In-Flight Reference for Flight Instructors

7 Volume Set
Aviation Author and Flight Instructor Steve Pomroy has published a seven volume set intended for flight instructors. This multi-volume set is an invaluable in-flight reference for flight instructors. They are coil-bound in a convenient kneeboard-friendly format, making them ideal for quick reference in the cockpit as the flight instructor provides in-flight training to student pilots.

Personal Experience
As editor of LearnToFly.ca, I have previously reviewed two other Aviation publications by Steve Pomroy: Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots, and Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation. I always enjoy reading Steve’s aviation books, and I particularly enjoy his writing style.

I find Steve Pomroy’s books to be very technical, and extremely informative. When I was asked to review Steve’s publication Instructional Air Notes – for Pilot Training, I enthusiastically agreed. Once again, Steve has impressed me with another one of his aviation publications. Steve’s extensive flight training and teaching experience background becomes very evident as you begin to study this flight training reference set. The guidance provided in the air exercise lessons is well thought out, based on the author’s extensive flight instruction background.

Reference Text
The seven volume set Instructional Air Notes – for Pilot Training is more of a reference text. It’s primarily designed to be used in conjunction with individual flight training lessons. Flight instructors will find the series to be an excellent aid when preparing for a flight training lesson, and it’s also a great companion to be referenced in the cockpit during the actual flight lesson. This reference set is designed to be used by both practicing and candidate flight instructors. The set provides detailed guidance for the flight instruction of the air exercises.

Instructional Air Notes – A Seven Volume Reference:

1. Instructor Guide – Read this Volume first! (Overview)
2. Private Pilot License
3. Commercial Pilot License
4. Seaplane Rating
5. Multi-Engine Rating
6. Instrument Rating
7. Flight Instructor Rating

Transport Canada and FAA
The Instructional Air Notes Series was designed to cover the required Transport Canada (TC) and FAA exercises to be mastered by students before being granted a pilot license or rating. The series is broken into individual volumes to cover the full range of pilot licences and ratings including: Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL) (Includes night and VFR-OTT), Seaplane Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Rating (IFR), and Flight Instructor Rating. For each pilot license or rating, the corresponding volume will address the individual air exercises required by TC and/or FAA.

Flight Training Exercises
Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training provides flight instructors a handy and valuable reference for structuring and conducting ab-initio flight instruction. For each license or rating (by volume), the required Flight Training Exercises will be covered in reference format. Each exercise will include information on the aim of the exercise, background or prerequisite exercises, demonstration/performance instruction, and highlights of some of the most common student errors to be anticipated.

Flight Instructor Guide and Test Guide
The guidance provided meets or exceeds Transport Canada’s content requirements as set out in the applicable Flight Instructor Guide and corresponding Flight Test Guides published by TC.

The Instructional Air Notes content is based heavily on Transport Canada’s Flight Training Manual and Flight Instructor Guide. (Including supplements, with particular emphasis on Part II – The Ground and Air Instruction Syllabus)

In-Flight Instruction
The Air Notes Series has been put together to help flight instructors provide in-flight instruction to Pilot candidates. The seven volume set covers the various licenses and ratings from Private Pilot License up to the Instructor Rating.

Sample Chapter
This Sample Chapter from the Private Pilot License guide of the Instructional Air Notes series highlights the type of reference material covered.

Spiral Dives – PPL
From this sample chapter, you can see the lesson on Spiral Dives for the Private Pilot License (PPL). Common errors such as simultaneous pitching and rolling during recovery, and initial addition of power are clearly identified. The flight instructor can be prepared to watch for these specific errors as the student pilot attempts his or her spiral dive recovery.

In addition to a section on common errors, the aim of the lesson is also highlighted. This helps the flight instructor to keep the lesson focused on the particular lesson material being covered.

Demonstration – Practice
Each flight exercise includes specific details for Demonstration and Practice. Details are provided to help the flight instructor explain the exercise, setup the exercise, demonstrate the exercise, and supervise the student as he/she practices the exercise. The Instructor Demo (ID) and Student Practice (SP) details are listed in bullet format for the flight instructor to follow along while proceeding through the flight lesson plan for the particular flight exercise.

