Talk to enough pilots with advanced ratings and more often than not, you'll hear that the instrument rating was far and away the hardest portion of their flight training. Even flight instructors, who usually go through grueling oral exams as part of their flight instructor checkride, often say that instrument training is very difficult. Longtime AOPA Flight Training and AOPA Pilot contributor Rod Machado wants your instrument training to be as easy as possible--and as fun as possible. He's written one of the most comprehensive, easy-to-understand instrument texts on the market to get you through the difficult concepts.
If you've read Machado in these pages you know that his fun, quirky writing style can make concepts that much easier to grasp. Though he's often serious and very analytical, Machado does a masterful job of breaking up the monotony with poignant jokes and clear, direct writing. Take the intro to chapter 12 on approach chart analysis, in which Machado begins a lengthy discussion on charts in the manner of a good public speaker--with a joke. "There are times when you look at something and it just doesn't please the eye," he writes. "This was especially true with my grandfather. One day he looked at the Hawaiian shirt I was wearing and said to everyone within earshot, 'Look at that shirt. That's living proof there's a family in Berkeley without curtains.' Ouch. OK, it was a Honolulu lulu of a shirt, but I liked it."
But between the shtick is useful information any instrument student will cherish. The handbook is very up-to-date with detailed discussions on automatic dependant surveillance- broadcast (ADS-B), GPS, glass cockpits, and other technology many students encounter in rental fleets these days. If you're planning on taking instrument training, or need a refresher, consider Machado's book. And if you're like me and dread the thought of reading what's essentially a college textbook to learn the concepts, give the handbook a try. There's no harm in laughing while you learn.
Price: $59.95
Contact: www.rodmachado.com; 800/437-7080
OAT Media computer-based training
When it comes to computer-based training, options are sometimes limited. Sporty's Pilot Shop and King Schools both have courses, as does Cessna through its pilot centers. But now there's a new player in the game. United Kingdom-based OAT Media has a number of computer-based programs now available in the United States through Sporty's.
Though a number of the products do focus on European regulations and training syllabi, many of OAT Media's CDs translate quite well for U.S. students. Among them are courses on the navigation computer, aircraft performance, practical flight training (basic private or sport pilot course), and aviation meteorology. For advanced students, there's also a wonderfully detailed disc on jet engines.
Each training unit runs on the computer much like an audio CD with simple forward, back, pause, and play buttons. The narration is clear, and the graphics are top notch. If you're looking for an alternative in computer-based pilot training, check out OAT Media's courses. The information, production quality, and ease of navigation make it a player in the small field.
Price: various from $39.95
Contact: www.sportys.com; 800/SPORTYS (776-7897)
Flying the Light Retractables by LeRoy Cook
What's the difference between a Beechcraft Bonanza model 35 and a Beechcraft Sierra? How about a Piper Comanche and a Piper Arrow? AOPA Flight Training contributor LeRoy Cook's new book, Flying the Light Retractables, has all the answers. For anyone wanting to know more about the various light retractables, like the early Bonanzas, Mooneys, and Pipers, Cook presents a short history with some information on flying characteristics thrown in for good measure. You'll also find 20 pages of specifications to compare and contrast the different models. Whether you're thinking of renting or buying a smaller retractable, or you just have a desire to learn the basics on some of the models, turn to Cook's new book.
Price: $19.95
Contact: www.asa2fly.com; 800/426-8338
Briefly noted
If you're constantly struggling with cockpit organization, check out Sporty's Pilot Shop's new chart organizer. The organizer holds up to six instrument en route, sectional, world, or terminal area charts, as well as other common cockpit items like an E6B, pens, and a pilot certificate. It's small enough to fit in a flight bag and has an elastic strap to keep it securely on your leg.
Price: $14.95
Contact: www.sportys.com; 800/SPORTYS
ASA recently launched its 2008 Pro-Flight Library on CD-ROM. The CD contains virtually every piece of reference material a student or flight school needs, all from one source. Users can view, search, print, and save the complete Title 14 of the regulations, the Aeronautical Information Manual, various FAA handbooks and orders, advisory circulars, practical test standards, the TERPS manual, and a dictionary of aeronautical terms.
Price: $79.95
Contact: www.asa2fly.com; 800/272-2359
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