The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction and Reference for Aviation
Review: A couple of months ago, I decided that I wanted to learn to fly. Flying was something I have dreamed of doing since I was a little kid and I decided that now was the time. Before approaching a flight instructor I wanted to know a little bit more about flying. I looked at a number of books geared towards student pilots but was disappointed. Most books for students were either too simple (not enough info) or too much like a study guide (which I already had). What I wanted was something that introduced me to all aspects of aviation, not just the stick and rudder stuff. The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is just such a book. Flying is not just about aerodynamics. There is a significant amount of information that must be absorbed before ever getting into the left seat. Airspace regulations, airport procedures, communications, navigation, and flight planning, to name just a few, are all part of flying. Paul Illman not only covers each of these in depth but he does so in a way to show you how each are related to the other. Since meteorology is also integral to flying, any good pilot would also have to be a good weatherman. Illman covers this subject very well. I haven't looked at weather the same way since. (I have always been fascinated with explanations on the workings of nature.) This book provides a strong foundation of knowledge in all of these subjects and a number of others. Many of us dream of flying. But safe flying requires more than dreaming. Flying is a discipline. By covering all areas of aviation, and showing us how important knowledge in each of these areas is critical to safe flying, Illman gives us a much more accurate picture of what it takes to become a pilot. By emphasizing the responsibilities of the pilot we can better determine if we really want to become a Pilot In Charge. If you read and understand this book you will know whether or not flying is for you.

No one book can completely prepare you for flying. But this book covers enough to get you started with a firm foundation. I read this book from cover to cover before I began my using my study guides for the FAA exam. (I am currently using Gleim's Private Pilot study course, which I also recommend.) The Pilot's Handbook gave me a much better understanding of aviation and has greatly enhanced my learning. That Private Pilot certificate doesn't seem so far away.