We’ve all heard the proverbs "Honesty is the best policy", “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, and “Don’t judge a book by its cover”.
There are literally thousands of different sayings that you could live your life by. As a member of the aviation community, we think the most important proverb you should know and use is “A Good Pilot Is Always Learning”.
There are lots of ways to gain knowledge as an aviator. Stick time, Sim time, Classroom Time, and learning from seasoned pilots are at the top of our list. In our opinion, something else that should be at the top of your list is hitting the books.
In this article, we’re going to tell you about books that we feel will help make you a better pilot.
Table of Contents
Books for Being a Safer and More Efficient Pilot
The selection of aviation books dedicated to being a safer and more efficient pilot caters to a broad audience, encompassing student pilots taking their initial steps into the aviation world, novice pilots honing their skills, seasoned professionals seeking to refine their expertise, and even aviation enthusiasts passionate about the art of flight.
In the ever-evolving aviation industry, the process of learning is a lifelong commitment that extends throughout a pilot's career. Even the most experienced aviators recognize the significance of continuous improvement and the pursuit of knowledge.
By delving into these aviation books, pilots open themselves to a wealth of insights and techniques that enable them to remain composed and collected under pressure, a crucial attribute for navigating the complexities of the skies.
From mastering emergency procedures to refining decision-making skills, each literary resource contributes to the overarching goal of becoming more competent, safer, and well-prepared,
The wisdom gained from these aviation books not only enriches individual abilities but also elevates the standard of aviation as a whole, ensuring that pilots are equipped to overcome challenges and provide the utmost safety and efficiency in their flights.
1. Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot by Aviation Press
Richie Lengel's Everything Explained for the Professional has been one of our top-selling books for over a decade. Don’t let the name fool you. This book is perfect for pilots of all experience levels.
This aviation title provides a lot of knowledge helpful to the aviator in training, but also features a wealth of aeronautical knowledge that even professional pilots will benefit from. This is the ultimate pilot's handbook.
2. Mountain Flying Bible - Revised
Even if you don’t plan to ever pilot an aircraft in the mountains, you’ll find the knowledge Sparky Imerson imparts in this book priceless. The Aircraft performance, weather knowledge, weather theory, rules of thumb, and formulas will help make you a well-rounded pilot.
3. The Basic Aerobatic Manual
Do you think you’d be able to recover from a spin if you inadvertently ended up in one? During standard pilot training, we don’t typically go further than simulated stalls at altitude or basic upset recovery.
Pilots of all skill levels would benefit from basic aerobatic training – both the aviation book knowledge and practical aeronautical knowledge in an aircraft. Pick up a copy of The Basic Aerobatic Manual today and let William K Kershner impart some of his decades of aviation knowledge to you.
Books for Increasing Your Aviation Knowledge
Reading books to increase aviation knowledge is a top priority for both aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.
These literary gems serve as gateways to a world filled with fascinating insights, historical accounts, and technical know-how that can significantly enrich one's understanding of flight.
Whether an aspiring pilot seeking to grasp the fundamentals or a seasoned aviators looking to stay abreast of the latest developments, books provide a reliable source of information and inspiration.
Engaging with diverse topics, from the history of aviation pioneers to cutting-edge innovations, not only enhances competence but also instills a deep appreciation for the wonders of flight.
In an ever-evolving industry, continuous learning through books remains a powerful tool, fueling curiosity and passion, while reinforcing the commitment to safety and excellence in the vast skies above.
4. Harvey Plourde The Compleat Taildragger Pilot
In learning how to fly a conventional gear aircraft you’ll gain a skillset not found in any other type of flying. That's because a taildragger must be flown to a much higher standard than a tricycle gear aircraft.
You’ll learn energy management, rudder control, crosswind control and so much more. Simply put, flying a taildragger will make you a better pilot. This book by Harvey Plourde will educate you on many of those skills.
5. Glider Flying Handbook
We know that if you lose one of your senses, the others are heightened (taste, touch, vision, etc). The same applies to aviation.
Glider flying enhances energy management, weather awareness, and basic piloting skills. Every pilot would benefit from a few hours of glider flying, and also a copy of this book.
Books to Improve Your Knowledge of Aircraft Maintenance
Understanding the importance of aircraft maintenance is crucial for pilots. By reading books dedicated to this subject, they can enhance decision-making, troubleshooting, and safety skills.
A deeper comprehension of the aircraft they operate fosters confidence and vigilance, ensuring passenger safety and optimal performance.
Continuous learning through these valuable resources elevates the standards of aviation and reinforces their expertise in the field.
6. Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook: Airframe Volume 1
You don’t need to know how to swap out a battery or how to do an oil change to drive a car. You also don’t need to know how to change a sparkplug, or aircraft tire to fly a plane… But a firm understanding of the inner workings of your vehicle will certainly make you a better operator of it. It will suit you well to have a different perspective on how an airplane works.
Where to Find More Aviation Books About Flight Proficiency
Discover an excellent assortment of books covering a wide spectrum of topics related to flight. From heartwarming and motivational narratives to more technical and informative reads, we've carefully curated this collection to cater to various interests.
Take your time exploring these thoughtfully selected titles, and find inspiration and enlightenment within the pages of these remarkable books.
Additional Helpful Articles
Refreshing our understanding of old information can be extremely helpful, we've included a list of four articles that we think contain useful information for both new students in flight school building flight hours and seasoned aviators.
Take Away
In summary, we feel that these 6 aviation books belong in every pilot's library. The journey of becoming a better aviator is one of continuous learning and exploration.
While there are various avenues to gain wisdom, reading books on aviation serves as a key pillar in this pursuit. From books that make us safer and more efficient pilots to those that expand our general understanding, each literary gem opens doors to captivating insights and technical expertise.
In a world where videos and audiobooks are taking front and center we need to still recognize the real power of books lies in their ability to inspire and educate the student pilot, new pilots, and the experienced pilot.
By engaging with a diverse range of topics, we not only acquire valuable information but also cultivate a deep appreciation for the wonders of flight.
Learning from aviation pioneers' history to staying updated on the latest developments, we equip ourselves with the competence and passion required to soar to new heights.
Among the recommended books, "Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot" by Aviation Press stands as a timeless companion for pilots, providing knowledge suitable for all experience levels.
The "Mountain Flying Bible - Revised" imparts priceless wisdom even for pilots who may never venture into mountainous terrain.
For those seeking to enhance their skills further, "The Basic Aerobatic Manual" offers both theoretical and practical knowledge.
Expanding our horizons with glider flying through the "Glider Flying Handbook" unveils essential energy management, weather awareness, and piloting skills.
Understanding aircraft maintenance is equally vital, and books like the "Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook: Airframe Volume 1" provide the necessary insights for better decision-making and passenger safety.
Ultimately, the pursuit of aviation insights through books is a lifelong endeavor that enriches not only our professional careers but also our passion for flight.
Whether we are on the scale of our progression as pilots, continuous learning empowers us to embrace change in an ever-evolving industry while upholding a strong commitment to safety and excellence.
So, let us take to the skies on a path to success with the invaluable wisdom gained from these books, shaping us into safer, more proficient, and enlightened aviators.
Do you think we missed anything that should be on this list? Comment in the box below.