Each air exercise is presented in lesson-plan format at a level of detail and in a physical format that’s useable in the airplane. These Instructional Air Notes do not contain all of the information a flight instructor will need to train pilots! They are simply a checklist to help the flight instructor formalize and organize a lesson plan for each air exercise. They will help the flight instructor to stay on-track during the flight lesson, and to help ensure key points of the air exercise are covered in a structured order to benefit the student pilot.

Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training – Table of Contents (TOC)

Volume 1: Instructor Guide

• Guidance Notes

Volume 2: Private Pilot License

• Ground Exercises and Ancillary Controls
• Basic Manoeuvres
• Avoidance, Recognition, Recovery
• Takeoff, Circuit, Landing
• Low Level Exercises
• Navigation
• Instrument Flying
• Emergencies and Radio

Volume 3: Commercial Pilot License

• Systems
• Precision Manoeuvres
• Approach and Landing
• Ground Reference Manoeuvres
• Instrument Flying
• Radio Navigation
• Night Operations

Volume 4: Seaplane Rating

• Water Operations
• In-Flight Manoeuvring
• Ancillary Controls
• Water Inspection
• Takeoff and Landing
• Emergency Procedures

Volume 5: Multi-Engine Rating

• Airworthiness
• Ancillary Controls
• Taxiing
• Basic Manoeuvres
• Low Speed Control
• Circuit Work
• Night Operations
• Emergency Procedures

Volume 6: Instrument Rating

• Instrument Departures
• Instrument Holds
• Initial and Intermediate Approach Segments
• Final and Missed Approach Segments:  Non-Precision
• Final and Missed Approach Segments:  Precision
• Transition to Visual
• Instrument Emergencies

Volume 7: Flight Instructor Rating

• Right Seat Flying
• New or Refined Manoeuvres
• Command and Control
• Instructional Technique

Designed for Flight Instructors
Steve Pomroy’s Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training is designed for Flight Instructors. It’s an inexpensive way for flight instructors to improve their flight instruction framework for each air exercise. For the cost of about one hour of flight instruction, it is a great investment for Flight Instructors!

Even if your flight school has its own flight training syllabus, Instructional Air Notes is a great supplement your core aviation material as a flight instructor.

SkyWriters Publishing
Steve Pomroy’s books are available through his company SkyWriters Publishing in Manitoba, Canada.

SkyWriters Publishing is an Aviation Publishing Company based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. They provide various aviation publications in the Flight Training Industry in Canada. These books help to enhance the flight training experience and the success rate of student pilots.

Order Now!
Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training

Available directly from SkyWriters Publishing www.SkyWriters.aero

Be a better flight instructor. Instructional Air Notes for Pilot Training – a must have for all flight instructors.

Related Articles:

1. Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation
2. Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots
3. W.M. Aero Flight Training Peterborough (CYPQ)

Ace the Transport Canada PPL Written Exam!

Practice Exam Questions
Steve Pomroy of SkyWriters Publishing can help you pass the Transport Canada Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam. Steve has written an excellent Exam Prep book to help the student pilot prepare for the Private Pilot written exam for Aeroplanes (PPAER) administered by Transport Canada. Before taking the exam, the student pilot must first complete the required Private Pilot Ground School classes.

Ground School
The Ground School component of Flight Training is minimum 40 hours of classroom instruction. Student Pilots will maintain a “Pilot Training Record”, and this booklet will include a record of the student’s Ground School with their classroom hours signed-off by their ground school instructor. Many PPL Ground School courses are scheduled over 15 classes, of about 3 hours each. Typically, this would be once per week, covering a period of almost 4 months. (a typical semester at school)

PSTAR First
Sometime during the 15 weeks of ground school, the student pilot usually begins their flight instruction in the airplane. This allows the student to progress through both their ground school (classroom instruction), and their flight instruction lessons (flying the airplane) at the same time. Before the student pilot can solo (i.e. fly the airplane alone), they must demonstrate safe handling of the aircraft to their instructor, and the instructor must “sign off” on their ability to operate the airplane safely. In addition, the student pilot must pass the Transport Canada PSTAR written exam. The PSTAR exam is a “Pre Solo Test of Air Regulations” written exam consisting of 50 multiple choice questions, from a pool of 200 potential questions.

