best flight, flight and & aviation books
since the wright brothers made their first flight back in 1903, aviation has been embedded in human culture and has revolutionized commerce, travel and our military. With over a century of aviation experience, we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge of this technology, allowing us to expand this industry and its potential to greater heights than ever before.
A major component of this has to do with the ingenious engineering of aircraft technology, as well as the pilots who tested the aircraft in various flight scenarios. Many of the greatest pilots in human history have written books about their experiences so that the knowledge can be passed on to the next generation of flight enthusiasts. These books are amazing resources and present information about the world of aviation that can go a long way in helping pilots of all experience levels grow in this industry.
You are reading: Best books about flying
Whether your goal is to learn about flight safety procedures, technical flight strategies, or you’re just curious about the history of aviation, there’s an amazing book waiting for you. The key is to choose a book that will align with your aviation goals, as each option we cover will provide a different level of knowledge and touch on a specific area of expertise within the industry. With that being said, let’s dive into the best books on flying, flight and aviation.
stick and rudder: an explanation of the art of flight
To this day, Rudder and Mast: An Explanation of the Art of Flight remains the ultimate classic in the world of aeronautical literature. Although this book was first published in 1944, it is still relevant in the modern world of aviation since the principles of flight have not changed in the last 75 years.
This classic book on flying was written by legendary pilot Wolfgang Langewiesche, a German immigrant who moved to the United States in 1929. His words and vision on flying are the most referenced in the entire aviation industry, which is why Why Stick and Rudder: An Explanation of the Art of Flying is such a monumental book for pilots.
wolfgang langewiesche dives into the fundamentals and methodology of flying, as well as the intimate experience a pilot experiences during flight. Langewiesche vividly describes the emotions, thoughts, and sensations you can feel when flying an airplane, which in many ways translates into a first-person psychological analysis of flight.
The book is a pilot’s guide to understanding the realities of flying before getting on a plane. while at the same time, it is an excellent reminder for experienced pilots of the fundamentals of flight. Although newer books have appeared since Rudder and Stick: An Explanation of the Art of Flying, many pilots will still tell you that this is the best aviation literature you can buy.
what’s also great about wolfgang langewiesche’s book is that it’s incredibly easy to read. the language is intuitive and although the technical aspects of flight are constantly discussed throughout the book, it was written in such a way that it is acceptable to virtually any reader who picks it up, making it an incredible choice for anyone, pilot or not. .
fly the wing
If you’re looking for a pilot’s manual that’s more intuitive, easier to read, and more palatable than your airline’s manual, fly the wing will be a must-read for so many flying enthusiasts and aspiring pilots. For nearly half a century, Fly the Wing has been an invaluable resource for so many pilots and aspiring aviators, containing in-depth knowledge of how to fly a commercial aircraft.
Written by Jim Webb and Billy Walker, this textbook-style book covers everything you need to know about being a pilot from A to Z. Although the book is information-dense, Webb and Walker keep the tone conversational and informal from start to finish, making it an extremely well-rounded work of literature.
for flight training, fly the wing will equip you with the technical knowledge you need to become a pilot by covering everything you need to know to pass your atp faa knowledge test. That said, this is also an excellent book for veteran pilots who want a refresher course.
webb and walker are great mentors for aspiring pilots who aspire to get their wings. fly the wing delves into the technical aspects of flight, but also dives into the physical, mental and emotional challenges pilots face. Devoting your career to aviation is an important decision, and while the job comes with so many perks, it comes at a cost.
The authors of fly the wing have experienced all aspects of piloting and provide insight into these obstacles so emerging aviators are prepared for what lies ahead in their careers. If you’re committed to becoming a pilot and want to be ready for what this job has to offer through thick and thin, flying the wing will help you get through just about everything you’ll experience in and out of a pilot’s cockpit. perspective.
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This is an amazing resource for pilots and flight enthusiasts who are legitimately interested in furthering their careers. however, it may not be the best read for flight enthusiasts, as it is still a textbook at the end of the day. if becoming a pilot is your goal in life, flying the wing is going to be a guide to your career like no other.
into the abyss
Not all books on flight, flying and aviation have to be technical manuals created solely as a reference for a pilot. Into the Abyss is an incredible true story from Carol Shaben and puts you in the pilot’s seat without the pressure of physically preparing to board a plane.
Flying to this day is the safest mode of transportation available to us, but without a doubt, a plane crash generates far more headlines than your average car accident. Carol Shaben takes us on a horrific, tragic, and epic story of a plane crash that occurred in the Canadian wilderness in 1984.
On board the aircraft were a police officer, a pilot, a criminal and a politician, as well as 6 passengers who died during the accident. Shaben’s story involves an incredible story of human survival, making it an adventurous and gripping story about the tragic events that can occur within aviation.
the mere fact that towards the abyss is based on a true story makes the book much more attractive and close. shaben writes in the abyss with pure emotion, as the story is personally connected to her life since his father was on board the plane when it crashed.
