Genghis the Engineer
Thats me.
I don't think reading the POH is very common among PPL students. It was never even mentioned to me, nor to anyone else I know.
If you are right, it's criminal. PPL students are made to take an exam in operating data, the POH is the only document that must contain a full and correct set of it. Any QFIs in the house who would like to comment on IO540's assertion?
I have a few pilots names on my plane; I photocopied the POH and ensured all of them bought a copy. But I know this is pretty rare.
Good on you.
Possibly a factor in why the POH is not often referenced is that it tends to be very generic and bear little relation to what is actually fitted to the aircraft.
Not if it's correctly amended it shouldn't be, supplements should be added for any amended / altered / fitted equipment. I speak as somebody who has written or amended about a dozen POH over the years.
G