UK PPL H Student - What books are best?
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specific order to (self)study the theory for PPL (H) ??
Hi,
I'm going to order the following books from Trevor Thom to study the theory for PPL(H):
Volume II Aviation Law and Meteorology
Volume III Air Navigation
Volume V Radio Navigation and Instrument Flying
Volume VI Human Factors and Pilot Performance
Volume VII Communications (if required for the issue of the FRTOL)
Plus Helicopter Questions and Answers for the PPL (Vol. 3)
Probably I'll buy the PPL Confuser too.
I'm not going to any school for the theory so I'm going to study at home.
Do I start with Aviation Law then with Air Navigation and so on.
(chronological as listed above)
Or is it best to follow another specific order?
Any other tips are welcome too.
Thanks in advance.
Greets,
Gosa
I'm going to order the following books from Trevor Thom to study the theory for PPL(H):
Volume II Aviation Law and Meteorology
Volume III Air Navigation
Volume V Radio Navigation and Instrument Flying
Volume VI Human Factors and Pilot Performance
Volume VII Communications (if required for the issue of the FRTOL)
Plus Helicopter Questions and Answers for the PPL (Vol. 3)
Probably I'll buy the PPL Confuser too.
I'm not going to any school for the theory so I'm going to study at home.
Do I start with Aviation Law then with Air Navigation and so on.
(chronological as listed above)
Or is it best to follow another specific order?
Any other tips are welcome too.
Thanks in advance.
Greets,
Gosa
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You don't need Vol 5 for PPL. You will also need something on Principles of Flight (recommend Wagtendonk) and something for the technical paper, Thom Vol 4 covers most of it and the two Normal Bailey books cover the rest (although they are drier than Thom 
).
Cheers
Whirls
).Cheers
Whirls
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Many of us have studied at home for such, but what is intrigueing is that most of us did it with some guidance from a friendly CFI in our local flying school.
Are you doing this as a prelude to going overseas for the practical?
If not I would recommend that you talk with your local bloke, as after all you will need to establish a close and trusting relationship with him (or her) for the practical when you are ready.
As Johe02 states, studying too much theory without the practical to back it up will make it harder.
all the best tet
Are you doing this as a prelude to going overseas for the practical?
If not I would recommend that you talk with your local bloke, as after all you will need to establish a close and trusting relationship with him (or her) for the practical when you are ready.
As Johe02 states, studying too much theory without the practical to back it up will make it harder.
all the best tet
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Thank you all for replying.
@Johe02:
I'll start then with Aviation Law.
I bought an old edition of the book(1996). Didn't look at the date on ebay. Silly me.
I was a bit too eager to start.
I'll just have to look better next time.
@Whirlygig:
I just copy pasted the publications that Bristow Academy recommended. Are you sure that I don't need Vol 5. for PPL(H)?
About Principles of Helicopter Flight you are right. It was even mentioned by BA but I didn't see it (paragraph later)
I'm defenitly going to buy it. When would it be a good time to start with that book?
@topendtorque: You guessed correctly. I live in Belgium and I'd like to go to BA next summer for the JAA PPL(H) training. But since I have only 2 months of vacation I thought I would do the theoretical exams before I go so I can concentrate on the flying part cause I'd like to complete the course in a (max) 2 months.
You brought a very good point about knowing a CFI and as it happens I know someone who is not really a CFI cause he only has the PPL(H), but he tutors people in private. He helps a Flying school out by teaching students in private that needs some guidance for the theory.
The theory in the UK and Belgium might differ a bit. Hopefully not too much so my friend will still be able to help me on the common theory parts.
I saw that there are also CD-ROM's available from Oxford Aviation Academy (OAAmedia interactive Training) OATmedia Products
Do you think it would be a good idea to get them?
@Johe02:
I'll start then with Aviation Law.
I bought an old edition of the book(1996). Didn't look at the date on ebay. Silly me.
I was a bit too eager to start.
I'll just have to look better next time.
@Whirlygig:
I just copy pasted the publications that Bristow Academy recommended. Are you sure that I don't need Vol 5. for PPL(H)?
About Principles of Helicopter Flight you are right. It was even mentioned by BA but I didn't see it (paragraph later)
I'm defenitly going to buy it. When would it be a good time to start with that book?
@topendtorque: You guessed correctly. I live in Belgium and I'd like to go to BA next summer for the JAA PPL(H) training. But since I have only 2 months of vacation I thought I would do the theoretical exams before I go so I can concentrate on the flying part cause I'd like to complete the course in a (max) 2 months.
