Right,
Got a few nice glossy brochures from some of the flying supply shops.
Now I'm a little stumped, with respect to scale rules, protractors, ground speed calculators and plotters, what should I opt for at the start of my career to save further expense and re-learning their operation? I'm thinking in terms of durability (ASA do a aluminium E-6B FLight computer for example), scale rules, what do I definetly need (1:250k, 1:500k, etc) or portability (I notice Jeppesen do folding plotters and they also appear pretty robust).
I would also welcome any information regarding which brand they find is best all round (ie. for headsets DC's and Peltors get the nod, for sunglasses its generally the Oakley A Wire's and Serengetti's). I noticed on some of the posts some of these little plastic gadgets have nice little ready reckoner information and tips however some don't I'd appreciate a heads up.
Anyone ever went out and bought a GPS for a Pocket PC like a HP/Compaq withthe moving CAA maps? If so how was it, worth it, did you opt for NavMan or a bluetooth receiver? Thinking seriously about it as it would allow me to use it in my car for directions, little diary and word processor, sync into my PC, games for when I'm grounded through rain and MP3's in addition to the navigtion safety benefits and as a confidence checker.
Finally, PPL written exams, no doubt I'll get conflicting answers here but what learning materials are generally accepted as being the dogs danglies? J Pratt, T Thom or Oxford CD's. Obviously it would be nice if someone who has came into contact with all three to post a reply (possibly Alex at Bristol GS) but I'm a slut for knowledge so anyone feel free.
Also, another shop to add to the list is:
www.afeonline.com
Stephen