(Part 2) Top products from r/flying

Buy this book immediately: http://www.amazon.com/Pilots-Handbook-Aeronautical-Knowledge-FAA-H-8083-25A/dp/1619540207/ref=pd_sim_b_7. It pretty much has everything you want to know about all aspects of flight. Great continuous, repeated read.

After you're flying for a bit, right around when you're at solo status (either pre or post XC), you'll want to get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Visualized-Flight-Maneuvers-Handbook-Handbooks/dp/1560275219/ref=pd_sim_b_48. For your PPL license you'll need to demonstrate a number of maneuvers with proficency, and this is a great reference for all of them.

When you're studying for your PPL written, grab this book:http://www.amazon.com/Private-Pilot-Test-Prep-2014/dp/1560279788/ref=pd_sim_b_23. Helped me a ton.

When you're getting ready for your checkride, get this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1560279494/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

Also, get an iPad and Foreflight. While you'll hear a ton from pilots about getting started too early with electronics during your training, the main thing to steer clear of is using it for in-flight navigation and relying on it for GPS. You have to learn dead reckoning, pilotage and old(er) school navigation like VORs. It's great for flight planning and the digital charts are incredible but I still plan out my flights using a paper flight plan. Also, it has a documents section that's just fantastic for downloading good FAA reads like the FAR/AIM, your aircraft's POH and a ton of other downloadable documents.

Love to hear some other suggestions.

The ice has melted and it's time for many adventures in 2018!

Just picked up two more Rugged Air RA200 Black General Aviation Pilot Headsets for pax #5 and #6. I now have headsets for both children + adults in the 210. I had purchased Rugged Air RA250 Red General Aviation Child Headsets and they have worked out great!

Purchased a 15 cu ft. SkyOx dual regulator O2 system with two cannulas from Sportys. My wife is pregnant and we thought we would be conservative and keep her on O2 on the next few trips. Thought why not get a dual in case I want a sip. I get mild headaches after long trips at altitude.

I need to get two more SpaceX luggage tags!

I'm using Foreflight on a iPad Mini 4 with GPS + Cellular. Pair that with a Stratus 2s and it's a great way to add a safety margin. I use the Boss A20 (without bluetooth) and my wife uses my old Dave Clarks. I carry a ACR PLB-375 ResQLink+ 406 Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon and a backup transceiver with a backup battery for that.

Trips I'll be taking and posting on my YouTube channel this year:

1. Cleveland, OH to Ocracoke, NC
   
2. Cleveland to Butler County Regional (Top Golf in West Chester, OH)
   
3. Cleveland to Nags Head, NC (KMQI)
   
4. Nags Head, NC to Portland, ME
   
5. Portland, ME to Bar Harbor, ME
   
6. Cleveland, OH to Marion, IN
   
7. Cleveland, OH to Greenwood, IN
   
   Should be some fun adventures and I hope to create some nice videos for you all!
   

• Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual
  
• Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  
• Airplane Flying Handbook
  
• Private Pilot Airplane Airmen Certification Standards
  
• Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide
  
  Keep in mind all the information you need to pass is available for free from the FAA. But I like having the books and in the grand scheme of things they're really cheap. The FARs are the regulations you need to know, mostly parts 61 and 91. The AIM has a ton of good information in it as well. All stuff that could show up on your written exam. The PHAK is going to be where a lot of your written material comes from. If you know the information in there forwards and backwards you'll do great.
  
  The ACS is the practical standards to which you'll be judged on the check ride. How close do you need to hold altitude? How close do you need to hold that 45 degree bank angle? All found in the ACS.
  
  The Oral Exam Guide's usefulness will vary based on who gives you your checkride. My DPE literally flipped through his copy of one and picked a few questions out of each section to ask me. If I messed up he stayed in that section longer. If I answered a handful near perfectly that section was done.

This book is an awesome collection of what you need to know for your checkride. You honestly could probably just use this book and be completely fine. I’ve recommended it to everyone in my club who is nearing their checkride and they all love it.

