Which books for middle aged newbie

[RDavies]

I am a total newbie and it is a long time since I have left school, so which books do you recommend I read to learn all I need to know about getting started, up until getting my passenger and cross country endorsements in RA-Aus? I was hoping there would be some books with enough visuals and nothing too deep or complex. Also any recommendations on log book?

 

 

[rankamateur]

Aviation Training Centre "Student Pilot Kit" served me well in all those regards. There are others too, but this one was recommended by the flight training facility I initially enquired at. I ended up training elsewhere but the materials were fine.

 

 

[RDavies]

OK, I did see the Student Pilot kit. I was hoping it might be a good one.

 

 

[djpacro]

The free online series of FAA handbooks.

 

 

[kaz3g]

The free online series of FAA handbooks.

Hi DJP

 

That looks like the ANT in your new avatar.

 

George dropped into Euroa one day and put on an impromptu display.

 

Kaz

 

 

[RDavies]

The free online series of FAA handbooks.

I will put these FAA online series into my favourites but will look at some paper books as well.

 

 

[djpacro]

That looks like the ANT in your new avatar.

It is indeed. I flew it that day at Bendigo, good to see that it is being revived.

[68volksy]

Hi Rdavies,

 

I'd highly recommend avoiding any reading until you've gone solo. Most instructors will teach you entirely different methods to those contained in the books. Trying to reconcile what the instructor is telling you with what you have read and your understanding of the theory really over-complicates the whole process at the start. Just get into that aircraft and when the instructor teaches you to do something listen to what they're saying and try to repeat it. Up until first solo there's really not much theory to understand anyway - considerably more important to just get a feel for the aircraft.

 

After you can drive the aircraft then get stuck into the ATC books.

 

Just my two cents worth. Best of luck with it all and enjoy yourself!

 

 

[djpacro]

A real book on paper - I wish that I had read this one when I was starting:

 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/680115.Stick_and_Rudder

 

 

[Garfly]

I'd recommend Jim Davis's "PPL", especially given what you said you were looking for (in the original post).

 

Jim's an exceptionally good writer/communicator/teacher. He seems to have that rare wit of remembering what it's really like to know nothing about something. And he avoids being patronising or preachy. He writes with a lot of humour and stresses practical, real-world, life-preserving, know-how. But when he thinks there's stuff you'll need to know for the exams only, he'll explain that too - in those terms. The illustrations are fantastic. Actually it's a good read for anyone who flies. You wouldn't want to get rid of it when you've got your ticket.

 

It's structured with both Australian and South African flyers in mind due to the author having, for years, been involved in instructing in both countries.

 

http://www.jimdavis.co.za

 

 

 

[Icarus]

Not a paper book ,however I enjoyed them. Will probably read them a couple more times

 

http://www.flybetter.com.au/

 

Casa has some publications worth reading too

 

http://vfrg.casa.gov.au/ to start with.

 

Dont forget the very good tutorials linked from this site.

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/tutorials/

 

also look at you tube videos. plenty of good safety videos and instructional videos there.

 

Who reads paper books now anyway?

 

 

[nong]

Hi Rdavies,I'd highly recommend avoiding any reading until you've gone solo. Most instructors will teach you entirely different methods to those contained in the books. Trying to reconcile what the instructor is telling you with what you have read and your understanding of the theory really over-complicates the whole process at the start. Just get into that aircraft and when the instructor teaches you to do something listen to what they're saying and try to repeat it. Up until first solo there's really not much theory to understand anyway - considerably more important to just get a feel for the aircraft.

 

After you can drive the aircraft then get stuck into the ATC books.

 

Just my two cents worth. Best of luck with it all and enjoy yourself!

I would highly recommend reading all your texts, cover to cover, twice, and doing all the tests at the end of each section, BEFORE going near an aircraft. The stronger your theory knowledge, the quicker you will learn and UNDERSTAND the practical.

It worked for me. I was ready to sit DCA (CASA) exams on day one. Doing things this way means you get maximum progress for every dollar spent and won't be in danger of having to stop flying because you have not been able to pass written exams.

 

 

[RDavies]

Not a paper book ,however I enjoyed them. Will probably read them a couple more timeshttp://www.flybetter.com.au/

 

Casa has some publications worth reading too

 

http://vfrg.casa.gov.au/ to start with.

 

Dont forget the very good tutorials linked from this site.

 

http://www.recreationalflying.com/tutorials/

 

also look at you tube videos. plenty of good safety videos and instructional videos there.

 

Who reads paper books now anyway?

Thanks for the links, I have saved some to my favourites. I still like hard copies sometimes so I have ordered a few of the books mentioned. I don't intend to read them all at once but as I get spare time and days off I will do some learning.

 

 

[bexrbetter]

My Goodness, how did you all manage to skip the greatest aviation book in history!

 

http://flyerme.simpl.com/book_store.html