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Take the freedom of flight with you. General aviation books and DVDs are a great way to experience flying when you can't. Our books and DVDs section is full of great material to keep you entertained and informed.
Below you can read reviews and purchase your favorite photography, imaging and computer related books. Just click on the book or link and you are on your way!

May 2008

Flight Attendants by Alix Browne and Brian Finke (powerHouse, 2008, ISBN: 9781576874271). Flying the friendly skies, Brian Finke began photographing flight attendants as he crisscrossed the country on the airlines. In London, he visited a flight attendant school, complete with emergency rafts and billowing smoke. For the grand finale of his two-year trip, Finke traveled the illustrious Icelandair. The result is this vibrant document of those adventurous souls who choose to work at 40,000 feet. With an eye for the iconic as well as the absurd, Finke seamlessly blends the glamorous with the casual, offering a memorable look at the men and women of air travel.

Spinning Through Clouds: Tales from an Early Hoosier Aviator by Max E. Knight (Indiana Historical Society Press, 2008, ISBN: 9780871952561). 1930s aviators flew by the seat of their pants, climbing into open cockpits, braving the elements and sitting in narrow flimsy cabins. Knight began flying in 1936, at age 10, and met and learned to fly from many of Indiana’s aviation pioneers. This book is intended not just for experienced aviators, but also for young adults who are just getting into the sky.

Fly the Engine by Kas Thomas (ASA, 2008, PN 13-05395). Back in print for the first time in over a decade, the ultimate book on aircraft engine operation has been fully revised and updated for 2008. Fly the Engine takes you through all phases of engine operation, showing you how to spot engine discrepancies on preflight; how to troubleshoot a rough runup; how to recognize valve sticking; and much more. Hailed as a modern-day classic when it first appeared in 1993, this book is essential reading for any pilot, of any skill level.

Glenn Curtiss: Pioneer of Aviation by Alden Hatch (The Lyons Press, 2007, ISBN: 9781599211459). Viewed by many as the most important figure in the development of aviation, Glenn Curtiss was a thrill seeker and mechanical genius. Starting his career as a bicycle maker, he became the world’s leading manufacturer of high-performance motorcycles. Curtiss then began to build lightweight aeronautical motors and propellers. In 1909 he defeated the greatest flyers in the world and won the first airplane race in history. Curtiss convinced the U.S. Navy of the importance of naval aviation, and his planes performed the first landing on and takeoff from the deck of a ship. His “Jenny” set the standard for WWI aircraft, and his NC-4 “Flying Boat” crossed the Atlantic eight years before Lindbergh.

Fly Utah! A Pilot’s Guide to Exploration and Discovery in the Red Rock Country by Galen L. Hanselman (Q.E.I. Publishing, 2007, ISBN: 9781884915079). This is a treasure trove of information on Utah’s backcountry and recreational airstrips. There aren’t many asphalt-covered trails and cutesy little signs here: The Red Rock Country is vast and largely unexplored. Hanselman gives pilots the tools to plan dozens of exciting adventures, safely. Each airstrip is photographed to aid identification from overhead. This two-volume book comes in a slipcase and features a total of 950 pages with 83 airstrips (57 previously uncharted), 332 color illustrations, 172 color photos, a Relative Hazard Index (RHI), color Terrain Elevation Models (TEMs) and Runway Elevation Profiles (REPs).

April 2008

Introduction to Flying DVD (Sporty’s, 2008, ID# D386). This new DVD takes the mystery out of flying for the nonpilot by exploring how flying works for both visual and instrument flight. Designed for passengers and not the pilot, the program uses lay terms to explain aviation concepts. Passengers will learn more about what the pilot is doing and why. They’ll learn how to participate in the flight as a helpful crew member and how to aid in an emergency to make their next flight safer and more enjoyable.

