Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Guide
by Brent Terwilliger, David Ison, John Robbins, Dennis Vincenzi

This is the perfect gift for a remote pilot, whether they’re just a hobbyist or looking into monetizing their drone flying. Written by a team of UAS-industry experts, this book covers the history of drones, design philosophies, technology, and safety practices, as well as resources to help you make well-informed decisions regarding purchase and use and determine a path forward through the complex legal, business, operational, and support considerations.

The Flight Instructor’s Survival Guide
by Arlynn McMahon

For the CFI in your life, Arylnn McMahon shares forty-four stories that demonstrate the fundamentals of instructon (FOI) principles in flight and offer practical strategies for dealing with both common and unexpected situations—all with wisdom, grace, and humor. Through artful storytelling, McMahon shows how a successful instructor is sometimes a psychologist, other times a detective, and always a gatekeeper enforcing rules and cultivating the behaviors required to be a responsible aviation citizen.

CX-3 Flight Computer
by Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc.

Years in the making, the new CX-3 Flight Computer is the ultimate gift to the pilot on your list. Check out our rundown of all of its features in last month’s blog post. The CX-3 Flight Computer makes flight planning simple by taking confusion out of the equation. Fast, versatile and easy to use, the CX-3 delivers accurate results quickly and efficiently. It can even be used on all FAA and Canadian pilot, mechanic, and dispatcher knowledge exams. Whether used for flight planning, ground school, or knowlledge testing, the menu organization reflects the order in which a flight is normally planned and executed, resulting in a natural flow from one function to the next with a minimum of keystrokes.

For more holiday gift ideas, check out our 2017 Holiday Gift Guide. And stay tuned, we’re working hard to deliver a lot of new books in 2018 which we will be able to tell you about soon!

The post Editor’s Picks for the 2017 Holiday Season first appeared on Learn To Fly.

May be used during FAA and Canadian Knowledge Exams. The CX-3 complies with FAA Order 8080.6 and Advisory Circular (AC) 60-11, “Test Aids and Materials that May be Used by Airman Knowledge Testing Applicants”; therefore you may bring the CX-3 with you to the testing centers for all pilot, mechanic, and dispatcher FAA exams.

Numerous aviation functions. You can calculate everything from true airspeed and Mach number, fuel burn, holding patterns, to headwind/crosswind components, center of gravity (CG), and everything in between. The menu structure provides easy entry, review, and editing within each function. Multiple problems can be solved within one function.

User-friendly. The color LCD screen displays a menu of functions and the inputs and outputs of a selected function, for easy-to-read menus and data displays. The inputs and outputs of each function are separated on the display screen so it’s clear which numbers were entered and which were calculated, along with their corresponding units of measurement. The menu organization reflects how a flight is normally planned and executed. The result is a natural flow from one function to the next with a minimum of keystrokes. To plan a flight, simply work from the menus in sequential order as you fill in your flight plan form.

Non-volatile memory. All settings including aircraft profile, weight and balance data, trip plan data, values entered by the user, and calculations performed by the device will be retained until the batteries are removed or the user performs a memory reset. Aircraft profiles for multiple aircraft can be created and saved, and imported from or exported to a computer via a micro-usb port.

Ergonomic design. The CX-3 features a simple keyboard and slim design. The non-slip cover will protect your computer inside the flight bag and it fits on the backside of the unit for easy storage while in use.

Unit conversions. The CX-3 has 12 unit conversions: Distance, Speed, Duration, Temperature, Pressure, Volume, Rate, Weight, Rate of Climb/Descent, Angle of Climb/Descent, Torque, and Angle. These 12 conversion categories contain 38 different conversion units for over 100 functions. Unit conversions can be performed during any step in a calculation.

Timers and clocks. The CX-3 has two timers: a stopwatch that counts up and a countdown timer. The stopwatch can be used to keep track of elapsed time or to determine the time required to fly a known distance. The countdown timer can be used as a reminder to switch fuel tanks, or to determine the missed approach point on a non-precision instrument approach. An internal clock continues running even when the flight computer is turned off. UTC and local time can be displayed, and the time can be set with UTC, destination or local time.

Interactive functions. The CX-3 is designed so the functions can be used together. You can perform “chain” calculations where the answer to a preceding problem is automatically entered in subsequent problems. Standard mathematical calculations and conversions can be performed within each aviation function.