The Private Pilot Aeroplane (PPAER) Written Exam
In addition to the PSTAR Exam, the student pilot must also take the Private Pilot License (PPL) Transport Canada (TC) Written Exam for Aeroplanes (PPAER). This exam is usually taken when the student pilot finishes their Ground School classes. The Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam is comprised of 100 multiple choice questions from four knowledge areas.

Four Knowledge Areas:

1. Air Law (Air Law and Procedures)
2. Navigation (Navigation and Radio Aids)
3. Meteorology
4. Aeronautics – General Knowledge (Airframes, Engines and Systems; Theory of Flight; Flight Instruments; Flight Operations; Human Factors)

Pass Mark
The student pilot must achieve a minimum mark of 60% in each of the four knowledge areas, and an overall mark of 60% or higher on the entire exam to pass the Transport Canada PPL Written Exam (PPAER).

Exam Preparation
The TC PPL Written Exam is 100 multiple choice questions. As preparation for this multiple choice exam, we suggest students invest in a copy of the “Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation“ book by Steve Pomroy.

As editor of LearnToFly.ca, I received a copy of Steve’s book so I could review it for our online visitors. This is a great book, and I strongly suggest student pilots purchase a copy to help them prepare for the Transport Canada written exam.

Steve’s book is an exam preparation book for pilot candidates preparing for the Transport Canada written examination for the Private Pilot License – Aeroplane (PPAER).

Over 900 Questions
Steve’s Exam Prep book includes over 900 practice questions to help the student prepare for the Transport Canada written test. These practice questions are designed to simulate the difficulty level and the style of questions the student should expect to find on the actual exam. By working through these practice questions, the test candidate will be well prepared to succeed on the actual exam.

Familiarize Candidates
The practice questions in Steve’s book are well designed to familiarize candidates with the mechanics, structure, difficulty level, and pitfalls to be expected on the Transport Canada style multiple choice exams. Any student preparing for the private pilot license written exam will greatly benefit from the practice and strategies they get from Steve’s book: Private Pilot License: Written Exam Preparation.

Questions and Answers – Exam Preparation – Practice Questions

Sample Questions
The 900 plus sample questions in Steve Pomroy’s Exam Prep book are categorized by the Four Knowledge Areas covered in the Transport Canada PPL written exam.

9 Exams
Steve’s book contains nine (9) examinations containing approximately 100 questions each. These 9 exams (over 900 questions) will help the student pilot prepare for the TC written exam, and determine their readiness before taking the exam.

The first seven exams are categorized by Knowledge Area. These are subject specific examinations to help the pilot study and prepare for the exam by Knowledge Area. The last two exams are complete practice exams designed to simulate the actual TC exam the student will be writing.

Practice Exams
Steve’s book contains a complete answer key for each of the 9 exams, and the student can easily grade their performance to discover weaknesses and areas where further study is recommended. The two last exams are simulation exams, and the student can reliably assess their knowledge level before taking the actual TC exam. The questions in the two simulation exams are also categorized by the four Knowledge Areas to assist the student in determining their preparedness for each of the four subject areas as well as their overall readiness for the exam.

9 Practice Exams:

1. Meteorology Theory (100 Questions)
2. Applied Meteorology (95 Questions)
3. Navigation Theory (Including Radio Navigation) (105 Questions)
4. Applied Navigation (Including Radio Navigation) (91 Questions)
5. Air Law (105 Questions)
6. General Knowledge 1: Flight Theory, Instruments, Human Factors (102 Questions)
7. General Knowledge 2: Airframes, Engines, Systems, Flight Operations (100 Questions)
8. Simulated PPAER Exam 1 (105 Questions)
9. Simulated PPAER Exam 2 (105 Questions)

Exam Appendices
Steve’s book includes an appendix with sample charts, tables, graphs, METAR’s, NOTAM’s and other supplemental data to be referenced when answering the practice questions. Similar to the actual Transport Canada exam, the candidate will be asked to reference and interpret sample data and information contained in attachments to properly answer some questions.