Private Pilot Checkride Preparation and Study Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/152028795X/

do you need groundschool?

1. watch these at your convenience, and TAKE NOTES https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0EbtWieMNGzdtQ6fAfAQMiNvxG8F-gX7
   
   
2. Buy this ($13 ain't bad, but you COULD just download off FAA, though I find the hardcopy easier to use): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619545365/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
   
   
3. Buy this (yeah yeah I know don't learn the test, learn the materials, but this is still a good resource and you get 5 free practice tests): https://www.amazon.com/Test-Prep-2018-Private-Pilot/dp/B0748MJ4M8/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505318469&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=ppl+knowledge+test+asa

I found that the cellular models were much more expensive and ended up buying the wifi only IPad mini. Which I also recommend over the fullsize. I first had a badelf plug in GPS but when that broke I decided to upgrade to an ADS-B in receiver with GPS.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071HMQY19/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Combining that with the ipad mini with no cellular is what I would recommend. It has been great for me. Seems like you are in Europe so I'm not sure if that is the way to go over there but if you are in the US this IMO is the best option. But I will say don't buy the badelf plug in GPS. It hangs off the end of the ipad and is gonna break.

​

Edit: However I'll add if money wasn't an issue, I'd buy the brand new ipad mini with cellular. But money is usually always an issue.

TC Seaplane Instructors Guide is good for learning the basics required for the rating.

Notes of a Seaplane Instructor is a great resource. This was my go to resource.

Seaplane Operations is great if you want to get technical.

Source- Taught float ratings in BC for 5 years

I enjoyed reading this https://www.amazon.ca/Notes-Seaplane-Instructor-Instructional-Flying/dp/1560275588/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492097199&sr=8-1&keywords=notes+of+a+seaplane From what I saw on the internets, it was a popular choice, and I can see why.

I'm only part way through the training. It was a good introduction. However, nothing compared to some good lessons with a former bush pilot.

No, the Hero isn't designed for receiving bluetooth audio and the headset isn't designed to send it.

I'm using this cable with a hero 4, and it's supposed to work with a 3+ as well.

Bonus: It has a power input that you can plug into an extra USB battery to get extended recording time.

Radio Mastery for VFR Pilots by Jeff Kanarish was pretty useful:
http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Mastery-VFR-Pilots-Everything/dp/0615723772/

Jeff also hosts atccommunication.com and the podcast "Radar Contact", which you can find on his site. Both are great resources that elaborate on many of the topics in the book.

Is it a Mini?

If so here are my favorite mounts:
kneeboard It's spendy for what it is, but it was the simplest and most easily adjustable out of the few I tried.

[RAM Mount] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7OE4DW/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1) mixed with this swivel arm and this clamp. Comes with a suction cup if you decide you prefer window mount, but I don't like the reduced SA.

So far that yoke set up fits nicely with the mini in a 152, 172, and PA28

Excellent read indeed - however, Flight of Passage - Best flying book I've read.


Anybody else have any other suggestions so I can forward this thread to my wife for Christmas ideas!?

I found "Radio Mastery for VFR Pilots" to be incredible for getting started on the radio; Jeff does a great job of putting each lesson in the context of real world scenarios. The workbook is useful reinforcement as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Radio-Mastery-VFR-Pilots-Everything/dp/0615723772/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615824234/

This is what I use for my GoPro Hero 4, works great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAQHYRG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_mH1VDbGGC06K6

I just picked up an external recorder as well. I tested it out yesterday and I was blown away by the quality as I was expecting it to have issues. It was perfect.

This is what I picked up.

It's also easy to market the all in one kits to pilots because money is really not an issue for most.

Wow, I actually agree with PM for once, the original post seems greatly exaggerated. Go up with the instructor one more time, buy one of these and record you flight along with ATC audio and post it so we can hear it.
Recorder https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BOXNSRY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Audio Cable
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068O35/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

y-cable / splitter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000068O56/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I got this one and have been happy with it: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019MK6DX6

Cheap. And I like that you can select the red light with a separate button so it doesn't blow your night vision.

Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Handbook is probably very good based on the quality of his Private Pilot Handbook. I own both and love the Private Pilot Handbook -- very clear and thorough explanation backed up with clear illustrations. I have not gotten around to reading the Instrument Pilot Handbook yet but I am looking forward to it!

Huh, that sounds like the direct to head, then. Foreflight subscription renewed, thanks!

If you don't mind, I've had this Stratux in my wishlist for some time now. Is this all there is to it, or is it recommended to deviate from this type of kit?

Get the ASA Oral exam guide for Private Pilot. They will over prepare you if you know it cover to cover. Congrats on passing the written, it's a good feeling getting those over with.

http://www.amazon.com/Private-Oral-Exam-Guide-comprehensive/dp/1560279494/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458476616&sr=8-1&keywords=asa+oral+exam+guide+private

/r/stratux is a great place to start for software and general Stratux questions.
On the hardware side, I used a Raspberry Pi 3, this battery, these antennas, this GPS receiver, and this cooling fan. The STL can be found here.

At long last I can join the ranks of pilots shamelessly decorating their homes with FAA charts. For me only being a couple years in, it's all about the journey and so without a doubt I had to do a "Places I've flown" map. I found this one on Amazon and the print quality is just as good as real sectionals & TACs.

Clearly I have quite a few horizons to expand on – and I'm hoping to move on from renting in part so I can add new pins even faster. Next primary objectives:

• MSN - Not going to make the Jet Room this time, but picking up a work friend's brother and flying back to tour the Chicago skyline.
  
• EYE - Only recently found out about Rick's boatyard cafe and it's one of the most legit-looking hamburger runs within range of Chicago.
  
• MCD - Can't resist a little weekend getaway to an island with no cars but an active airport

I've found the footage has been very helpful to review my landings and radio communication after my flights!

I have a gopro hero 3+ and a gopro 2. There is a mount on the ceiling of the plane I soloed in (it was put there even before I started training) and it gives a good angle of the cockpit and outside.

I bought a cheap gopro frame mount on ebay for a few bucks so that I can plug the audio input into the camera while it's mounted. Ebay Link.

To record audio I got this cord that can plug into the gopro or even your smartphone to record all cockpit and ATC audio. Amazon Link.

For the other gopro I got a suction cup mount and put it on the passenger window! I got the gopro brand suction mount but I think I'm going to return it because it doesn't have a ball joint for 360 degree rotation.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/Rugged-Air-RA200-General-Aviation/dp/B01A6KE0RC/ref=sr_1_1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076N9LM2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

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^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

I'm a fan of Rod Machado's book. I feel like the FAA resources are a bit dry for a newbie:
https://www.amazon.com/Rod-Machados-Private-Pilot-Handbook/dp/0963122991/

I've been taking two sportys practice tests a day, one in the morning, and one at night.

Also using this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/152028795X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you get that book in printed form you can get it on Kindle for free. That book is pretty damn legit.

Which one were you using? I got this one for my mini retina, and have been happy with it.

Found this to be a pretty good resource as well for $9. The book is small, but packed with quick references.

Private Pilot Checkride Prep

I have used this before and it has held up really well. Remarkably solid build and simple to use.

Don't feel down, just train and do it again!

There are a couple of resources that I found especially useful for the PPL oral: Rod Machado's book and the ASA Oral. You should have these cheat sheets memorized.

Though I did my PPL Part 61, I went to a Part 141 school that did three stage checks you had to pass (with an oral for each) so you could track your progress. If you can, I would have a CFI who routinely does stage checks for a Part 141 school do a mock oral with you before you go in front of the DPE again.

As far as I know, if you connect your ipad to your iphone’s hotspot, the it should get the GPS coordinates from it. However, keep in mind that your Iphone cannot rely on towers for location accuracy so it will be limited to GPS only which may not give you a great accuracy.

I got one of this. It has WAAS so you will get super accurate location.

