(Part 2) Top products from r/aviation

Click Here and Here for a whole bunch of useful stuff from FAA.

Worthy of specific note-

Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH) and Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK, pronounced P-Hack). The PHAK and AFH will give you pretty much all the basics of how airplanes work, how airspace works, where you're allowed to fly, etc etc etc.

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) basically tells you how you can legally fly an airplane, but without much of the shall-be-not-less-than style legalese. Officially the FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) is the real legal base which it stands on, but the AIM says the same thing and can be read by a human much more easily. In the AIM you will VERY often see references to "14 CFR xx.xxx", Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (aka US national law) covers the FAA. This can be just as easily written (and frequently is) as FAR xx.xxx. The first part is the 'part', which covers a particular type of regulation- for example FAR Part 61 covers the certification of pilots and instructors, Part 91 covers general operating and flight rules (part 61 helps you get your license, part 91 helps you lose it). Often a particular business will be referred to by the FAR Part which governs it, for example most airlines are FAR 121 Scheduled Air Carriers. Some flight schools are Part 61 flight schools (anyone with a CFI (certified flight instructor) certification can provide flight instruction under Part 61), while some flight schools are Part 141 which covers more structured training programs with an FAA-approved curriculum, regular FAA audits, etc.

Note that if you don't mind a GIANT dead tree book, the complete AIM and several relevant parts of the FAR are available as one book for only $10

However if you just want to learn how shit works, download or buy the PHAK and AFH. They are free of legalese, are fun to read, and have lots of color illustrations so you understand what's going on. Go here and scroll down to 'frequently bought together' to get the PHAK, AFH and FAR/AIM all together for just under $40.

So, when I was in A/P school, all my books were paid for by my tuition. I don't know how much these books are.

But these 3 books kind of go over the basics of airplanes, NOTE: In aviation there are like, 30 different publishers and they all publish the same info, for the most part. I'll just discuss the books I have experience with.

https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Maintenance-Glencoe-aviation-technology/dp/007112991X

https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Basic-Science-Michael-Kroes/dp/0028018141/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0028018141&pd_rd_r=9AQVXAHX7HKX18ZETEVP&pd_rd_w=wLMpb&pd_rd_wg=YrBDV&psc=1&refRID=9AQVXAHX7HKX18ZETEVP

https://www.amazon.com/Aircraft-Powerplants-Michael-Kroes/dp/0028018745/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0028018745&pd_rd_r=9AQVXAHX7HKX18ZETEVP&pd_rd_w=wLMpb&pd_rd_wg=YrBDV&psc=1&refRID=9AQVXAHX7HKX18ZETEVP

The red one is the introduction. Tells you the basics of how airplanes work, types of materials used, processes, tools, and Federal Regulations

The Green one is engine stuff. Top to bottom, everything you wanna know about aircraft engines. How they work, different types, etc

The blue one goes into detail about aircraft structures. Again more in depth into on materials and stuff

This next book is kind of the same as the Red book, but a bit more detailed and in depth. IMO a bit more technical, but has great info.

https://www.amazon.com/Aviation-Maintenance-Technician-Handbook-FAA-H-8083-30/dp/1619540258/ref=pd_sim_14_8?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1619540258&pd_rd_r=9AQVXAHX7HKX18ZETEVP&pd_rd_w=wLMpb&pd_rd_wg=YrBDV&psc=1&refRID=9AQVXAHX7HKX18ZETEVP

There's also this book published by the FAA

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/99861

When I was in school, they made physical copies of this book, but I'm not sure now. Essentially the FAA has specific methods of how to do things. Now for major manufacturers, like Boeing for example, they have THEIR own proprietary method for doing things, and they write their own manuals. But on smaller airplanes like Cessna's or homebuilt aircraft, these manufacturers don't really have specific maintenance instructions. The you for somethings, but a lot of times, you want that FAA book.

There's like a billion types of homebuilt options. Are you wanting to design from the ground up, or building a pre-designed airplane from a kit or prints?

This isn't some hypothetical /r/aviation pissing contest, go and read the relevant passage from Dover's book. The reason they were leaning the mixture was to increase endurance. Emphasis is mine.