You brought a very good point about knowing a CFI and as it happens I know someone who is not really a CFI cause he only has the PPL(H), but he tutors people in private. He helps a Flying school out by teaching students in private that needs some guidance for the theory.
The theory in the UK and Belgium might differ a bit. Hopefully not too much so my friend will still be able to help me on the common theory parts.
I saw that there are also CD-ROM's available from Oxford Aviation Academy (OAAmedia interactive Training) OATmedia Products
Do you think it would be a good idea to get them?
Hovering AND talking
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If Vol 5 is the Radio Nav one, then you don't need it; you may want it but I managed without easily The radio nav covered at PPL is very basic and your instructor will explain all you need plus Vol 3 Nav has the basics as well.
Cheers
Whirls
The radio nav covered at PPL is very basic and your instructor will explain all you need plus Vol 3 Nav has the basics as well.Cheers
Whirls
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Thank you Whirls!
That'll spare me one book but I think I'll get Thom Vol 4 like you suggested before and I'll have to take a look at the two Norman Bailey books as well.
I have acquired an old version of Aviation Law Meteorlogy (Vol 2 - 1996) and I just started reading it until I get the new books.
I'm still intrigued by Principles of Helicopter Flight.(the title sounds interesting to me) Could I start reading that too or won't I understand a thing until I've read Thom Trevor's other books?
That'll spare me one book but I think I'll get Thom Vol 4 like you suggested before and I'll have to take a look at the two Norman Bailey books as well.
I have acquired an old version of Aviation Law Meteorlogy (Vol 2 - 1996) and I just started reading it until I get the new books.
I'm still intrigued by Principles of Helicopter Flight.(the title sounds interesting to me) Could I start reading that too or won't I understand a thing until I've read Thom Trevor's other books?
Hovering AND talking
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That Air Law book you've got is out of date for JAA - just be aware of that but the Meteorology section is the same.
Wagtendonk (google him) is, in my mind, a very readable book and will see you in good stead for CPL as well - no harm in getting to grips with it.
Another book you may be interested in (given I've saved you the expense of Vol 5) is Learning to Fly Helicopters but Randall Padfield. I read it even before I started by PPL flying - very readable indeed.
Personally, I think there's no harm in doing as much reading as you can - some aspects may not make much sense until you've accumulated a few hours but they will and you can always ask.
Cheers
Whirls
Wagtendonk (google him) is, in my mind, a very readable book and will see you in good stead for CPL as well - no harm in getting to grips with it.
Another book you may be interested in (given I've saved you the expense of Vol 5) is Learning to Fly Helicopters but Randall Padfield. I read it even before I started by PPL flying - very readable indeed.
Personally, I think there's no harm in doing as much reading as you can - some aspects may not make much sense until you've accumulated a few hours but they will and you can always ask.
Cheers
Whirls
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Alternately, you could pick up Phil Croucher's PPL book, which covers the whole lot in one go, specifically aimed at helicopters. I believe Transair (among others) stock it.
Also, you don't need the RT book - just download a copy of CAP413 from the CAA (it's free). If you can find a copy of the Jean-Pierre Harrison PoF book, I prefer it to Wagtendonk, but they're hard to come by these days, as it's been out of print for some time now.
Also, you don't need the RT book - just download a copy of CAP413 from the CAA (it's free). If you can find a copy of the Jean-Pierre Harrison PoF book, I prefer it to Wagtendonk, but they're hard to come by these days, as it's been out of print for some time now.
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the randall padfield book is a brilliant read,,, really down to earth it covers all topics. its best feature is its simplicity and is easy reading.... the perfect book to get you started. i found it long after my ppl and wished id owned it sooner.
dont spend loads of money on books like i did you are welcome to borrow them, i have lots of the cd roms too..... i never used them as they bored me to death.
out of interest i did my ppl at bristow.... 2 months is a squeeze but quite achievable assuming you pass all exams prior to starting there. i did my ground exams at a ground school.... books bore me senseless whereas a teacher seemed the way foreward...
there is lots of help out there keep asking!!!!
dont spend loads of money on books like i did you are welcome to borrow them, i have lots of the cd roms too..... i never used them as they bored me to death.
out of interest i did my ppl at bristow.... 2 months is a squeeze but quite achievable assuming you pass all exams prior to starting there. i did my ground exams at a ground school.... books bore me senseless whereas a teacher seemed the way foreward...
there is lots of help out there keep asking!!!!
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UK PPL H Student - What books are best?
Hi all,
I'm in the process of learning to fly with some 14 hours so far with an R22.
Really great stuuff and loads of fun...!!!
