In this book, the author presents clear and direct instructions for piloting aircraft of all sizes using clear language. He covers basic aerodynamic principles as well as initial sizing analysis, configuration layout, and trade studies.
Buck provides practical, potentially lifesaving advice that every pilot should know to safely pilot their aircraft in various weather conditions. This book serves both beginners and experts equally well.
Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying by Wolfgang Langewiesche
Classic 1944 book on flying an airplane that provides readers with all of the fundamentals. Perfect for anyone interested in aviation and should be one of the first read by prospective pilots or current aviators alike, as it teaches essential concepts like why an aircraft stalls and how the rudder works that don’t usually get covered during flight school courses. While not as technical as some of these other books on this list, this classic still provides plenty of great content!
Learning from others’ mistakes is one of the best ways to advance in an industry like aviation where even small mistakes can have dire repercussions. I Learned About Flying From That is an incredible collection of over 75 first-person pilot accounts of close calls and mishaps they experienced first-hand that will keep readers on their toes while offering invaluable life lessons.
GE Aviation employees love this book. Written in an accessible and straightforward style, the book covers aerodynamic basics without being overly technical. This text serves as an ideal resource to gain a comprehensive knowledge of jet and turbine engine operation; essential reading for aviation fans everywhere!
This book should be required reading for anyone interested in aviation history and its development over time. The account of how a group of men and women, both amateurs and professionals, came together to shape aviation into what it is today is truly remarkable; not to mention heartwarming and inspiring tales from those involved who made it possible.
This aviation handbook has been relied upon by pilots worldwide for over 60 years, providing essential knowledge. Regular updates make this an indispensable resource for prospective and current aviators alike. Unfortunately, however, its length makes reading it less engaging; nevertheless it still covers essential information pilots need to know. Unfortunately though, reading through all that information may not always make for a captivating read!
The Killing Zone: A Pilot’s Survival Guide by Dr. Paul Craig
Flight into the backcountry requires different expertise and preparation from that required on paved runways, and this aviation book provides guidance in terms of navigation, airspace management and weather considerations.
A must-read for pilots looking to advance their skills in the backcountry, this book covers all aspects of flying in challenging and unforgiving terrain, such as mountains and canyons. Furthermore, it also details how to prepare and fly these flights safely with emphasis placed on equipment needs and safety considerations.
Experienced pilot and academic, the author offers this book as both an engaging read for aviation enthusiasts. Mechanical and aerospace engineering students in particular will find this resource very helpful as it covers all modes of flight including STOL airplanes, hypersonic jet transports, stability augmentation and gradients of wind density gradients.
This captivating aviation book gives readers an insider’s look at the challenges associated with commercial flying both during wartime and peacetime. They will follow Ernest Gann on his adventures flying cargo across the Atlantic Ocean and passenger flights in Asia; furthermore, readers will witness how the Wright Brothers revolutionized aviation with their first heavier-than-air powered plane.
This aviation book is an indispensable guide for new pilots, helping them avoid common errors made after passing their checkride and starting flying alone without an instructor.
This book provides a reliable reference source for general aviation pilots and is regularly revised to stay up-to-date. The authors offer practical advice, and while this title might not be as captivating to read as some others on this list, any new pilot should read it as it covers all basic concepts they will need in order to be safe and efficient at their job.
Flight Manual: A Pilot’s Guide to Turbine Engines by Greg Brown and Mark Holt
No matter your level of experience as a pilot or aspirant pilot, there are aviation books designed to enhance both skill set and knowledge. From aviation history and operations, to how airplanes function – you’re bound to find something useful here! Some books are ideal for novice pilots while others can even be beneficial for experts in this field.
The FAA Airplane Flying Handbook is one of the most helpful aviation books for anyone in the industry, free to download and covering everything from basic flight maneuvers and navigation/communication procedures to aircraft performance analysis.
If you’re studying to become a pilot, this book should be an integral part of your library. It provides step-by-step ground and flight information to students working towards their private pilot license; including requirements and guidelines for solo flying, cross-country flight, night flying as well as updated regulations, procedures, and aeronautical charts.
This book is an indispensable resource for those wishing to gain more in-depth knowledge about turbine engine operation and systems. Written by two experienced pilots, its illustrations and commentary make learning turbine engines simpler than ever – including topics such as wake turbulence, high altitude weather forecasting and multi pilot crew coordination.
Although not as captivating as other books on our list, this book serves as an invaluable resource for those transitioning into commercial aviation from military. Drawing upon his personal experiences to craft an accessible guide that lays out all aspects of civilian airline life – it should be required reading for anyone transitioning between military and civilian aviation environments.
Paul Bowen is one of Britain’s premier aviation photographers, and this book showcases his talent. Part of his series entitled “Air to Air Warbirds,” this stunning tribute to military aircraft around the globe and their pilots is filled with over 500 color photos as well as information regarding each aircraft – an indispensable resource for aviation fans and historians alike!
Air to Air Warbirds by Paul Bowen
Paul Bowen is an acclaimed aviation photographer best known for his “vortices” photos that capture the air currents pushed by an airplane wing at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. These captivating shots so enthralled Canon that two ads featured his work; additionally he has written four coffee table books on this topic such as Air to Air Mustangs and Corsairs as well as being a regular contributor to Smithsonian Air and Space Magazine.
Aviation is a risky and complicated field that demands rigorous safety precautions for every flight. This book shows pilots how they can use aerodynamics and human factors principles to make better decisions regarding flight operations, with topics including turbulence, aircraft performance and meteorology covered as well. A must-read for students or professionals interested in aviation.
This aviation book demystifies the complex world of airframe design in straightforward language that any reader can understand. It provides an in-depth view into how an aircraft operates and serves as an invaluable resource for graduate-level aeronautical engineering programs. Coverage includes initial sizing, analysis, configuration layout layout and more – this must-have book for any aeronautical engineer or pilot!
Today, pilots may not seem like heroes – pressing buttons and telling you when it is time to fasten your seatbelt are enough tasks for most pilots – but in the early days of aviation they were truly inspirational figures. This book chronicles Charles Lindbergh’s adventures during his groundbreaking transatlantic flight in 1927; an incredible and intriguing account which will leave you marvelling over this courageous pilot!
This best-selling aviation book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the art of flying. Combining history, science and technology into an accessible guide for readers of any experience level to safely and effectively master flying techniques – from basic techniques through advanced techniques – while discussing aviation history and providing in-depth coverage of some of the most acclaimed planes ever built – making this a must have in any aviation library!