Freedom In The Air: A Czech Flyer and his Aircrew Dog by Hamish Ross (Casemate, 2007, ISBN: 9781844155903). This biography tells of the life of a Czech airman, Vaclav Robert Bozdech,, who escaped from Nazi invasion, fought with the French and finally arrived in Britain to fly as an air gunner with the RAF during WWII. Throughout the war and after, he was accompanied by his Alsatian dog, who flew with him on many bomber raids and became a squadron mascot. After the war, the two returned to their homeland, but escaped back to the UK once the communists gained control.

Pan American Clippers: The Golden Age Of Flying Boats by James Trautman (Boston Mills Press, 2007, ISBN: 9781550464764). As the world emerged from the depression in the 1930s, they looked to Pan American Airways Clipper “flying boats” as a symbol of elegance, luxury, adventure and romance. This glossy, coffee-table book features rare period photographs, travel posters, magazine ads and colorful brochures evoking the era of the graceful “flying boats.” All passengers on Clippers traveled in first-class style, reminiscent of the great ocean liners of the day.

Dream Aircraft: The Most Fascinating Airplanes I’ve Ever Flown by Barry Schiff (ASA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560276807). Some of the aircraft in this book are so rare that most pilots have never even seen them, let alone had a chance to fly them. Each chapter is dedicated to a different aircraft as Schiff describes the unique aspects and performance characteristics: exactly how it feels to be behind the control wheel (or stick, as it may be). Schiff’s has amassed more than 26,000 hours in over 300 types of aircraft and received worldwide recognition for his wide-ranging accomplishments.

Five Of The Many: Survivors of the Bomber Command Offensive from the Battle of Britain to Victory Tell Their Story by Steve Darlow (Grub Street, 2008, 9781904943983). This book follows the exploits of five of RAF Bomber Command’s distinguished airmen. Collectively, these men helped thwart German invasion planes in 1940 and countered the U-boats on the seas and in the factories. These men survived the attrition of Bomber Command’s devastating campaign; 55,000 of their colleagues did not.

March 2008

Flying The Light Retractables: A Guided Tour Through The Most Popular Complex Single-Engine Airplanes by LeRoy Cook (ASA, 2007, 9781560276074). As the author states in his introduction, “It is for the prospective buyer…that this book was written.” The small 180/200 hp four-seat light retractables are the most popular class of GA airplane, and Cook offers a unique prospective on ergonomics, control feel and other features that may or may not work for pilots and passengers. Prospective buyers will appreciate the book’s attention to performance features and economic trade-offs, with balanced discussions that stack technical detail against economic factors.

50 Aircraft That Changed The World by Ron Dick and Dan Patterson (Boston Mills Press, 2007, 9781550464658). This coffee-table book offers a close-up survey of 50 of the most remarkable and influential aircraft in history. The airplanes appear in chronological order, with profiles of the design, designers and pilots. Beginning with the Wright Brothers’ 1905 Flyer, the book profiles the birth of aerial warfare in WWI, the inter-war years, classic WWII aircraft, the jets of the Korean and Vietnam Wars, modern commercial carriers, private jets, experimental designs and technologically advanced combat fighters.

Freedom In The Air: A Czech Flyer and his Aircrew Dog by Hamish Ross (Casemate, 2007, ISBN: 9781844155903). This biography tells of the life of a Czech airman, Vaclav Robert Bozdech, who escaped from Nazi invasion, fought with the French and finally arrived in Britain to fly as an air gunner with the RAF during WWII. Throughout the war and after, he was accompanied by his Alsatian dog, who flew with him on many bomber raids and became a squadron mascot. After the war, the two returned to their homeland, but escaped back to the UK once the communists gained control.

Aviation Weather Services by the FAA (FAA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560277156). New Advisory Circular 00-45F edition supercedes 00-45E and has full-color illustrations and coverage of weather-related tools. The book thoroughly explains the many U.S. aviation weather products and services available to pilots, and details the interpretation and application of advisories, coded weather reports, forecasts, observed and prognostic weather charts and radar and satellite imagery. The new, greatly expande edition is the definitive resource when studying for pilot certification exams. For more, contact ASA at (800) ASA2FLY.