Up to date. Check often for new CX-3 updates online at www.asa2fly.com/CX3. Firmware updates and user-data backups are made easy with a micro-usb port to connect the CX-3 to computer.

The CX-3 will begin shipping in November. Check in with your local FBO, favorite online retailer, or ASA for availability. On Thursday, our CFI will share some sample calculations and tips on using the CX-3.

The post Introducing the New CX-3 Flight Computer first appeared on Learn To Fly.

The Basic Aerobatic Manual
by William K. Kershner

William K. Kershner started his solo aerobatic career in a Stearman N2S at the age of 17, so it’s never too early to start learning about aerobatics. The Basic Aerobatic Manual is a complete reference for the beginning aerobatic student, with invaluable unusual attitude and spin recovery information for the more straight-and-level flyer. This book emphasizes techniques for the Cessna Aerobat models, but the described maneuvers easily translate to other aerobatics-certified airplanes. Starting with stalls, chandelles and lazy-8’s, the student is guided through spins and the Three Fundamentals of basic aerobatics: the aileron roll, loop, and the snap roll. Once these basics are learned, the combination maneuvers (the cloverleaf, for example) are covered in-depth. Pilots will also find content on safety and recovery.

Finding Carla
by Ross Nixon

In March 1967, a Cessna 195 flew from Oregon towards San Francisco carrying a family of three: Alvin Oien, Sr. (the pilot), his wife Phyllis and step-daughter Carla Corbus. Due to weather, their plane went down in the Trinity Mountains of California only eight miles from a highway and beneath a busy commercial airway. This was before radio-beacon type emergency locators were required equipment for airplanes; the family survived the crash for almost two months but the ruggedness of the terrain and the fact that they were far off their intended course made finding them by sight impossible. Searchers determined the weather in the mountains also made living impossible after a period of time had passed. Half a year later, the eventual finding of the wreck by hunters shocked the nation. A diary and series of letters from the survivors explained their predicament. Ultimately, this tragedy spurred political action towards the mandatory Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) that are now carried aboard all U.S. civil aircraft. ELT radios have saved thousands of lives since they were mandated and their technology continues to improve and find more lost people. The family’s complete story is told for the first time in Finding Carla, including the never-before-published Carla Corbus Diary and family letters. Autographed copies are shipping now while supplies last!

Pilots In Command
by Kristofer Pierson

This book goes beyond the requirements of flight training curricula into what is both a rarity and a necessity: sage advice from real pilots, for student and professional aviators alike, about how to be true leaders. In an easy-to-use format, on a range of topics that all tie into the application of basic leadership skills, the author covers crew roles, crew briefings, flight attendants, crew resource management (CRM), threat and error management (TEM), ground services, dispatch, customer service, abnormal and emergency situations, layovers, crew dynamics, 14 CFR Part 117 rest rules, and a new model of transformational leadership and professionalism for pilots.

The post Editor’s Picks: Last-minute gifts for the pilots on your list! first appeared on Learn To Fly.

Logging Flight Time
by William K. Kershner

A fantastic collection of articles written by famed aviator Bill Kershner during his more than fifty years of flying. In these stories, Kershner details some of the more humorous, humiliating and helpful things he has seen and readers are sure to find them amusing and entertaining. Those who are pilots themselves may find some incidents all too familiar. Mostly chronological, these stories begin with Kershner’s first flying experiences, through his career as a Navy fight pilot and then on to the later years as a corporate pilot and instructor.

Cockpit Procedures: Effective Routines for Pilots and Virtual Aviators
by Chris R. Burger

DPE and CFI Chris Burger examines the nitty gritty of both airplane and helicopter operation. Cockpit Procedures is written as a guide to proper airmanship with an emphasis on developing good habits as a PIC. This includes workflow management, using checklists, priorities and thinking during abnormal and emergency procedures, understanding and using POHs, practical tips for normal flight, and maintaining a healthy balance of caution and confidence. Though written for brand-new pilots, we recommend this book to aviators of all skill levels.

