This is your brain on physics

Ok, I'm deep into Chapter 12 (of 26) of Principles of Helicopter Flight, and I believe I can say with some confidence that there is no way all helicopter pilots understand helicopter physics at this level of technicality.

The number and complexity of forces acting on a helicopter and its rotor at any moment are astounding, and they vary dramatically from moment to moment.

I have ceased trying to grasp every concept as I encounter it, and have decided to just plow though the text with the hope that some things will stick and make it easier for me to get it all on the next reading through.

The only other book I can remember ever doing this to me is A Briefer History of Time, Stephen Hawking's and Leonard Mlodinow's exposition on modern physics and cosmology.

Sheesh.