Human Performace and Limitations CD-ROM (Sporty’s, 2007, ID#: M150A). For a pilot, the study of human performance and limitations is crucial to an understanding of the central role played by people in promoting safety and efficiency in flying operations. In this interactive training course, you’ll learn about the interaction between the human being, aircraft and the flying environment. A thorough examination of the demands of the flying environment will illustrate to you the obligation on all pilots to keep fit and to lead a healthy life style if they are to operate efficiently and safely in the air. For more, contact Sporty’s at (800) SPORTYS. www.sportys.com.

February 2008
Black Wings: Courageous Stories of African-Americans in Aviation and Space History by Von Hardesty (HarperCollins Publishers, 2008, ISBN: 0061261386). Beginning with Bessie “The Barnstormer” Coleman—the first female African-American pilot to achieve national fame for her aerial aerobatics—this book continues with inspiring stories from the Golden Age of Flight. Chronicling the famed Tuskegee Airmen and astronaut Ronald McNair (killed in the Challenger launch), the book features approximately 200 historic and contemporary photographs and a lively narrative that spans eight decades of U.S. history.
Vulcan Test Pilot: My Experiences in the Cockpit of a Cold War icon by Tony Blackman (Grub Street, 2007, ISBN: 1904943888). June 2007 marked the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War between Argentina and the UK. The Vulcan was part of the RAF’s V bomber force, which fulfilled the role of nuclear deterrence against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. It was also used in a conventional bombing role in the Falklands conflict with Argentina. Blackman, a Vulcan test pilot who has logged 850 flights in 105 of 136 Vulcans, documents the plane’s history and handling characteristics.
In Plane View: Abstractions Of Flight By Carolyn Russo (powerhouse Books, 2008, 1576874052). Featuring photos taken by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum photographer Carolyn Russo, this book directs your attention to the often-overlooked beauty behind an aircraft’s design. The author uses fine art photography to bring out new visual dimensions of these powerful twentieth-century symbols. The book has 90 photographs and a forward by Patty Wagstaff.
Diamondback by Phil Bowie (Medallion Press, 2007, 1933836431). Follow hot-shot pilot John Hardin as he searches for a lost man and his treasure. When soldiers drove innocent Cherokees from their homes in 1838, some left behind a secret of hidden gold. Nearly two centuries later, a prospector discovers some of the ancient treasure, but soon disappears himself. As the pilot and his Cherokee companion search for the lost prospector, so does a murderous family clan and a group of cult members who will do anything their leader asks. The hunt becomes not only a fight against time, but also a fight to survive.
Galloping On Wings With The P-51 Mustang by Howie Keefe (ASA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560276432). This book follows Keefe, an air-race pilot, and Miss America, his legendary P-51 Mustang. The autobiography chronicles a lifetime of flying that began in 1941 when Keefe flew a Piper J-3 Cub on skis while in the Civilian Pilot Training program. He later received a pair of gold wings from the Navy. After retiring form the military in 1950, Keefe found a surplus P-51 and modified it, flying it to victory in air races.

