What kind of training aids should I buy?
No matter what training method you select, you will likely want to pick up a good book or two. One of the best, easiest-to-understand books on the market is Rod Machado’s Private Pilot. It is full of good illustrations, interesting anecdotes, but most of all simply well-written explanations of topics you need to know about.
Another outstanding book is Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual. It has more of a textbook format than Rod Machado’s book, but is very well done.
Believe it or not, the Federal Aviation Administration puts out some outstanding publications. Better yet, they are available to download for free from the FAA website. Printed copies can also be purchased at a very reasonable price from pilot shops. To start with, check out the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Airplane Flying Handbook. Be sure and download all 7 parts.
Finally, there are a few other items you will need to get:
FAR/AIM
This is a single publication that contains both the Federal Aviation Regulations (or at least the parts you need) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (describes many things you need to know about operating an aircraft in the United States). This book is published every year. Be absolutely sure you have the one for the current year when you show up to your checkride!
A/FD
Airport Facility Directory. Contains information about airports. A new edition is published every 56 days.
Sectional chart for your local area
Sectional maps are like highway maps, except for the sky. They show where airports are; depicts cities, mountains, rivers, etc.; and tells you what rules apply to the portion of air you are flying through. Published every 56 days. You need to have a current chart to fly.
E6-B Flight Computer
Remember those nerds from the 1960’s that used to walk around with a slide rule (and knew how to use it!)? Guess what? As an aspiring pilot, you will learn how to use a slide rule, too! The E6-B uses moveable wheels to do all kinds of calculations, from wind calculations to figuring out how much fuel you need for a flight, or how long it will take you to get where you’re going.
Plotter
A plotter is just a fancy name for a ruler, with the scale set to match the charts you use in aviation.
Headset
When you first start flying, your instructor or school can loan you a headset. However, sooner or later, you’ll want to get your own. Decent headsets can be had for around $100. Fancier models use special electronics to cancel out the engine noise, and can cost upwards of $400.
Kneeboard
A kneeboard is like a little clipboard that you strap on to your knee. You use it to organize the information you need at hand during your flight, such as a flight plan, charts and information about the airport you are flying to.
No matter what training method you select, you will likely want to pick up a good book or two. One of the best, easiest-to-understand books on the market is Rod Machado’s Private Pilot. It is full of good illustrations, interesting anecdotes, but most of all simply well-written explanations of topics you need to know about.
Another outstanding book is Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual. It has more of a textbook format than Rod Machado’s book, but is very well done.
Believe it or not, the Federal Aviation Administration puts out some outstanding publications. Better yet, they are available to download for free from the FAA website. Printed copies can also be purchased at a very reasonable price from pilot shops. To start with, check out the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Airplane Flying Handbook. Be sure and download all 7 parts.
Finally, there are a few other items you will need to get:
FAR/AIM
This is a single publication that contains both the Federal Aviation Regulations (or at least the parts you need) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (describes many things you need to know about operating an aircraft in the United States). This book is published every year. Be absolutely sure you have the one for the current year when you show up to your checkride!
A/FD
Airport Facility Directory. Contains information about airports. A new edition is published every 56 days.
Sectional chart for your local area
Sectional maps are like highway maps, except for the sky. They show where airports are; depicts cities, mountains, rivers, etc.; and tells you what rules apply to the portion of air you are flying through. Published every 56 days. You need to have a current chart to fly.
E6-B Flight Computer
Remember those nerds from the 1960’s that used to walk around with a slide rule (and knew how to use it!)? Guess what? As an aspiring pilot, you will learn how to use a slide rule, too! The E6-B uses moveable wheels to do all kinds of calculations, from wind calculations to figuring out how much fuel you need for a flight, or how long it will take you to get where you’re going.
Plotter
A plotter is just a fancy name for a ruler, with the scale set to match the charts you use in aviation.
Headset
When you first start flying, your instructor or school can loan you a headset. However, sooner or later, you’ll want to get your own. Decent headsets can be had for around $100. Fancier models use special electronics to cancel out the engine noise, and can cost upwards of $400.
Kneeboard
A kneeboard is like a little clipboard that you strap on to your knee. You use it to organize the information you need at hand during your flight, such as a flight plan, charts and information about the airport you are flying to.
posted by Eric J. at 3:56 PM
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