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.