Stratux ADS-B Dual Band Receiver Aviation Weather and Traffic - AHRS, Battery Pack, Suction Mount, Internal WAAS GPS, Antennas, SDR, Case with Fan for ForeFlight, iFly, FlyQ, WingX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HMQY19/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VgsUCbB27Z7VJ

Have you read Flight of Passage? It's about two brothers flying a Piper Cub across the USA, one of my favorite aviation books.

The weather section of this book pretty much covered it. Aside from that, I don't remember any serious "gotch-ya's".

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019MK6DX6

$11. I don't actually use it all that much, but having had my instrument and nav lights go out on final (couldn't see airspeed) was enough of an incentive for me to purchase this.

Independent switch for red leds was my big requirement when I started looking.

I would highly recommend the Airplane Flying Handbook. It changed the way I flight simmed!

I read this book before starting, Notes of a seaplane instructor, to brush up on some topics I may have forgot or didn't quite understand. It's an easy read.

Books:

• The Spirit of St. Louis by Charles Lindbergh
  
• Flight of Passage by Rinker Buck - epic flying trip across the country, by two young brothers in a Piper Cub
  
• North Star over My Shoulder by Bob Buck
  
• Wind, Sand, Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  
  Blogs:
  
  
• Red Feather Pilot Log -- travelogue of cross-country trip from California to Alaska

This is my setup for recording using a portable audio recorder in the C152's I'm training in.

I use a 1/4" 1 male to 2 female Y-splitter that goes into the headset plug in the plane. One of the split ends will have the headset plugged into it.

The other split has a 1/4" to 3.5mm adapter, which I have a male-to-male 3.5mm cable plugged into. The other end of the 3.5mm cable is plugged into the audio-in port of a portable audio recorder. Total cost of the cable setup is about $15 CAD, most of the cost being the Y-splitter.

You only need to plug into the headset plug in the plane, not the mic, as your mic will be mirrored to your headset anyway so you can hear yourself speak.

Quick search on amazon I did to try to find suitable products:

1/4" Y-splitter: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O53/

1/4" to 3.5mm adapter/cable: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O3D/

The Y-splitter is mono as most older planes will be mono. The cable is mono to stereo so it'll send the mono audio to both stereo channels in your recorder.

You can already buy the VFR planning chart on Amazon - FAA Chart: U.S. VFR Wall Planning Chart (Flat) VFRWPC (Current Edition) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXRA5RW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ncwNyb7P563CT

> line is a bear for me. I can't sit in one place for awhile, so even at home, reading on a laptop that gets hot is killer. I'll spend the money for the print.

ASA publishes the print versions, here's the lazy-link: PHAK, AFH, and the FAR/AIM but it looks like the Gleim kit already has that one.

I haven't mounted it outside on wing yet and have not used the standby. Right now it's mounted in gopro sticky quick mount on ceiling up and behind me and the instructor.

Others in forums and reviews have stated 2 hours or roughly in standby time. I have the Garmin virb remote also which is nice to hit for a quick photo while filming or to start and stop video recording. Works via Bluetooth.

My personal experience with the gopro session mounted under a Yak-yak wing the remote works OK until you are in the air and depending on moisture and mount location. If it's a high wing plane should work fine but if it's mounted under the wing of a low wing or tail section the airframe and other factors tend interfere with remote once under way. I was using my phone's Bluetooth and not a official gopro remote in that situation though. Once airborne or taking off it struggled to connect to the session.


If you want a good virb ultra 30 review here is guy who does the most thorough review out there.

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/09/garmin-virb-ultra-30-review.html

I don't use screwed in fixed wing mounts (the one you have to remove wing screw and substitute longer screw with mount) either I use this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019YOYEYK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478298132&sr=8-1&pi=SL75_QL70&keywords=gopro+wing+mount

The virb remote works well but I don't use as much as I have gotten lazy and just turn the virb on before I take off.

