Reference Books (Flying and Aerodynamics)
There is an overwhelming selection of books, available for all sorts of topics, available to pilots. Textbooks, FAA reprints, career advice and test preparation books fill Marv Golden’s (www.marvgolden.com) my local pilot shop. I’ve spent may hours just browsing through many of these books. What I’ve noticed is that many of these contain the exact same information.
The latest edition of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-H-8083-25A has been greatly enhanced by the use of detailed, full color graphics. I think it does a better job of presenting and explaining some of the more technical aspects of aerodynamics than the previous edition. I haven’t found another resource that does better at presenting the required knowledge subject matter for the written or oral. Some branded books are available but for someone who is interested in no-nonsense, straightforward presentation of the material this is the only book needed.
Of course no pilot should train without a thorough read of the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-8083-3A. All the maneuvers required by the PTS for Private and Commercial applicants, as well as information for anyone in transition to jets or turboprops, are explained in detail. Some new FAA publications that I’ve also found useful are Risk Management Handbook FAA-H-8083-2 and Advanced Avionics Handbook FAA-H-8083-6. Any of these can be previewed in PDF on the FAA website (www.faa.gov).
A few books really got my attention and I use them for reference consistently. They are: Instructional Methods For Flight Instructors by Gordon C. Henrie, Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche and Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot by Richie Lengel.
Gordon C. Henrie takes from his experience as a fighter pilot, instructor and pilot examiner to present some invaluable tips and techniques for teaching and learning maneuvers. I’ve used his techniques with students to force them to look outside the cockpit for references. I’ve noticed a great improvement in the quality of student’s flying and I’ve learned a great deal myself.
Stick and Rudder should be in every pilot’s library. This book was written many years ago so some people believe it’s 
outdated. I believe the concepts are very much valid and if approached with an open mind all pilots can take something useful from it. The debate over pitch and power, and which does what, continues with a short read from Simon Wheaton-Smith, “Pitch for Power” (http://www.illustratingshadows.com/PitchPower.pdf).
Richie Lengel’s, “Everything Explained for the Professional Pilot,” is the most comprehensive resource I’ve seen. His delivery is concise and at times comical and without a doubt you will get some lingering question answered. As the title implies everything is explained from airspace to aerodynamics to instrument flying and regulations. Every page contains common sense, everyday use tips and tricks for flying safely.
