Reading material recommendations

[fwjc]

I'm preparing a thick skin to deal with the slating I'm anticipating for posting, but I'm hoping that since many of you guys are here because you are interested in sharing your knowledge for positive effect.

Do you have any recommendations regarding appropriate background reading as preparation for a Flight Instructor's course? I'm very keen to do this, but money won't let it happen straight away. In the meantime, I'd like to do as much preparation as I can so I can get the most from the course and hopefully be able to be as good an instructor as I can be if / when I get there.

Thank you for your constructive suggestions,

fwjc

[Rithalic]

all of your own notes from your training. the patter manual by....two old boys, campbells' book, lasors (for as much good as it'll do you until easa rocks in), the poh for the aircraft you intend on doing your fic course in. the procedures for the aerodrome you'll do the fic course at, the terms and conditions for the bank loan/ overdraft you're eating into...etc and so on. the ANO, the ppl standards document, cant remember what its called......running out of steam. you're fic instructor will/should provide you with some more details. pm me your email address and i can email other documents to you.

good luck, enjoy it!

[Big Pistons Forever]

As someone who teaches the flight instructor rating in Canada , two universal knowledge deficits in my students have been aerodynamic theory and aircraft systems.

For aerodynamic theory I recommend HC Smith "An Illustrated Guide to Aerodynamics".

For systems I recommend you actually read the airplane and systems descriptions in the POH of any of the common Cessna or Piper trainers. I have yet to meet any new instructor student who has actually read and understands how all the systems of the aircraft work. A good test is the electrical system. Go to the electrical system diagram. You should be able to explain everything on it. Including every symbol, line and note. You should also be able to explain the path electricity will flow to every service in the aircraft.

Engine handling is another area rife with mindlessly parroted flight school urban myths and a distinct lack of actual knowledge and understanding. I highly recommend Kas Thomas book "Fly the Engine".

[Whiskey Kilo Wanderer]

On the lighter side you might like to take a look at the Garth Wallace books*. These are the tales of a rookie flying instructor in Ontario, Canada. I suspect they will either fire you with enthusiasm, or put you off the whole idea. Either way they are an amusing read. Like all good books, they sneak in some valuable information that you don’t realise you are absorbing, until it happens to you.

Another title, more post-training in content, is “The Savvy Flight Instructor – Secrets of the Successful CFI” by Gregory N Brown. This is an American book and is slanted towards the business side of instructing. Hopefully earning a living once you have the ticket.

All the best with your FI Course.

*
Garth Wallace Books (http://happylanding.com/allbooksdirectory%20-%20paypal.htm)

[Duchess_Driver]

I think what Rithalic is referring to is UK CAA Standards Document 19.

Just as, if not more, relevant is Standards Document 10.

Both available for download from the CAA website.


Personally, Campbel is OK - but considered a little verbose and dated by some.

The Patter Manual isn't really (IMHO) all its cracked up to be.

Your FIC provider should have a workpack with relevant patter for the way you will be taught to teach the exercises along with all the bits and pieces necessary to do a good job.

Some will point you in the direction of the OnTrack manuals - but remember there is always more than one way to peel an orange. There are lots of different publications out there and several documents are available in pdf form from t'internet. Good hunting.

[Pilot DAR]

Though not central to flying instruction, you will find excellent books suggested here:

http://www.pprune.org/flight-testing/363780-flight-test-book-review-thread.html

[fwjc]

Thank you to everyone who has posted some great recommendations and advice. It's very much appreciated.

fwjc