January 2008
Artful Flying by Michael Maya Charles (Artful Publishing, 2006, ISBN: 0976827409). Michael Maya Charles’ book is intended to raise your flying to an artform. It’s the only aviation book that shows you new ways to approach your hours in the cockpit, resulting in more awareness, increased levels of safety and more enjoyment from flying.
Bomber Boys: Dramatic And True-Life Experiences Over Occupied Europe, 1942–1945 by Mel Rolfe (Casemate, 2007, ISBN: 1909438611). Ordinary young men, many straight from school, propelled the war in the sky in World War II. Of about 125,000 airmen serving in Bomber Command, more than 55,000 lost their lives. In this expertly researched and narrated book, Mel Rolfe offers 20 different narratives in which these heroes venture out night after night on sorties throughout World War II Europe.
So You Want To Fly Twins DVD (Sporty’s, 2007, ID# D238A). The multi-engine rating is necessary for pilots planning careers in aviation. For others, it’s a fun and rewarding new challenge. This DVD was designed to guide pilots through each step of training and beyond, from multi-engine aerodynamics and flight maneuvers to performance and planning. Sporty’s utilizes its signature in-flight footage and 3-D graphics and animations to explain every element of multi-engine flying. Every maneuver required on the flight test—both for VFR and IFR flight—and emergency and abnormal procedures are included in this DVD.
Propaganda Postcards Of The Luftwaffe by James Wilson (Casemate, 2007, ISBN: 978-1844154913). The efforts of the powerful Nazi propaganda machine to promote the technical achievements and might of the then newly created German air force are showcased in this book. The Luftwaffe had been announced to the world in March 1935, despite restrictions in the Versailles Treaty, signed after World War I, which denied Germany the right to develop military aircraft. All major aircraft types used by the Luftwaffe together with many lesser-known, obscure and secondary types are represented in this book.
Professional Pilot’s Career Guide by Robert P. Mark (McGraw-Hill, 2007, ISBN: 0071485538). Career pilot and aviation-industry expert Robert Mark offers this vital reference with detailed coverage of pilot ratings and Practical Test Standars, plus goal-achieving tips on job hunting, networking, regional airlines, the majors and more. This is a real-world look at what it’s like to fly for the airlines, corporations or charter companies, together with guidance on pay, benefits, types of aircraft and future prospects.

September 2007
Dangerous Past by A.F. Ebbers (Silverhawk Books, 2007, ISBN: 9780978948238). Unknown assassins are stalking airline captain Frank Baden, and they’ve got a deadline by which point they must make his death look like an accident, or a suicide. In their first attempt, an airliner piloted by Braden undergoes a decompression explosion that the FBI believes he deliberately caused in a suicide attempt. This aviation conspiracy thriller spans from Vietnam through contemporary times and touches the highest levels of Washington. Author A.F. Ebbers once worked for Cessna and is a retired airline and military pilot who served in Vietnam.
Air Racing Over Reno: The World’s Fastest Motorsport by Philip Handleman (Specialty Press, 2007, ISBN: 9781580071123). Air Racing Over Reno provides the first-ever, up-close look at the air-racing action in Reno as seen by those who experience it first-hand. All six racing classes (Formula 1, Biplane, Sport, T-6, Jets and Unlimited) are revealed in richly detailed photos. Author Philip Handleman covers everything from aircraft turning the pylons at nearly 500 mph speeds, to racers in the pits being fine-tuned for the next race, to the heartbreak when a $100,000 Rolls-Royce, 12-cylinder engine quits.
Air Facts: Staying Ahead Of The Airplane DVD (Sporty’s, 2007, ID# D236A). From day one of flight training, pilots are told to “stay ahead” of the airplane, but what does this mean? Richard L. Collins examines situations where pilots are most likely to “get behind” the airplane, triggering a chain of events that could lead to an accident or incident. Collins looks at real-world IFR and VFR scenarios involving weather, fuel management, maneuvering flight, terrain awareness, stall/spin events, emergencies, approaches and takeoffs and landings—areas that have proven to cause problems for pilots of all levels.
Rotorcraft Flying Handbook by Federal Aviation Administration (Skyhorse Publishing, 2007, ISBN: 1602390606). Created by the FAA, this handbook is intended for anyone who flies or wants to learn to fly a helicopter or gyroplane. Covering the science and skills needed to expertly fly rotorcraft of all types, the book has hundreds of full-color illustrations and diagrams.
Teaching Confidence In The Clouds: An Instructor’s Guide To Using Desktop Flight Simulators by Tom Gilmore (ASA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560276814). This guide offers contemporary pilots the real-life application of computer desktop flight simulators and flight-training devices as they relate to current methods of instrument training. Scenario-based training concepts, assignments and instructor tips are invaluable for flight instructors and help reduce the hours need to complete an instrument training program.