Here is the Garmin directions for enabling wake up mode on the virb 30. Which is same as gopro I think.

http://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/virbultra30/EN-US/GUID-948AFD53-896E-4702-AE11-1C17F1786FE2.html

I use a GoPro suction cupped to the inside of the cockpit for video. To get the audio I attach a 3.5mm Mic Adapter and then a 1/8 inch TRS to 1/4 Inch TRS Adapter Cable - 10 Foot.


If you get a GoPro you'll want to find some larger batteries, I can never get more than 90-120 minutes out of one.

Reliefband

I bought this one because it's cheap and includes a red light. You get a "bright" light for walkaround and use the red light in the cockpit. Takes standard batteries.

It's a GoPro. The rentals at my school have the clip-in GoPro mounts in the ceilings of all their planes, so it's easy to pop your own camera in and go.

I'm recording the audio using this 1/4 inch TRS to Dual 1/4 inch TRSF Y cable. My headset plugs into one side, I plug this into the other, and connect it to this digital voice recorder.

After flying, I load in the GoPro clips and the audio recording and sync up the sound, then export.

Did a little bit more looking into integrating audio for future reference to other redditors if you plan to use your Yi brand camera(s) (or USB Type C connection) inside the cabin (to directly input cables on the camera).

Audio cable: https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP-110-3-5mm-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O3D/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1458126042&sr=1-2&keywords=1%2F4+inch+to+3.5

Adapter: https://www.amazon.com/Vention-Retractable-Plated-Type-c-Speaker/dp/B078RGBBBW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1524247294&sr=8-12&keywords=3.5mm+audio+to+usb+type+c


Optional if you plan to use same socket for your mic and for the camera (Splitter): https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-YPP118-Dual-Female-Cable/dp/B000068O56/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1458126160&sr=1-1&keywords=1%2F4+splitter

Forewarning: This is based on my research, I have not tried this yet. But I plan to and will update this thread.

I need that pencil holder! Do you know if there is an "Ez-roller" version for ipad mini? Ive been using this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B7OE4DW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This particular chart, ~map~, was purchased from Amazon

I read this and it helped a bunch: https://www.amazon.com/Radio-Mastery-VFR-Pilots-Everything/dp/0615723772

Do you live in AZ? If it's reasonable to ship, you can have my copy. I'm in California. PM me.

I mounted the exterior camera to the tie down hook on the wing strut using this:

MyPilotPro Mount for GoPro https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019YOYEYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3u.KBb4E1V0ZQ

Buy this and read it cover to cover.

Not sure if anyone sells them on there own anymore. Send a PM to /u/strangerwithadvice and he can probably hook you up with a set.

https://www.amazon.com/Stratux-1090ES-UAT-Radios-Antennas/dp/B01M7NMWCD The picture in that link is out of date the labels are laser etched these days rather than being paper.

Well the stratux uses these 2 1090 and 978 MHz antennas as well. Theres no way someone could argue that those aren't receiving and/or transmitting radio signals.

I literally fought air sickness for 200 hours worth of flying. It would go away and come back again. I wanted to fly so bad I kept going. It was awful at some points. I’ve probably thrown up in a plane 5 times. All the “remedies” and treatments never worked for me. What finally did work for me was this: motion sickness band
Then I slowly started flying more regularly without it and the sickness went away. I have a really sensitive stomach and used to deal with car sickness too. Don’t give up on your dreams for motion sickness

They are cheap, but if you get the gel ear seals they are actually very comfortable. RuggedAir RA200s. Have 3 sets for passengers, have gone on some 5 hour XC's and no complaints. I also used this until I got my PPL and got some Bose X's.


https://www.amazon.com/Rugged-Air-RA200-General-Aviation/dp/B01A6KE0RC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502381853&sr=8-1&keywords=ra200

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0076N9LM2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a Sony ICD-AX412 and you're going to need This and this. This will plug to your headset and the aircraft so you can capture high quality audio. It only sucks cuz you have to sync audio and video in editing.

My daughter frequently got sick for the first while after she started flying. One of these did the trick for her:
http://smile.amazon.com/NEW-Reliefband-Motion-Morning-Sickness/dp/B00PG4NUOS/