There are certain books that every pilot should own, read and treasure.
Some are fiction, some fact, some seem to be a bit of both, but all are worth reading again and again.
Most of us have favorite books on our favorite subjects. This list includes some of mine, along with reasons why I like them so much.
Stick and Rudder:
by Wolfgang Langewiesche
Published in 1944 and still widely available, it is the fundamental primer for pilots. Everyone can learn from it, whether a beginning student or veteran pilot with thousands of hours logged.
Wind, Sand, and Stars:
by Antoine de St. Exupery
A lyrical memoir of early international air mail flying from France across the Sahara. Its philosophical musings and meditations about flight are enchanting.
Night Flight:
by Antoine de St. Exupery
A novel exalting perilous adventure and aviation in language that is a treat to the mind.
A Hostage to Fortune:
by Ernest K. Gann
Master story-teller Gann’s account of his incredibly full and fascinating life. Also recommended: Island In the Sky, The High and the Mighty, Fate Is the Hunter, Band of Brothers and his books about the sea. Gann was, in my opinion, America’s finest 20th century writer.
The Bridges at Toko-Ri:
by James A. Michener
Undoubtedly the best and most accurate book ever written about naval aviation. A story of the Korean War, bridges across the Yalu River, and what war really is like. The movie, starring William Holden and a radiant young Grace Kelly, is the best and most accurate film ever made about naval aviation.
Flight of the Intruder:
by Stephen Coonts
The best and most accurate book about naval aviation in the Vietnam war. Coonts flew A-6s in that war and knew whereof he wrote. He doesn’t rival Michener, but comes close. The movie, alas, doesn’t, although some of its footage was very effective in “We Were Soldiers,” the best and most accurate movie about the Vietnam war on the ground.
Sailors to the End:
by Gregory A. Freeman
The dramatic and largely forgotten story of the 1967 fire aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal while on Yankee Station off Vietnam. A rocket accidentally launched into the A-4 piloted by John McCain started a fire that killed 134 men and elicited acts of heroism that will bring tears to your eyes. McCain himself describes it in his unforgettable memoir, “Faith of My Fathers,” another tale of incredible heroism.
Straight On Till Morning:
by Mary S. Lovell
The biography of Beryl Markham, one of the most daring and courageous women of her time. She grew up in Kenya, where – still in her teens – she became Africa’s first female trainer of thoroughbred horses and that continent’s first female bush pilot. She earned international renown in 1936 when she flew the Atlantic solo, the hard way (east to west) and again in 1983 when her 1942 memoir, “West With the Night,” was republished to literary acclaim.
The Battle of Britain:
by Richard Hough and Denis Richards
The facts, in detail, about the greatest air battle of World War II. It puts to rest some of the myths about that battle, but the facts are far more impressive. The movie based on it is outstanding.
Tale of a Tiger:
by R. T. Smith
The adventure-packed diary of a top Flying Tigers ace, it is reproduced in its original, handwritten form along with a generous helping of fascinating after-the-fact notes and dozens of personal photographs.
Good luck finding a copy, but it’s worth the search.
By MEG GODLEWSKI
General Aviation News
One way to cut down on the cost of flight training is to do as much home study as you can. The more time you spend on the ground “chair flying,” the more productive your time will be in the air. It helps to have a library of aviation reference books. The following are some books that, at least in this Master Instructor’s opinion, are useful to have:
The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
For many pilots this is the first FAA text you acquire. It is a handy reference tool.
Stick and Rudder:
by Wolfgang Langewiesche
This is one of those books that “experienced pilots” speak of in hushed, reverent tones.
It must be acquired at a second-hand bookstore, preferably at a fly-in or air show.
Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook
You cannot go wrong with this book. For the total experience, get the workbook that goes along with it.
The Instrument Survival Guide is also a must have.
The tips for improving your scan and briefing approaches for single pilot operations are particularly helpful.
A current copy of the FARAIM
This book (literally) has all the answers. It’s a must have for checkrides and is also handy for settling those FAR debates around the airport, but be warned: interpretation of the regulations can be as complex and time consuming as interpreting the lyrics from Grateful Dead songs.
The Advanced Pilot’s Flight Manual
Or any book by Bill Kershner
This man has been flying since the Beatles were a garage band.
Kershner’s experience comes through the pages of his text.
His tips for CFIs improving aircraft control in student pilots and organizing flight lessons are particularly helpful.
The Complete Advanced Pilot
Or any book by Bob Gardner
A long time pilot with experience as a CFI and designated examiner, you can’t go wrong with his books. For the radio-phobic “Say Again” is a must have.
The Jeppesen Private Pilot and Instrument/CommercialPilot Manuals
If you are in a Part 141 environment, chances are pretty good these are the texts you will use.
They often come with a complete “training” kit. Just add instructor and airplane and you are good to go.
The Airplane Flying Handbook
Another one of those FAA texts that every pilot should have if for no other reason it gives you a good overview of aviation and what you need to know from the FAA’s perspective.
FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook
Not only is it helpful for the instrument pilot, it is a must have for the instrument instructor pilot.
Explains why the FAA makes us do some of the things they make us do in the instrument environment.
Visualized FlightManeuvers Handbook
by Harold J. Holmes
Low wing or high wing, they have you covered. Small and therefore easily transportable, this book is a must have for those “chair flying” sessions.