August 2007

Fly Now: The Poster Collection Of The Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum by Joanne Gerstein London (National Geographic, 2007, ISBN: 9781426200885). This is the companion book to the Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum’s Fly Now! exhibition. Spanning a century and a half, the prints reflect the fascinating visual history of flight as it evolved from an exotic realm inhabited by daredevils to the modern world of speedy jets and frequent flyers.

Jump Into The Valley Of The Shadow by Dwayne and Leland Burns (Casemate, 2006, ISBN: 1932033491). When Dwayne Burns turned 18 during World War II, he joined the paratroopers. A year later, he was soaring in a flak-riddled C-47 over Normandy, part of the spearhead of the Allied drive to seize back Europe. Assisted by his son, Leland (U.S. Army 1975–1979), Burns writes about the chaos of combat and the mind of a young soldier thrust into the center of World War II.

Takeoffs And Landings DVD (Sporty’s, 2006, ID# D326A). This DVD explores the two most exhilarating aspects of flying—takeoffs and landings. Learn about the different types of takeoffs and landings and the factors that affect their outcome. In-flight footage puts you in the cockpit for a pilot’s-eye view of the different techniques.

Max Trescott’s Garmin G1000 CD-ROM Course VFR + IFR (Glass Cockpit, 2006, ISBN: 0977703029). Nowadays, just about all new aircraft are equipped with advanced glass cockpits, such as the Garmin G1000, and new pilots must learn to transition to these new systems. Max Trescott, author of the popular G1000 Glass Cockpit Handbook, has produced this set of two CD-ROMs to teach you in an interactive, multimedia environment.

Pilot’s Encyclopedia Of Aeronautical Knowledge by the FAA (Skyhorse, 2007, ISBN: 1602390347). From the FAA comes this handbook, the official reference manual for pilots of all levels. All aspects of aeronautical information are covered: aircraft structure, principles of aerodynamics, flight controls, flight instruments and aircraft systems. Filled with hundreds of illustrations, charts, diagrams and maps, this is the essential reference tool for aviators.

June 2007

A Mighty Fortress by Chuck Alling (Casemate, 2006, ISBN: 1932033599). This is a personal account of the captain and crew of a lead bomber in the enormous formation raids made by the 8th Airforce during the last 10 months of World War II. The narrative demonstrates the courage and bravery of the crew of one B17 Flying Fortress. Flying 27 missions before the war’s end in May 1945, Alling provides a unique insight into the lives of a crew that flew the War to its end.

Ascent by Jed Mercurio (Simon & Schuster, 2007, ISBN: 9780743298223). Set in the secret world of the Soviet space program, this novel spans the years between the end of World War II and the monumental Apollo 11 moon landing. The story follows Yefgenii Mikhailovich Yeremin, a “legendary” pilot-turned-cosmonaut, as he flies jets in the Second World War and is eventually chosen as a solo traveler on a secret Soviet mission to the moon, which occurs as America gets closer and closer to the launch of Apollo 11.

Rotax 912 Engine Introduction DVD (ASA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560276791). The newest DVD in ASA’s Freedom To Fly series provides tips and techniques for trouble-free operation of a light-sport aircraft with a ROTAX engine and provides an introduction to the specific concepts important in maintaining the 912. The presentation reviews vital engine fluids, includes practical advice for selecting fuel and checking and changing the oil, and covers approved coolant options. The 68-minute DVD comes with a booklet with quick reference checklists.

Paper Pilot: The Paper Airplane Pilot’s Manual by Staff Sergeant Benjamin Haynes (2007, Universe Publishing, ISBN: 9780789315359). This book celebrates the remarkable warbird and brings together a love for aviation history, model-making and the technological marvels of the jet age. Packed with aerial photographs, illustrations and historical facts about famous aircraft, Paper Pilot is a nostalgic look at the eternally popular pastime of model airplane building. Featuring 24 punch-out model airplane projects, this book is informative as well as interactive.