VNC
The appendix in Steve’s book includes sample excerpts from the Canadian Flight Supplement (CFS), and a Full-color, double-sided VNC (NAV Canada – VFR Navigation Chart) excerpt. The student will gain valuable practice answering questions that refer to sample supplemental attachments that might be used in ”real life” scenarios when preparing for a flight.

Multiple Choice Questions
This PPL Exam Prep book begins with a detailed and helpful section on multiple choice exam mechanics and strategies. The student will be guided through the format of the exam questions typically seen on a Transport Canada exam. The student will benefit from the many tips and suggestions Steve provides for improving your odds of answering questions correctly.

Computer Based Exams
Transport Canada PPL Exams are now computer based, and Steve’s book helps to explain the software interface used to administer the exams. Steve uses “Screen Shots” from Computer Based Exams to help familiarize the candidate with the software interface, and important concepts such as the Navigation Bar and Question Layout are well explained.

Win $1,000
You could win a Flying Scholarship for up to $1,000.

Purchase Steve’s book, “Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation“ by SkyWriters Publishing and then register for the competition!

Student Pilots preparing for the Transport Canada Private Pilot License (PPL) Written Exam – Aeroplane (PPAER) who used Steve’s book to prepare, could win.

Ace the Exam!
After using Steve’s book to prepare, you will hopefully ace the exam. Take the Transport Canada PPL Exam before October 31, 2012, and follow the competition rules to submit your marks. The Students with the top exam marks (on their first attempt) will be eligible to win a Flying Scholarship.

The SkyWriters Publishing Flying Scholarship
First Place Prize: $1,000 Flying Scholarship
Second and Third Place Prizes: $500 Flying Scholarship

The Prize Money will be paid on account at the flight school/club of the winner’s choice. The scholarship funds may be used for aircraft rental, training, pilot supplies etc.

(Terms and Conditions apply. Refer to SkyWriters Publishing for complete rules and details)

Be Prepared!
Steve’s book is a great way to be prepared for the Transport Canada PPL written exam. It’s not intended to be a primary textbook for flight training, but instead it’s a helpful exam prep book with over 900 practice questions. Exam candidates will be more comfortable with the style of Transport Canada exams, and they will be benefit from the well written sample exam questions covering the four primary Knowledge Areas covered by the TC PPL exam.

SkyWriters Publishing
Steve Pomroy’s books are available through his company SkyWriters Publishing in Manitoba, Canada.

Another Great Book
Steve’s book “Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots: A practical guide to aircraft handling, stability, and performance” is also available, and pilots of all levels of experience will benefit from this great aviation textbook.

SkyWriters Publishing is an Aviation Publishing Company based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. They provide various aviation publications in the Flight Training Industry in Canada. These books help to enhance the flight training experience and the success rate of student pilots.

Order Now!
Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation, by Steve Pomroy.

Available directly from SkyWriters Publishing
www.SkyWriters.aero

Ace the Transport Canada Private Pilot License (PPL) Aeroplane (PPAER) Written Exam!

Related Articles:

1. How I Aced the PSTAR Exam!
2. Aerotech Private Pilot Ground School Course
3. Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots

A Practival Guide to Aircraft Handling, Stability, and Performance

Aviation Reading
As an editor for LearnToFly.ca, I read many Aviation Magazines and Aviation Books. Recently, I received a copy of Steve Pomroy’s aviation book Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots: A practical guide to aircraft handling, stability, and performance.

I just finished reading Steve’s book, and I really enjoyed it. Once I started reading this book, I eagerly looked forward to having a few minutes of spare time to sit down and enjoy reading the next chapter.

I strongly suggest this book to both student pilots, and accomplished pilots. It’s a very technical book, and at times it may even remind you of a college physics text book. But, I say this in a positive manner.

