Sporty’s has released its own suggestions of books that would make ideal summer reading for pilots.
“This is a mixed bag of books, and we are sure that every pilot will find at least one book on this list which will change the way they fly,” said Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman.
Stick and Rudder, Wolfgang Langewiesche. This book is the all-time classic about the art of flying, making it as useful to pilots as it was when it was first published more than 60 years ago.
Weather Flying, Robert N. Buck. Written by the late chief pilot for TWA with many thousands of hours of flying time, this book is a practical look at weather and referred to as the bible of weather flying.
Unforgettable: My Ten Best Flights, Lane Wallace. Each chapter describes one of Wallace’s favorite flights so you can pick up the book and read any chapter at random. Both pilots and non-pilots alike will enjoy this book.
The Flying Life, Lauran Paine. These are the collected stories of an EAA Sport Aviation columnist. This book speaks to aviation from the heart, written by a retired military pilot, retired airline pilot and RV-8 builder and owner.
The Next Hour, Richard L. Collins. Your next hour is the most important hour in your logbook. The Next Hour offers practical tips on how to manage the risks inherent in flying.
Bahamas and Caribbean Pilot’s Guide, Pilot Publishing Inc. Spend your summer vacation planning your winter vacation. When the snow flies, you’ll be prepared to island hop after reading this Guide, which is updated yearly. With photographs of every airport in the region, this Guide includes all the information you need to be a savvy island pilot and visitor.
Instrument Flying Update, John Eckalbar. If you’re feeling out of touch with instrument flying, hold your own summer school class for one by reading this book. Its subtitle says it all: “What every pilot needs to know about the new rules on approach transitions, WAAS, LPV, LNAV/VNAV, RNAV SIDs, TAWS and much more.”
Browse Sporty’s virtual bookstore at Sportys.com.
Without question Sporty’s first two recommendations will always be the most important to read and digest before becoming PIC, Langeweiche’s before the private license and Bob Buck’s before the Instrument ticket and night certification. I’ll never forget the feeling of confidence early on the gauges derived from Buck’s accurate and practical description of what’s up there, Winter and Summer.