Over The Mountains: An Aerial View of Geology by Michael Collier (2007, Firefly Books, ISBN: 1931414181). Photographer and author (and geologist/doctor/pilot!) Michael Collier has acquired more than 3,500 hours of flight time since 1985. In his Cessna 180, Collier has trekked to North America’s most remote and breathtaking regions, snapping exquisite photographs along the way, which are featured in his new coffee-table book. From Colliers elevated perspective, he offers readers a clear view of the forces at work on our planet. Readers will appreciate mountains for the stories they’re telling as well as their scenic beauty.

May 2007
VFR Communications DVD (Sporty’s, 2006, ID# D993A). Designed to help pilots converse competently with radio control, this DVD allows viewers to “ride along” on three flight scenarios (in a Piper Pacer, a glass-panel Cirrus and a Cessna 210) to experience the full range of communication skills required for every type of flight in VFR airspace. A variety of airports are covered, including rural nontowered fields and busy Class B airspace.
Microsoft Flight Simulator As A Training Aid by Bruce Williams (ASA, 2007, ISBN: 9781560276708). Microsoft Flight Simulator has inspired thousands of “gamers” to pursue flight training in real life, and it has provided certificated pilots with hours of instructional entertainment. PC-based simulations have been around for awhile, but Microsoft Flight Simulator in particular can enhance flight training and enable pilots to maintain proficiency. Applicable to both Flight Simulator 2004 and Version X, the book merges the virtual world of flight simulation with real life flight training. The book comes with a companion CD that offers more than 150 VFR and IFR practice flights.

Clear Left, I'll Have the Chicken: An Airline Captain Looks at Life by Kevin Garrison (iUniverse, 2006, ISBN: 0595422586). Kevin Garrison, a 777 pilot and a contributor to this very magazine, has written a lighthearted and humorous look at the world of professional flying. A professional pilot for 32 years, Garrison has flown everything from Champs to Boeing 777s. Though it’s written by an aviation lover, the insightful anecdotes and stories will touch even nonpilots. The book is a collection of columns, humor pieces, satires, piloting advice and memories from 26 years of airline flying.

Air Traffic Control Career Prep by Patrick Mattson (ASA, 2006, ISBN: 9781560276142). According to some reports, as many as 11,800 new air traffic controllers will be needed over the next 10 years. Controllers can earn high salaries, get great benefits and are clearly in demand. Mattson details this career and attempts to help readers improve their chances of earning a high score on the pre-employment “AT-SAT” test. This is a comprehensive guide to one of the best-paying careers with the federal government. A bonus CD-ROM helps readers get familiar with and practice the tests in the AT-SAT.

Everything Explained For The Professional Pilot, 4th Edition by Richie Lengel (Aviation-Press, 2007, ISBN: 0974261300). Written in easy-to-follow, easy-to-read outline style, this fun and fresh approach to aviation is now available in its fourth incarnation. Lengel goes into extraordinary detail to explain the complete spectrum of modern aviation, and adds a touch of irreverent humor. This book is forboth student pilots and senior airline captains.