Physics and Applied Aerodynamics
Chapter 1 of the book begins with Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. The author, (Steve Pomroy) wastes no time immediately jumping right into the theory of Basic Physics. Perhaps Physics was never your favourite course at high school or college, and you were quite happy to be done with such studies. But, as a pilot, a thorough knowledge of the physics of flight will make you a better and safer aviator.

A solid knowledge of the applied aerodynamics of flight will give you a great foundation for a better understanding of what’s happening when you control and manoeuvre your airplane. When you understand the invisible forces at work, you can better work within the safe flight envelope of your aircraft.

Flight Instructors
I think Flight Instructors will especially benefit from Steve’s book. This technical background in applied aerodynamics will help instructors to see the “big picture” of the environment they fly within when it comes to the laws of physics and the forces being applied on the aircraft and the pilot. Flight Instructors should also encourage their students to get a copy of this book. As they progress through their flight training, the theory of applied aerodynamics will be a long-term asset in their learning.

But I’m not Albert Einstein
At age 42, Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics (1921). As we all know, Albert Einstein was the theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity. For Albert Einstein, Physics was really, really important… but I’m no Albert Einstein. How could I possibly understand all the advanced mathematics, formulas and equations?

Simplified Formulae
Steve does a great job of simplifying many of the formulas. After explaining the detailed formulas and equations, Steve then goes on to provide a simpler version of the formula for rough estimates. As a pilot, we don’t always need the precise calculations for forces at work, but a reliable estimation will often be all that is necessary. Steve also includes a “List of Formulae” in the Chapter summaries as a helpful reference.

Summary of Formulae
Steve’s Applied Aerodynamics book will guide you through the physics of flight, and summarize many of the formulas used for advanced aeronautical calculations. In addition to Newton’s Laws, you will learn formulas for:

• Linear Motion
• Gravity
• Force
• Work
• Power
• Friction
• Conservation of Energy
• Uniform Circular Motion
• Inertia
• Magnitude of Force
• Acceleration

What makes an Airplane Fly?
We’ve all enjoyed making Paper Airplanes. Remember competing with others for the best paper airplane flight? Who could have the longest time in the air or best glide distance?

Physics Physics Physics
Even with a paper airplane, the Physics of Flight come into play! The weight or mass of the airplane, and the force of the throw, and the angle of attack and the coefficient of lift. It all matters! Applied Aerodynamics is the science behind Flight.

Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots
Steve Pomroy’s text is a 254 page book, plus appendices. There are 23 chapters, and each chapter includes a Chapter Summary, List of Formulae and Questions and Problems. One of the Appendices (Appendix III) is dedicated to providing complete and detailed answers to all the questions and problems from each chapter.

Theory and Practice
Steve’s book introduces pilots (and student pilots) to the theory of flight, and it’s application to flight operations. The book is divided into two parts: Theory and Practice.

Part 1, the Theory of Flight, introduces the topics of flight mechanics as they apply to pilots. Part 2, the Practice of Flight, applies the theory from Part 1 to the practical operation of aircraft. Together, the two parts combine to provide an excellent foundation to supplement flight instruction.

Look Inside!
Click on the sample page (Chapter 18: Slow Flight) to take a look inside Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots by Steve Pomroy.

As you can see, the writing is detailed, informative and easy to understand. In this chapter on Slow Flight, you will learn more about the Region of Reversed Command, A.K.A.  being “Behind the Power Curve”. The reader will learn about the characteristics of Slow Flight and recognition of Slow Flight including detailed explanations on Entry to Slow Flight.

Many Topics
In addition to a chapter on Slow Flight, the book covers many other topics including: aerodynamic forces, stalls and spins, stability, control, performance, aircraft limitations, aircraft handling methods, and applications to flight operations. These aviation topics are ideal for student pilots, private pilots, commercial pilots, instructor pilots and airline pilots.