>"How’s it look, Swede?" Ford asked. "So far, so good. Cylinder head temps seem to be holding. But we’re flying full rich. We’re going to have to lean it out for best fuel range."
>
BANG! The sudden sound filled the cabin and the Clipper shook as though it were in the grip of a gigantic storm. BANG! Again.
>
"Backfiring on Numbers Two and Three!" Johnny Mack called out. "Those cowlings are shaking like Jell-o!"
>
"Back off the mixture, Swede!" Ford shouted. Rothe quickly moved the mixture controls toward the rich side of their range. Just as quickly the banging stopped. But the cylinder head temperatures remained just under redline.
>
Once again the mixture controls came back. Once again the manifold pressures increased and the cylinder head temperatures rested within a degree of the forbidden redline.
>
Then: BANG! BANG! The Clipper shook as though it were a rag doll in the hands of a very active child. Quickly, but with more control this time, Rothe eased the mixture controls back to just under the mark where the backfiring would start. "That’s about the best we can do," he called out. "We can stay below the backfire point, but I can’t guarantee the head temps. They’re just about out of normal range for long-range cruise."

So this is going to be a bit macabre but I'll tell you about one on my list.

It is an established fact that most fatal aviation accidents occur between 100-350 hours of total flight time. It seems to be a interval where the confidence curve of the pilot and the competence curve of the pilot separate (delaminate if you will). To that end, a book has been written that discusses why and how this happens. In the interest of being a safer pilot, I think it'd be a good pic.

It may seem like a weird choice for a gift, but I find most pilots are pretty academic in their perspectives on the nature of the activity, so I think you'd find it appreciated.

The Killing Zone by Paul A Craig:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Killing-Zone-Second-Edition/dp/0071798404

I grew up with Train Song and Plane Song, two beautiful picture books with incredible illustrations and lovely sort of impressionistic text that just talks about what the subject is and why people find them useful and important. They're great for young children but I think they hold up pretty well for adults too. https://www.amazon.com/Plane-Song-Trophy-picture-book/dp/0064433676

Find an instructor that has instructed more than 4-5 primary students. The instructor should be planning on staying with the FBO for at least the next year so you can finish the certificate with them. I would also suggest an instructor that is around your own age. This will keep you both on the same page and help build trust. Your instructor has to trust you enough to let you learn and you have to trust your instructor not to do anything reckless.

That said you should study on your own, The airplane flying handbook is your bible of practical knowledge. Also buy a copy of the Pilot's Information Manual for your aircraft (Make sure it is for your exact model of aircraft).

The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is another good resource produced by the FAA.

Private Pilot and Recreational Pilot FAA Knowledge Test 2010 gives you all the questions and answers for the ground school test. You can practice on the Sporty's Web Site for free which helps a lot.

The easiest way to save money is to study on your own, the more you study the less time your instructor has to spend with you on the ground. I wouldn't bother with flight simulators on your home computer, they are nice for learning how to scan instruments but at the beginning of your flight training they will only mess you up. That said if you decide to get an instrument rating flight sim is invaluable.

Captain Sullenberger's first book, Highest Duty. He truly is a remarkable man and outstanding pilot. Not only does the book contain stories about his life as an airline pilot but it also contains valuable life lessons that every boy should learn and take note of.

Congrats!

I always recommend this book to new Private pilots. Understand your certification, your legal and personal limitations, and don't put yourself in a bad position. Stay away from "get-home-itis", aka pushing the limits of your abilities (primarily weather related) just because you need to get home.

Have fun!

The book is a pretty good read, as well.

You would have to look up the laws in your area/country. Though I have never really though about the legality of it in other states etc. We have a few scanners and run a piaware adsb feeder. Most scanners are fine for picking up air traffic.
I have one of these bc125AT that we use out on the road. Is quite small and works great. have probably had it over 10 years. Fairly cheap for a analog scanner. Most important is the antenna. Here we have a large 30 foot antenna but in our old apartment we used to use a glass mount on the window. Scanning is a huge hobby and can be as cheap or expensive as you want.
Let me know if you need more info.