April 2007
Wingmen: Two Friends, Four Wars, Flying And Fighting Through The 20th Century by Peter J. Wurtz & William R. Yoakley (BookSurge, 2006, ISBN: 1419649329). Two wingmen, or military flyers who watch out for each other in combat, document a friendship that spans more than 60 years and through four wars—World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and the Cold War. These citizen-soldiers have experience in legendary flying machines, such as the P-51, B-25, F-86, the list goes on; read about these two in Wingmen, which is illustrated with rare aviation photos.
Air Facts: Advanced Equipment DVD (Sporty’s, 2006, ID# D207A). This title is divided into four subject matters: High Performance Single Engine, Turbochargers & Flight Level Flying, Multiengine and Autopilots. The popular Autopilots program has been expanded with a new segment that features the Garmin G1000 integrated autopilot and flight director system. Advanced Equipment is one of nine Air Facts DVDs grouped by subject matter for a total of 31 different programs.
The Aviation Book: A Survevy Of The World’s Aircraft by Fia O Caoimh (Chronicle Books, 2006, ISBN: 0811856186). This coffee-table book is a combination of the author’s personal passion and exhaustive research. A visual encyclopedia of aircraft, the book has a special emphasis on obscure or forgotten airplanes. Taken from O Caoimh’s sketchbooks, the book features exquisite plane and helicopter illustrations that illustrate the history of flight.
Chasing The Wind: The Autobiography Of Steve Fossett by Steve Fossett (Virgin Books, Ltd., 2006, ISBN: 1852272341). Known for completing the first solo round-the-world balloon flight in 2002 and the first solo by airplane in 2005, Steve Fossett is one of the world’s most accomplished contemporary adventurers. In his autobiography, Steve (who also set 115 world records in five different sports) shares his life story and relives his achievements. Learn about his previous life as a financial trader, which he gave up for his adventures.
Jackie Cochran: Pilot In The Fastest Lane by Doris L. Rich (University Press of Florida, 2007, ISBN: 978-0-8130-3043-2). To most people, Amelia Earhart’s name comes to mind when they think of prominent women aviators. But Jackie Cochran is another name that more people should know. Cochran was the first woman to break the sound barrier and to fly across the Atlantic. She held more than 200 aviation records and commanded the Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II. Learn about this forgotten, but notable woman’s achievements in this new book.

March 2007

Flying The Garmin G1000 DVD (Sporty’s, 2006, ID# D554A). Updated to highlight recent enhancements to Garmin’s popular avionics program—such as the optional traffic advisory system—Sporty’s DVD demonstrates the best ways to use the G1000 on the ground and in the air. Join Richard Collins as he instructs you from a G1000-equipped Cessna 182 and a Columbia 400. You can learn how to use Garmin’s Ready Pad system, which allows pilots to perform nearly all MFD functions from a pedetal-mounted keypad.

911 And The Future Of Transportation Security by R. William Johnstone (Praeger Security International, 2006, ISBN: 0-275-99075-3). Johnstone builds on his experience as a former transportation security staff member with the 9/11 Commission to explain the causes of aviation security failure in the September 11, 2001, attacks and to draw lessons and recommendations for continuing shortcomings in American transportation security. He pays close attention to how security should be prioritized in relation to fiscal responsibility, economic efficiency and civil liberties; how it should be organized in terms of federal, state, local and private roles and responsibilities; and how it should be funded.
Wings Around The World by Polly Vacher (Grub Street, 2006, ISBN: 1-904943-54-3). On May 6, 2003, Polly Vacher—a 59-year-old mother of three—took off from England’s Birmingham Airport seeking to become the first pilot to complete a solo flight around the world via both Poles in a single-engine aircraft. Despite having only a few years of flying experience, Polly had already completed a lateral solo circumnavigation of the world for Flying Scholarships for the Disabled; this second challenge, for the same charity, would make that achievement look like a walk in the park.

Guns by Phil Bowie (Medallion Press, 2006, ISBN: 1-932815-59-7). Bowie, an instrument-rated pilot, breathes life into smart, cocksure Sam Bass, a man with a mysterious past. To the few inhabitants of a tiny island off the coast of North Carolina, Sam is a laid-back pilot-for-hire. When he becomes a local hero after rescuing an elderly couple from their storm-battered boat, the story is picked up by the wire services, drawing unwanted attention of men from his past. Intent on killing him and addressing him as “The Cowboy,” the mystery men fail to get Sam but kill his girlfriend, leaving her young son orphaned and Sam hellbent on revenge.

Icing Training Programs From NASA DVD/CD-ROM(Sporty’s, 2006, ID# D232A). Most instrument pilots will eventually encounter unexpected icing conditions—preparation is the key to survival. Sporty’s has partnered with NASA to offer an extensive series of icing programs in one inexpensive package. The set includes A Pilot’s Guide to In-Flight Icing CD-ROM and a NASA-produced DVD with four educational programs about dealing with icing.

