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Aviation books - $1,234 (Arcata)
Ariel Way near V St.
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Wings of Yesteryear: The Golden Age of Private Aircraft
by Geza Szurovy
$8
Airplanes for Breakfast
by Nola Mae McFillen Ross
$30
This 2000 book documents the history and pilot stories of McFillen Air Park in Lake Charles, Louisiana, operated from the 1940s to mid-1980s. Written by a commercial pilot (Nola Mae McFillen) who was also a historian. Her books maintain collectibles value online. I believe this book is currently out of print.
The Killing Zone: How and Why Pilots Die
by Paul A. Craig
$9
This is one of the most famous safety books in general aviation. It analyzes statistical flight data showing why pilots with 50 to 350 total flight hours (the “killing zone”) are at the highest statistical risk for fatal accidents.
The Encyclopedia of Aircraft of WW II
(Paul Eden, editor)
$18
This massive 512-page volume provides full-color artwork, technical specifications, and historical summaries for hundreds of military aircraft used across all theaters of World War II.
The Aviator’s Guide to Navigation, 4th Edition
by Donald J. Clausing
$13
Covers modern flight management systems, DME, RNAV, GPS, and critical fuel scenarios, making it popular among student pilots and flight instructors.
Mavericks of the Sky: The First Daring Pilots of the U.S. Air Mail
by Barry Rosenberg & Catherine Macauley
$9
Details the early 1910s – 1920s birth of U.S. Air mail navigation, highlighting the pioneers who flew early biplanes through extreme weather without modern instruments.
The Pilot’s Radio Communication Handbook, 5th Edition
by Paul E. Illman
$10
Part of the Practical Flying Series, this book covers essential air traffic control (ATC) phraseology, Class B/C/D airspace operations, VFR/IFR communication protocols, and emergency radio techniques. Good book for getting used to using the mic, overcoming “mic fright” and learning the proper cockpit phraseology.
Instrument Procedures Handbook
FAA Designation FAA-H-8261-1A
$7
This official FAA handbook is designed for instrument-rated pilots, flight instructors, and IFR students. Superseded by FAA-H-8083-16B. FAA handbooks are public domain materials available free as downloadable PDFs from the FAA website, but these paperbacks are good for people who prefer studying from a physical book.
Airplane Ownership, Second Edition
by Ronald J. Wanttaja
$13
This book focuses on aircraft buying strategies, pre-buy inspections, financing, fixed vs variable operating costs, insurance, and maintenance co-ownership. includes information pertinent to airplane ownership, reviewing a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an independent A&P mechanic before purchasing a pre-owned aircraft to discover hidden defects, discussion of ongoing fixed costs / expenses incurred regardless of flight hours, such as hangar fees, annual inspections, and insurance, and hourly expenses directly linked to flying the aircraft, including fuel, oil, and engine overhaul reserve funds.
The Complete Advanced Pilot: A Combined Commercial & Instrument course, 3rd Edition
by Bob Gardner
$10
This is a well-written, budget-friendly ground school reference for student pilots reviewing advanced aerodynamics, complex aircraft systems, and IFR procedures without paying newer, full retail textbook prices.
Early Birds: An Informal Account of the Beginnings of Aviation
By John Halpern
$8
Flying Legends
By John M. Dibbs
$10
WWII Piston combat aircraft, featuring air-to-air photography of restored warbirds (P-51 Mustang, Spitfire, etc.).
Aircraft of the National Air and Space Museum
Published by the Smithsonian Institute
$5
Illustrated museum guide highlighting historic aviation exhibits (Wright Flyer, Bell X-1, aerobatic aircraft, and early flight models).
Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15)
Published by the FAA / U.S. Department of Transportation
$8
Standard FAA training manual covering instrument flight rules (IFR), attitude instrument flying, navigation systems, clearance procedures, and instrument flight operations.
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)
Published by the FAA / U.S. Department of Transportation
$8
Official FAA pilot training manual covering basic flight maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, ground reference maneuvers, emergency procedures, and transition to complex aircraft.
Flying Legends: A Photographic Study of the Great Piston Combat Aircraft of WWII
John M. Dibbs
$10
World War II piston engine warbirds, showcasing air-to-air photography of restored historical fighters and bombers.
Amelia Earhart; The Mystery Solved
Elgen M. Long and Marie K. Long
$10
An investigative historical account examining the final flight and disappearance of Amelia Earhart
Stick to the Rudder
by Wolfgang Langewiesche
$10 - $20
First published in 1944, this is the foundational classic text on practical flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and piloting technique. It remains widely recommended reading for student pilots and flight instructors today.
Flying the Mountains: A Training manual for Flying Single-Engine Aircraft
by Fletcher Anderson
$8 - $18
A practical guide covering mountain flying techniques, high-density altitude performance, mountain weather patterns, canyon turns, cold-weather engine operation, and accident prevention.
101 Things to do With Your Private Pilot’s License – 3rd Edition
By LeRoy Cook
$5 - $10
Practical ideas, advanced ratings, cross-country trips, flying clubs, and creative activities to keep newly minted private pilots active and engaged.
1980 Cessna 172N Skyhawk Information Manual
$18
Factory aircraft manual detailing operational speeds, weight & balance, emergency procedures, and system descriptions for the 1980 Cessna Skyhawk N-model.
FAA Airport / Facility Directory (A/FD) – Southeast U.S. (2011)
Published by the FAA
$2
Private Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) fir Airplane Single-Engine Land and Sea
Published by the FAA
$4
Official testing criteria for checkrides, specifying the standards to which private pilot candidates must perform maneuvers and demonstrate knowledge. Since this was published the FAA has largely replaced Practical Test Standards (PTS) with Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for private pilot checkrides. Active students will require current materials, but this can serve as a supplemental source of information.
The Black Box: All New Cockput Voice Recorder Accounts of In-flight Accidents
Edited by Malcolm MacPherson
$9
A Collection of actual cockpit voice recorder transcripts and flight data records from major aviation accidents and emergencies, paired with investigative commentary.
Tips to Fly By (Second Edition)
By Richard L. Collins
$10
Practical airmanship, flight safety strategies, fuel management, handling emergencies, preflight decision-making, and real-world pilot wisdom compiled by veteran aviation journalist Richard L. Collins.
Say Again, Please: Guide to Radio Communications (Third Edition)
By Bob Gardner
$10
Practical guide to aviation radio phraseology and Air Traffic Control (ATC) communications, covering towered and non-towered airport procedures, airspace clearances, and flight following. Highly recommended reading for learning radio communication, especially for student pilots.
$100 Hamburger; A Guide to Pilots’ Favorite Fly-In Restaurants (3rd Edition)
By John F. Purner
$9
Classic general aviation travel directory listing airport cafes, fly-in diners, and cross-country dining spots across North America.
Private Oral Exam Guide: The Comprehensive Guide to Prepare You for the FAA Oral Exam
By Michael D. Hayes
$6
Question and answer format study guide designed to prepare pilot candidates for the oral examination portion of the FAA private pilot checkride.
The Airplane: How Ideas Gave Us Wings
By Jay Spenser
$10
Comprehensive technological history of aviation, tracing the key engineering innovations – such as cantilevered monoplanes, all-metal stressed skin, retractable landing gear, and jet propulsion – that transformed early aircraft into modern airliners.
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. Catalog. (2008 – 2009)
$3