Aerodynamics and the Pilot
An understanding of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and their applications is important to every pilot. During flight training, the student pilot will have a better grasp of the knowledge necessary to safely handle the aircraft. Later, during regular flight operations, the aerodynamics knowledge taught in this book will help the pilot to safely operate their aircraft to the limits of the flight envelope, without slipping beyond critical boundaries.

Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots – Outline

Part 1: Theory

• Basic Physics
• The Production of Lift
• Drag and Power Required
• Thrust and Power Available
• Flight Controls
• Stalls and Spins
• Aircraft Stability
• Aircraft Performance
• Aircraft Limitations

Part 2: Application

• Weight and Balance
• Taxiing
• Attitudes and Movements
• Cruise
• Climbs and Descents
• Turning
• Aircraft Control Considerations
• Range and Endurance
• Slow Flight
• Stalls and Spins
• Unusual Attitudes
• Slips
• Take-Off
• Approach and Landing

Steve Pomroy
Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots author, Steve Pomroy, has a love for aviation, and he enjoys sharing his passion with others. Steve is based in Manitoba, Canada, and he has over 2,500 hours of flight time.

Steve holds an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), Class I Flight Instructor Rating and Class II Aerobatic Flight Instructor Rating. Steve has accumulated over 2,000 hours of in-flight Instructional experience as a Flight Instructor, and Steve has been involved in flight training since 1995.

Steve provides flight instruction towards various ratings, endorsements and licences including: Recreational Pilot Permit, Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Night Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, VFR Over the Top Rating, Aerobatic Training and Instructor Rating.

Transport Canada
Steve worked for seven years as a Transport Canada delegated Pilot Examiner. (RPP, PPL, CPL) (Rec, Private, Commercial) Steve has conducted hundreds of Private and Commercial Flight Tests on behalf of Transport Canada.

Steve also teaches the Primary Flight Training course to Military Pilot candidates through Allied Wings. Steve has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and he is an accomplished author of various Aviation Books including Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots.

Steve Pomroy has helped many student pilots Learn to Fly, and his aviation books are recommended to student pilots, new pilots and seasoned pilots.

SkyWriters Publishing
Steve Pomroy’s books are available through his company SkyWriters Publishing in Manitoba, Canada.

SkyWriters Publishing is an Aviation Publishing Company based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. They provide various aviation publications in the Flight Training Industry in Canada. These books help to enhance the flight training experience and the success rate of student pilots.

Order Now!
Applied Aerodynamics for Private and Commercial Pilots: A practical guide to aircraft handling, stability, and performance.

Available directly from SkyWriters Publishing
www.SkyWriters.aero

Be a better pilot. Learn the Physics of Flight.

Related Articles:

1. Private Pilot License – Written Exam Preparation
2. Instructional Air Notes – for Pilot Training

I love to read Aviation Books!

I look forward to hearing what your favourite Aviation books are. Post a comment below with your fav’s and please explain why. Let’s see what Pilots like to read.

Here’s my List:

1. Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche
2. Takeoffs & Landings by Leighton Collins
3. Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook
4. Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Workbook
5. From the Ground Up
6. POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook)

Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche
This is my favourite Aviation Book. It was one of my early reads, and I have re-read it several times. With over 250,000 copies in print, this is one of the most popular Pilot books.

Before the days of advanced instruments, navigational aids and glass cockpits, Pilots were trained on the ‘Art of Flying’. Pilots today will benefit from some of these lost techniques from decades ago.

An Explanation of the Art of Flying
Stick and Rudder was written over 60 years ago, but I believe it should be required reading for all student pilots today. It’s all about the Art of Flying, and Wolfgang gives us great insight into becoming a true aviator.

Here’s what you will learn:

• The all important Angle of Attack
• Why airplanes stall, and how to know when you are about to stall
• The landing approach.
• The visual clues an experienced pilot uses to consistently and safely land on the numbers.
• A foolproof method of making a landing approach across obstacles: The Spot that does not move!
• Elevator vs. Throttle. Which controls speed, and which controls climb and descent?
• What is the rudder for? A good pilot knows it’s not for turning the airplane!
• Controlling adverse yaw.
• The paradox of the Glide.
• Point the nose down less steeply, and you will actually descend more steeply.
• Point the nose down more steeply to stretch your glide.
• The secret to a good approach.