This will not be the best book for a pilot looking to get their wings, as the information will not relate to their flight school exam. however, this is an awesome read for anyone interested in a true life story about the events that can occur within aviation.
flying time
One of the most important books you can read as a pilot is Weather Flying by Robert N. dollar. There are so many scenarios you need to prepare for before you’re truly ready to fly an aircraft, with weather conditions presenting some of the most unpredictable and dangerous situations that can arise.
robert n. Buck delves into weather conditions and how they can affect your ability to fly. weather flying is a book highly recommended by the faa and veteran pilots in the industry, as the information it contains can save lives and will allow you to have better judgment when you get into the cockpit.
Weather conditions can change sporadically when you’re in the air and this can be very intimidating if you’re new to flying. Robert N. Buck takes him through virtually every type of weather condition he’ll encounter throughout his entire flying career, giving him total confidence when he’s in the air.
That said, there are so many rare and unique weather conditions that can happen randomly, so Flying Over Weather is not only a great read for budding pilots, but also for those who have worked in the industry for years. . The author covers so many technical aspects of weather and flight pattern evaluation, but does so in a way that is highly acceptable and achievable by pilots of all experience levels, making this a very intuitive piece of aviation literature. and practice.
the wright brothers
Flying is ingrained in our culture and society, but we must keep in mind that this revolutionary form of technology is still relatively new from a historical perspective. David McCullough takes us back to the early days of flying airplanes by crediting the legendary Wright brothers for their incredible achievements in aviation.
Mccullough’s book, The Wright Brothers, traces the lives of the two most iconic figures who propelled the aviation industry to what it is today by covering their first flight, as well as the events leading up to it. The Wright Brothers gives the reader intimate insights into the lives of the two brothers who started it all and gives us insight into the challenges they faced and the obstacles they overcame on their path to success.
This is an amazing book for anyone interested in the history of aviation and the autobiography of the wright brothers. Only the history of this story will make you appreciate the course of action and the risk that was taken in order for flight technology to become what it is today. Airplanes have had an impact on all of our lives, and the Wright brothers are the two people who deserve more credit than anyone else for this achievement in human history.
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If you’re looking to advance your career as an aspiring pilot, the Wright brothers won’t give you much advice on how to pass your flight school exam. however, this book will give you a much greater appreciation of the history and impact aviation has had on our society by telling us the story of orville and wilburt wright.
fly girls: how five daring women defied all odds and made aviation history
The aviation industry has traditionally been dominated by men, and although the feminist movement began in the 20th century, women were not seen as equals when it came to piloting an aircraft. Keith O’Brien’s book Fly Girls: How Five Bold Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History takes us through the incredible journey 5 women went through to challenge this prejudice within the industry.
When flying planes was still a relatively new form of technology, people were quick to turn aviation into a form of competitive recreation by racing against each other. In the 1930s, Louise Thaden, Florence Klingensmith, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, and Ruth Elder further fueled the feminist movement by participating in a major air race.
Her participation was met with ridicule and intolerance from male pilots and observers. the 5 female drivers were not taken seriously and were criticized for even taking part in the race. fly girls: how five daring women defied all odds and made aviation history is an incredible story about 5 women who proved the world wrong.
Against all odds, louise thaden, florence klingensmith, amelia earhart, ruth nichols and ruth elder proved to the world that women are just as capable of flying a plane as any man. her participation in the event not only expanded the aviation industry to include more women, but also propelled the feminist movement into what it is today.
all 5 women who entered this race did exceptionally well and louis thaden even ended up winning the bendix trophy, becoming the first woman to do so. These women earned the respect of their male counterparts and her achievement is not only considered a victory for aviation, but also for women around the world.
pilot’s handbook of aeronautical knowledge by federal aviation administration/aviation supplies & academics
There are many excellent books on flight, flight and aviation, but if you want to really understand the technical requirements to pass your flight exams and fly an aircraft, there is no better option than the Pilots Manual of Aeronautics. Federal Aviation Administration/Aviation Supplies & academics.
For over 3 decades, this has been the official manual of the FAA, containing all the essential knowledge you need to become a pilot. The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge by the Federal Aviation Administration/Aviation Supplies & Academics is not only recommended reading, but required reading at many flight schools. this is the last textbook you’ll need to study to pass your exams and get into a booth seat.
This official FAA manual will start you with the fundamentals of flying and take you through the more advanced details of becoming a professional pilot. If becoming a pilot is your career path, don’t skip this must-read. however, aviation enthusiasts simply interested in airplanes and flying for personal knowledge may find this book too dense for their tastes.
wings: a history of aviation from kites to the space age
There have been so many events and achievements that have contributed to the aviation industry. Tom D. crouch takes you through every detail that has led to aircraft technology becoming what it is today in his book Wings: A History of Aviation from Kites to the Space Age.
Airplanes have changed the world and have greatly shaped humanity, allowing us to travel and trade like never before. To think that just over 100 years ago, the Wright brothers had their first flight and that we are now talking about colonizing planets within our solar system – humans have come a long way in aviation.
tom d. crouch writes about the incredible achievements and events that have occurred in aeronautical technology. Wings: A History of Aviation from Kites to the Space Age is a very well written book and gives credit to both hobbyists and industry professionals involved in taking the aviation industry higher.
This is a book that is an excellent read for anyone interested in aviation history, as it will walk you through just about every finite detail that might spark your curiosity. Though Wings: A History of Aviation from Kites to the Space Age won’t necessarily help you pass your flight school exams, it will certainly broaden your appreciation for flying and piloting an airplane.
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