February 2007
The Few: The American “Knights Of The Air” Who Risked Everything To Fight In the Battle Of Britain by Alex Kershaw (De Capo Press, 2006, ISBN: 0-306-81303-3). The summer of 1940 marked the second year of World War II. Hitler planned to invade England, but the United States hadn’t entered the war. Several Americans joined Britain’s Royal Air Force. These “knights of the air,” as they were dubbed, flew Spitfire planes and, in doing so, broke several neutrality laws, becoming “outlaws in their own country.” All told, 244 U.S. citizens flew with the RAF Eagle Squadrons—only one survived the war. These little-known heroes were the Americans who fought the Battle of Britain, the greatest air battle in history.
Sporty’s Flying The Garmin 396/496 DVD (Sporty’s, ID#D396A, 2006). Back at 2005’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., Garmin introduced the 396, the first portable GPS to combine satellite datalink weather, terrain alerting and color moving map. People hooked; because of demand, the 396 has been hard to come by since. The new 496’s impressive features include SafeTaxi data and Smart Airspace. Richard Collins explains and demonstrates the complexities and capabilities of these two GPS’s, helping you bypass the complicated manuals and providing a real-world perspective.

2007 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot’s Guide (Pilot Publishing, Inc., 2006, ISBN: 0-9769013-1-5). Thanks to cooperation between the FAA and the Islands of the Bahamas, traveling to the Bahamas and the Caribbean is a piece of cake: procedures are straightforward, the forms are simple and the fees are minimal. This edition, the 29th, will assist you in planning your dream vacation. It provides aerial color photographs for each airport, a terrific navigation aid. And the glossy, photo-filled book is organized by tabs, one for each destination.
A Drive In The Clouds: The Story Of The Aerocar by Jake Schultz (Flying Books, 2006, ISBN: 0-9725249-2-4). Man has dreamed of developing a combination automobile/aircraft for decades. Moulton Taylor is one such person who hoped for “an airplane in every garage.” In the 1970s, Ford Motor Company considered marketing and producing Taylor’s Aerocar—the closest any flying car has come to being mass produced. This book profiles Taylor’s desire to popularize the flying car.

Pilot’s Guide To Runway Safety DVD (Sporty’s, 2006, ID# D764A). Runway incursions happen to pilots of any experience level at just about any airport. Staying current on ground operations is essential for any pilot’s safety on the runway. With Sporty’s new DVD, pilots learn beyond the basics in the Airman’s Information Manual.

January 2007
Sporty¹s IFR Communications DVD (Sporty¹s, 2006, ID#: D993A). Let Sporty¹s guide you through three unique IFR flights with pilots of varying levels of experience. Instrument pilots can examine real-world IFR operations through all phases of flight in all kinds of airspace and weather conditions. The action occurs in a Cessna Skyhawk with VOR navigation, a Garmin G1000-equipped Cessna Skylane and a twin-engine Piper Aztec with an MFD and FPS, traffic and datalink weather.

Man And Machine by Stephan Wilkinson (Globe Pequot, 2005, ISBN: 159228812X).
In this collection of essays, Wilkinson, an editor at Popular Science, takes readers into the high-speed, high-risk world of restored jets, custom ambulances and Formula One cars. In one chapter, Wilkinson describes how he helped restore a Czech trainer jet, and he takes a peek into the corps of thrill-seeking millionaires who fly them for fun. In another essay, he draws from his own misadventures in flight to share the hazards of flying without instruments, and why they can mean the difference between life and death. Additionally, he explains why the high-end Beech Bonanza is dubbed “the doctor killer.”

A Field Guide To Airplanes, Third Edition by M.R. Montgomery and Gerald Foster (Houghton Mifflin, 2006, ISBN: 0618411275). The only true field guide to airplanes features more than 400 aircraft, beautiful and accurate illustrations with side and overhead views, clear and succinct descriptions of aircraft grouped by visual similarity for easy identification. Airplane enthusiasts, plane spotters and history buffs alike can all appreciate this invaluable and easy-to-use guide.
Notes Of A Seap