Stick and Rudder should be one of the very first books every student pilot reads.

Here are five more aviation books for every pilot.

Takeoffs & Landings by Leighton Collins
This is a classic aviation book by the founder of Air Facts Magazine started back in 1938. Leighton Collins was a pioneer in aviation and a master aviator. His book, Takeoffs & Landings, covers these Crucial Maneuvers and Everything in Between,

The student pilot will learn the essentials and practical tips for taking off and landing safely and skilfully every time. All student pilots struggle with Landings at first, and this book will really help.

Essential Piloting Techniques Explained:

• The ‘Gravity Engine’ and how every pilot can use this for extra power
• Three ways of mastering Crosswind Landings
• Relative and Gradient wind
• Stall and Spin Avoidance
• The dangers of Flying Low and Slow!
• Five different ways of touching down
• The Perfect flight
• And of course, Takeoffs & Landings

Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook
This is the Ultimate Pilot Book, and it’s absolutely my favourite ‘Study Book’ for student pilots. I thoroughly enjoy Rod’s teaching style as he reinforces lessons with pictures and memory aids. Challenging topics such as Types of Airspace are easily digested and mastered. Unique memory aids are used to assist the student pilot with learning and memorizing important regulations and required knowledge for safe piloting.

Rod’s Private Pilot Handbook is a complete information manual by one of aviation’s best known and most humorous teachers. It includes over 1,100 original illustrations and photos to simplify and teach difficult concepts in an easy to understand manner.

Rod’s Pilot Handbook contains what you need to:

• Prepare for the Private Pilot knowledge exam
• Prepare for the Private Pilot practical oral exam
• Refresh for required currency training
• Remain up-to-date as a confident pilot

With this book, pilots and student pilots will enjoy learning the essential knowledge to be a safe and current pilot.

Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Workbook
This is the companion Workbook for Rod’s Private Pilot Handbook. This Workbook is the essential Complement when studying. It contains almost 2,000 Private Pilot Knowledge Exam and general aviation knowledge questions. The questions are organized to follow the layout and order used by Rod’s Private Pilot Handbook.

You need both: Handbook & Workbook
Begin by reading a particular section from the Handbook. Then, open the Workbook and answer the questions relevant to the section you just covered. The questions in the Workbook are organized to follow the presentation of the material in the Handbook. The questions are designed for the FAA Exam in the U.S., but Canadian Student Pilots will learn all the basic concepts to be applied while studying for the Transport Canada Private Pilot written exam.

Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook and Workbook combination will prepare you for the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam, and it will help you understand, and absorb the knowledge necessary for you to fly safely and enjoyably.

From the Ground Up – Millennium Edition
This is the defacto standard used by Private Pilot Ground School courses across Canada. From the Ground Up is required reading for most student pilots and your Ground School Instructor will probably use this as the primary aviation textbook. It’s straight forward and easy to read. The chapters are well organized, and it’s great to read the appropriate chapters before your ground school class each week. This will help introduce you to the necessary concepts and prepare you for fully understanding your ground school class.

Yes, I enjoyed this book, and I strongly recommend it as required reading for all student pilots. However, I do prefer the style, format and memory aids provided in Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook and Workbook pair.

Your POH – Pilot’s Operating Handbook
Let’s be honest here. Your POH is probably one of the most important books you need. Every pilot must know their aircraft limitations, specifications, and proper operating procedures.

The POH is not exactly enjoyable reading, but it’s critical to safe piloting! Before you fly any aircraft, get to know the accompanying POH to properly understand what you need to know for every flight.

POH Includes:

• Overview, General information about your airplane
• Limitations
• Emergency Procedures
• Normal Procedures
• Performance data and charts
• Weight and Balance
• Equipment List
• Airplane and Systems Descriptions
• Handling, Service & Maintenance
• Optional Supplements

So, there are my Top 6 Aviation Books.
I urge all student pilots, pilots, and aviation enthusiasts to stay current with great Aviation reading. Hopefully my list is a good start.