I want to now start studying for the ground exams, of which I understand there are 7 areas. I'd like recommendatios on what books to buy that will help me?
There are loads on Amazon most reflect fixed wing. I suspect they are sufficient for areas such as air law, navaigation etc - but would like confirmation before shelling out.
Any views from those that have???
Many thanks
I'm in the process of learning to fly with some 14 hours so far with an R22.
Really great stuuff and loads of fun...!!!
I want to now start studying for the ground exams, of which I understand there are 7 areas. I'd like recommendatios on what books to buy that will help me?
There are loads on Amazon most reflect fixed wing. I suspect they are sufficient for areas such as air law, navaigation etc - but would like confirmation before shelling out.
Any views from those that have???
Many thanks
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Schweizer 300 CBi PPL(H) Study Guide
This covers all the exercises, written for the 300 but very relevant for the 22 also.
This covers all the exercises, written for the 300 but very relevant for the 22 also.
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Would highly recommend this as an alternative to Wagdendonk. Simple, clear and certainly gives students a head start.
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I used Trevor Thom's Air Pilot's Manuals - these cover most of the exams.
Also highly recommend 'The PPL Confuser' - this has questions from nearly all of the exams that are slightly unbelievably similar to the actual exam questions. On a couple of occasions I actually knew the answer to an exam question just by remembering the answer I had chosen when practising in the PPL Confuser i.e, the question was identical and even the order of the multiple choice options was identical!
This combination got me through all of the exams first time. The only one I struggled on slightly was the helicopter technical. When I did this a few years ago I couldn't really find a thorough book to prep for the exam, although the link in the post above might be a start.
For a bit of extra radiotelephony help (particularly the practical test) have a Google for CAP 413 from the CAA, you can download this for free on the web.
Don't be too concerned about some books referring 'only' to fixed wing - as far as I'm aware all of the exams apart from the helicopter technical are general across any PPL license, be it fixed wing or rotary.
Also highly recommend 'The PPL Confuser' - this has questions from nearly all of the exams that are slightly unbelievably similar to the actual exam questions. On a couple of occasions I actually knew the answer to an exam question just by remembering the answer I had chosen when practising in the PPL Confuser i.e, the question was identical and even the order of the multiple choice options was identical!
This combination got me through all of the exams first time. The only one I struggled on slightly was the helicopter technical. When I did this a few years ago I couldn't really find a thorough book to prep for the exam, although the link in the post above might be a start.
For a bit of extra radiotelephony help (particularly the practical test) have a Google for CAP 413 from the CAA, you can download this for free on the web.
Don't be too concerned about some books referring 'only' to fixed wing - as far as I'm aware all of the exams apart from the helicopter technical are general across any PPL license, be it fixed wing or rotary.
Last edited by pplh; 6th Jan 2013 at 22:48.
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Check out the big books ad on the right - there are better products than the confuser which is a) full of mistakes and b) out of date.
Also there are helicopter ppl books out there with everything you need in one book.
Phil
Also there are helicopter ppl books out there with everything you need in one book.
Phil
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Phil, when you say 'everything you need in one book' are you referring to all the exams? i.e everything from Aviation Law to Meteorology to Navigation all specifically for helicopters.
If so I'd be interested in having a look if you know of one in particular?
Thanks.
If so I'd be interested in having a look if you know of one in particular?
Thanks.
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Absolutely! It's called Private Helicopter Pilot Studies (by, er, me! 
) and you probably also want the PPL Q&A book, which is for aeroplanes and helicopters. It is a cut-down version of our professional course, so it is especially useful for those going on to be professionals later.
Pilot Training & Ground Studies - Electrocution's Aviation Books
All available from Transair/Pooleys etc, but the absolute latest is from the website
Phil
) and you probably also want the PPL Q&A book, which is for aeroplanes and helicopters. It is a cut-down version of our professional course, so it is especially useful for those going on to be professionals later.Pilot Training & Ground Studies - Electrocution's Aviation Books
All available from Transair/Pooleys etc, but the absolute latest is from the website
Phil
Last edited by paco; 7th Jan 2013 at 11:33.
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That combination looks great Phil, I'm sure Rotordad will find them very helpful... especially as he now knows how to contact the author directly with any questions or queries!
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Trevor Thom saw me through about 10 years ago but if I were to do the exams again, I'd go for Phil's book now. I found the fixed wing stance of many of the PPL books confusing and difficult as I had never flown fixed wing (still haven't) and anything that is helicopter specific would be preferable in my book 
Cheers
Whirls
Cheers
Whirls