I got my kit for $85 from amazon (raspberry pi and antenna), and you could even get it cheaper if you wanted. Here's fr24's instructions, although you may need some more help like I did setting up the raspberry pi.

Here's a pretty interesting book on these guys. Incredible technological development occurring in such a short amount of time.

Communications enthusiast here, browsing the sub. I know of people who have picked up almost every "world leader"'s aircraft, Air Force One and various other "big shots" included. If you're radiating ADS-B, anybody with a $20 "software defined radio" stick from Amazon and a free piece of software can locate you.

giggles nervously

Someone wrote "CockpitConfidential". I'd love to read a pilot's actual confidential.

With Amazon Prime, it's free with Kindle Unlimited.

Not sure if you're after anecdotes or technical but Chickenhawk is a good read.

How Not To Be Wrong explores this vignette in some detail - highly recommend the book!

If you read The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe you'll really learn and appreciate how goddamn cool this guy is

I just read this book: Flying the SR-71

http://www.amazon.com/Flying-SR-71-Blackbird-Cockpit-Operational/dp/0760332398

It's in the kindle store.

It's a very instructional book. You could probably fly a sortie after reading it ;)

Here's the Amazon listing for them

Here is the desktop version of your link

I second this. I really enjoyed that book. Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Fighter-Pilot-Memoirs-Legendary-Robin/dp/0312560230

This is the cover of a book I'm reading, Understanding Flight:

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Flight-David-Anderson/dp/0071363777/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371332856&sr=8-2&keywords=understanding+flight

You could always try calling the owner of the airport (should be public information) to see if they can pass the information along.

Alternately, you could buy a hand-held aviation radio and tune it to the CTAF (common traffic advisory frequency) for the airport. Most pilots will announce on the radio what they are doing at a uncontrolled airport. They are not required to, but it is safer to. This would potentially give you more warning about activity in the area allowing you to get your kite down before it is an issue. You can find the CTAF by looking up the airport in the AF/D (airport facility directory). Lookup the airport and it should have it listed.

Not an experienced pilot, but for someone like you I'd recommend The Killing Zone if you haven't already read it.

I have read couple of books, like this one
https://www.amazon.com/Flying-SR-71-Blackbird-Cockpit-Operational/dp/0760332398

Quite hard core on it's level of detail, he literally flies checklist item by item on the book, so casual reader might want to skip this one.

But yes, I can believe it was stressful. Picture this: you are somewhere over freezing cold ocean. Flight has not gone by the book, you are low on fuel. Your planned rendezvous point with tanker is in the middle of thunderstorm. Neither has tanker's flight gone exactly as planned... your
radar screen is flickering... no contact yet... (insert heavy breathing here).

If you manage to survive this one, there's still two fuelings to go before you're home.

> A related problem was that the aircraft's engines would have to be throttled down on landing approach. Since it could take as long as 20 seconds to throttle them back up to full power, the big bomber could not easily do a "touch and go" momentary landing. A small "approach chute" (drogue parachute) provided aerodynamic drag so that the aircraft could be flown at approach speeds with the engines throttled at ready-to-spool-up medium power. Training typically included an hour of dragging this chute around the landing pattern for multiple practice landings.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_B-47_Stratojet#Drag_chutes


I remember reading about this in a book I had as a kid, but citing the exact page and lines is a bit difficult, as I don't have it with me at the moment. Wikipedia will have to do.

Check out the book Cockpit Confidential - I was an extremely fearful flyer as you described, and my husband bought me this book. It went a long way to helping me handle my fear just by educating me on the process. Knowing what to anticipate each step of the way made me feel more calm. I wouldn’t say I’m totally over my fear, but I went from begging my parents to let me stay home from family trips and having major panic attacks before boarding to having flown by myself around the US, to Europe, and to South America. All without medicating myself with Xanax as I used to do. I flew over 25,000 miles last year, which is amazing for a girl who was known amongst family and friends as the one who hated flying. Recently I even flew in a little Cessna floatplane which I was SO scared to do, but I pushed through and I’m glad I did. You can do it!!