, if not the best helicopter books from the Vietnam war. This is the story of Robert Mason, flying a Huey ‘Slick’ in the Vietnam War, as well as his training and time off – all told with a good sense of humor and wit. This book is a classic.

Low Level Hell

Another great book about flying helicopters in the Vietnam war – this time as a scout piloting the OH-6 Loach. Lots of amazing experiences, mixing bravery, skill and a touch of crazy. As a pilot you will appreciate a lot of the ‘piloting details’. Very much like Chickenhawk – this is another great account of the heroism, skill & dedication of a combat pilot in the Vietnam war.