Happy Reading, and Happy Landings!

Related Articles:

1. My 3 Favourite Aviation Magazines

As a Pilot, or Student Pilot, it’s important to stay up to date with Aviation trends and news. Subscriptions to some key Aviation Magazines is a great way to keep current with what’s happening in the Aviation world.

I love to read anything about aviation, and I subscribe to three great aviation magazines. Every month, I read these three magazines from cover to cover, and I enjoy each and every issue very much. In fact, I look forward to receiving the latest magazines each month, and usually start reading them the day they arrive.

Here are my Top 3 Aviation Magazines

1. FLYING Magazine
2. PLANE & PILOT Magazine
3. KITPLANES Magazine

Flying Magazine
As the world’s most widely read aviation magazine, Flying delivers reliable information on aircraft evaluation, flying safety, new product development and the latest technology. As a student pilot, or seasoned pilot, you’ll enjoy great advice on improving your flying technique.

I enjoy every issue, and all parts of Flying Magazine. However, here are my favourite sections:

On the Record, and Aftermath
Actual excerpts of official NTSB summaries of general aviation accidents in the United States. Yes, it’s sad to hear about the accidents in GA. But, you can always learn from other’s mistakes. It’s sobering and educational to read about the pitfalls and errors that have trapped other pilots. Many times, you see how a Pilot gets into a deteriorating situation, and reacts too little or too late. Especially when it comes to Weather, all too often we see pilots who were flying when they should have been on the ground.

I will always remember some words from my Ground School Instructor who wisely said:

“I’d rather be on the ground, wishing I was flying. Then, in the air, wishing I was on the ground!”
- A memorable quote from a Ground School Instructor

I Learned About Flying From That
Personal experiences retold in full detail. These true stories always include a helpful lesson on how to stay safe to fly another day. These lessons are accompanied by colourful illustrations to paint a picture of the story. This aviation art is provided by Barry Ross.

Unusual Attitudes
Martha Lunken is my favourite writer in Flying Magazine. I look forward to Martha’s article the most every month. Her DC-3 flying experiences are truly enjoyable.

Flying Lessons
Lane Wallace makes flying personal. Her flying experiences are shared with you – just like your flying Instructor would tell you stories.

Flashbacks
What was aviation like 25 years ago? Or, how about 50 years ago? The photos and brief reminders of Flying Magazine articles from decades ago is always a great reminder of how far we have come.

Flying Magazine is a must read every month. For more details visit Flying Magazine online.

Plane & Pilot Magazine
The Magazine for Active Piston-Engine Pilots. I actively read this magazine every month. Once again, I have favourite sections, and these have to be…

Product Previews
A great way to learn about new Pilot Gear. The product showcase gives you a brief introduction to new aviation products being released, and full contact details for follow-up.

X-Country Log
As Bill Cox ferries different airplanes around the world, he chronicles his expeditions here. A great way to learn from the best when planning long cross country flights.

Ask P & P
Your questions to Plane & Pilot are answered by a panel of aviation experts including National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff. The answers are to the point, and very helpful.

Pilot Report
New models of aircraft are always coming out. Read great reviews about the latest aircraft, and find out what’s hot and what’s not. It’s not every day you can ‘fly along’ for a test-ride in the latest aviation additions. With all the new LSA models available, it’s a great way to see what is coming available soon in the fast growing LSA market.

Grass Roots
Budd Davisson has a unique way of sharing his incredible flying experiences, and his articles are always a great read.

For complete details, visit Plane & Pilot online.

KITPLANES Magazine
For all the potential home-builders, you have to subscribe to KITPLANES Magazine. It’s the Homebuilt Aircraft Authority.

It’s great to dream. Follow along as other home builders chronicle their complete build projects with step-by-step pictures and stories. From plans-built to Quick-Build Kits, you will see first-hand what is required to build your own airplane that actually flies!

KITPLANES – The Independent Voice for Homebuilt Aviation.

For more details, visit KITPLANES online.

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