Most of the time, getting back to basics can be a helicopter pilot’s best course of action during any stage of a flight.  These documents, according to the safety experts at the International Helicopter Safety Team (www.IHST.org), offer pilots and operators a basic and solid foundation in order to enhance helicopter safety and reduce accidents.

Helicopter Pilots Code of Conduct:  Pilot conduct and professionalism affect the entire aviation community, including itssafety culture. Correspondingly, organizational safety culture affects pilot conduct. Avoluntary, aspirational code of conduct can promote pilot proficiency and operational safety. This Code of Conduct is just such a tool: a set of guidelines, or recommended practicesadaptable to each pilot and organizational need. We encourage you to adopt it, and tocommit to the highest principles of aviation safety.http://www.ushst.org/nbspnbspCodeofConduct.aspx

FAA Advisory Circular on Autorotations:  The Federal Aviation Administration has found a need to raise awareness of the risks inherent in performing autorotations inthe training environment, and in particular, the 180 degree autorotation. The purpose of this advisory circular is to describe enhanced guidelinesfor autorotations during rotorcraft/helicopter flight training and to recommend procedures that will mitigate safety risk during autorotations.  http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/be65150e671534e386257b790052d7b1/$FILE/AC%2061-140.pdf

FAA Helicopter Flying Handbook:  This handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for their private,commercial, or flight instructor pilot certificates with a helicopter class rating. Certificated flight instructors may findit a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flight controls, systems, performance,flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision-making is included. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept to flying helicopters and the discussion andexplanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles.http://ihst.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3051

FAA Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook:   This handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for their flightinstructor pilot certificate with a helicopter class rating.  It contains detailed coverage of aerodynamics, flightcontrols, systems, performance, flight maneuvers, emergencies, and aeronautical decision-making.http://ihst.org/Default.aspx?tabid=3094&language=en-US