Books to read while gaining PPL?
 

Just looking around amazon and the rest of the interweb. Which books would you suggest that will help me gain my PPL? There are lots out there.

Anyone used these?
http://www.flightstore.co.uk/categor...41.dept_l3.49/

I relaise they are cheaper on amazon

Liam

I'd buy a set of PPL books, it's cheaper as a job lot. Any of them are fine, it's a matter of personal taste. I used the Jeremey Pratt (AFE) set (as per link), they were fine, I still read them now and again to ensure my knowledge doesn't wane. I found the AFE set straightforward and fairly free of unecessary crap/jargon but others opinions may differ.

There's the AFE set, there's Trevor Thom's set and the 'Airpilot' series, they all have the same info so go to a pilot shop and have a flick through to see which style you like the best. I've looked at Thom's books and like them, some say they are too 'Techy', I don't agree (I've got his book 5 - The RNAV/IMC one and think it is very good), like I say, it's a matter of personal taste. I'd also buy a current exam 'Confuser' book too, well worth the money!!

In addition to Amazon, ebay is worth a look, they often have whole PPL 'kits' (all books & may incl. plotters, pens whizwheel, bag etc.) up for sale from people who have started and given up or intended to & never did start. You'll save a packet, just make sure the books are current editions (esp. AirLaw) or aren't older than the previous current edition.

The other book that's worth reading is the famous "Stick & Rudder" by Wolfgang Langewiesche, an excellent book, even though I only read it after qualifying!!

Good luck

dB

Liam,

One place worth a look is Abebooks - www.abebooks.co.uk. You may need to ask questions about the revision of the book they're selling, but I got my Thom series from a couple of sellers, one in Cambridge & one up at Barnard Castle. They're certainly worth trying for the other books that come in useful, and if you're nearby to a seller it can be good to pop in and browse what they have (In my case I think the credit card company has a warning light that flashes to say "Batninth has just walked into a bookshop".:))

I don't know how other folks feel, I have Thom but with hindsight I think the AFE series of books are easier to digest.

I will also disagree slightly with DBisDogOne. "Stick & Rudder" by Wolfgang Langewiesche is a good book but his style is a little different to Pratt or Thom. As such you may find it confusing having to equate the two different styles until you're settled in the cockpit & can make time to think about what Langewiesche says. I found him best after I had covered the flying exercises, then he made a lot more sense.

Beware of getting overloaded and a bit disheartened if you buy all the books on your first lesson.

The AFE books are the best in my opinion and just start with the first one, you only need the others when you do the exams and there is plenty of info on the web to keep you going until then.

Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche
Be a better pilot A.Bramson
Make better landings A.Bramson

These 3 books will save you money and time in training and learning!

I would suggest leaving Stick and Rudder until after the PPL. And borrow it before you buy it; some people love it, some people hate it. Also it concentrates on tail-draggers.

Stick & Rudder was an elementary primer produced in the 30s. It is as relevant today as Trevor Thom but does have some archaic language in it. However, understandably, I remain a fan!

Abstruse - oh yes!

Stiknruda

I found this to be an excellent book

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http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&...i4pAc6-Yei8R9I

Incase you need some light relief try "Fate Is The Hunter" by Ernest K Gann
it might make you think.