6 Books That Every Aviation Lover and Pilot Needs to Read

Aviation is a place where there is always something to learn, even if you have hundreds or even thousands of flight hours behind you. The problem is not so much in the lack of skills, but in developing psychological fortitude, quick reactions, quick decision-making and other qualities. Psychological improvement is an endless path for a person, but books can become guides so that you feel positive changes faster. Here is a list of books that everyone who is involved in aviation should read, not only pilots, but also just amateurs.

1. The Spirit of St. Louis By Charles A. Lindbergh

The Pulitzer Prize winning book takes readers on an ill-fated flight from New York to Paris. It happened in 1927 and unfortunately the plane failed to land. The 33 hour flight had to be carried out with only 1 engine and all navigation instruments broken. All that was left for the pilot were 2 compasses. The book shows Lindberg’s way of thinking, helps to pull himself together and do everything that depends on the pilot even in a hopeless situation.

2. Be a Better Pilot by Alan Bramson

The book is dedicated to practical advice that helps pilots progress. Of interest, there are tips on specific circumstances: takeoffs and landings at small airfields, ways to counteract crosswinds and methods of responding in the event of engine failure. It is mostly aimed at beginners, but even experienced pilots will be able to find useful points.

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3. Propellerhead by Antony Woodward

Personal memoirs of a professional pilot will help to deepen the understanding of aviation and everything connected with it. Woodward offers his view on everything: difficult takeoffs, reasons for falls, and also dilutes them with humor and shares candid moments of work. This book contains behind-the-scenes, sometimes non-obvious facts about the life of a pilot.

Discussions include non-standard topics from the lives of people connected with aviation. Intriguing stories will be understandable to ordinary people. Woodward discusses what victories and problems in aviation today, which prompts reflections on the future possibilities of the niche.

4. Weather Flying by Robert Buck

For all landlubbers and ground-dwellers, the weather is not so important, it does not depend on much in everyday life. For a pilot, even one as experienced as Robert Buck, it is a challenge. Understanding the peculiarities of flight and the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions is a must-have skill. The book is aimed at helping pilots safely cope with rapidly changing weather. This FAA-recommended book is suitable for pilots of any experience.

5. Talk Down by Brian Lecomber

Aviation drama is not a new branch, but you can see that you will be captivated by this book. The story of a plane hijacking and the main character facing trials. The story is fictional, but Lecomber’s experience allowed him to make it so realistic that it inspires confidence and constant tension.

A detailed description of the hijacking of the plane and the non-standard actions of the pilot is the secret of the book. All the characters have to act quickly, make difficult decisions, since the situation does not allow them to wait long for help or hesitate. By the way, FictionMe has many books with the same level of tension, which you can check now or after reading Talk Down by Brian Lecomber. It will be a useful experience for both pilots and just aviation fans to put themselves in the place of the main character, who has to fight the hijackers in unfavorable conditions for himself.

6. Fate Is the Hunter: A Pilot’s Memoir by Ernest K. Gann

The book introduces us to Ernest K. Gann, a pilot who dares to remember his early days in this field. This experience can be called anything but routine. The pilot is accompanied by constant fears, emotions are seething, and he also faces difficulties. Just remember that Ernest K. Gann is a great pilot, an aviation pioneer, and also an author who is able to establish deep emotional connections with readers. With this book, the experience of a novice pilot will definitely be easier.

Conclusion

Each book on the list is different, on different topics, with distinctive presentations and focuses, so together they create a deeper picture of the entire field of aviation. They can serve as both a psychological mentor and a guide to developing pilot skills. If you are to draw ideas or practical advice, then from the best pilots of the past and present.