The Golden Years of Flying: As We Remember
by Captain Tex Searle

From 1946 to 1986, Frontier Airlines flew the Rocky Mountain region, where their pilots achieved the best safety record in civil aviation. In the early days, crews hand-flew DC-3s through “tornado alley” without radar, and in and out of small airports hidden deep in mountain canyons, with approaches often referred to as “black holes” due to their almost ominous darkness and lack of reliable visual references. Tex Searle shares his and other Frontier Airlines captains’ stories in this collection of tales from a remarkable period in aviation history.

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You Can Fly!
By Greg Brown and Laurel Lippert

Written as an introduction to general aviation, You Can Fly! features gorgeous full-color photography to lure prospective pilots into learning to fly. You Can Fly! provides a roadmap to obtaining your pilot’s license while dispelling myths and rumors at the same time to show that the joy of flying really is for everyone. This book makes an excellent gift for prospective pilots or young people interested in learning to fly.

Flying Carpet: The Soul of an Airplane
By Greg Brown

Greg Brown’s spirited autobiography recalls his path to becoming an authentic aviator. Told though memorable private accounts of flying adventures to impart lessons he learned along the way. Through these flying stories Greg defines what it means to be a pilot, reflecting on an epigraph from Sir Walter Raleigh, “The engine is the heart of an aeroplane, but the pilot is its soul.” I’d recommend this book to aviators of any age and ability.

The Savvy Flight Instructor: Secrets of the Successful CFI
By Greg Brown

Intended for aspiring and seasoned flight instructors alike, including flight school managers, The Savvy Flight Instructor contains a wealth information, advice, and tools that can be put to use right away. Savvy covers all aspects of the business of flight instruction, from marketing to achieving continued customer success to building a culture of professionalism. This brand-new edition addresses the needs and complications of flying, teaching flying, and running a business in today’s market. This book is an indispensable resource for all CFIs and newly-minted private pilots considering their next step.

Here’s Greg speaking to NAFI about flight instruction in February, 2016:

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Flight Notes

This set of 3, 48-page notebooks is the perfect pocket reference for any pilot. Each notebook contains quick reference aviation facts including lists, tables, and graphs that are handy during preflight planning or while enroute. The remaining graph paper style pages can be filled with any flight notes an aviator might want to include about the aircraft or any of its journeys. Mark it up with an altitude-proof pen!

Pink Standard Logbook

The industry standard for over 55 years now in pink! When choosing a logbook, it’s important to make sure it will meet the needs of the pilot and the type of training and flying they plan to do. This bold and brightly colored logbook has the same trusted page and column layout as our popular black logbook it just looks different on the outside.

Auxiliary Tank

While proper fueling of an aircraft is important to any flight operation, so is proper fueling of the pilot-in-command. Long before the preflight begins, a pilot must prepare both mentally and physically to ensure fitness for flight. ASA recommends starting the process by filling the Auxiliary Tank with coffee, tea, or your favorite hot or cold beverage to help start the day and prepare for a safe journey. Microwave and dishwasher safe cup and lid.

Our offices will be closed December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. Happy Holidays from all of us at ASA!

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Making Perfect Takeoffs & Landings 
by Ron Fowler

Making Perfect Takeoffs and Landings in Light Airplanes shows pilots how to develop total awareness for the situation, the airplane, and the self; and to convert that awareness into perfect takeoffs and landings. Each chapter describes a specific takeoff or landing situation and presents methods, and the logic behind each method, to master techniques key to each situation. This book makes a great gift to any student pilot working to hone their technique and build confidence in their own takeoffs and landings.

A Pilot’s Accident Review
by John Lowery

A Pilot’s Accident Review is an in-depth look at the high-profile accidents that shaped aviation regulations. This book is both an intriguing history of some very memorable events and an investigation into why accidents occur in the first place. Lowery uses NTSB reports, photographs, and interviews with survivors to illustrate the lessons we can learn from aviation accidents. Along with offering best-practices and his own advice along the way, this book is ultimately a cautionary tale for pilots of all abilities to train seriously, regularly, and to identify and correct the aspects of their own personality and flying habits that could precipitate accidents.

Notes on the Tailwheel Checkout and an Introduction to Ski Flying
by Burke Mees

This book combines the author’s years of experience in flying and teaching tailwheel skills with the sense of adventure flying can offer. Mees covers the basics in tailwheel/ski flying as well as advanced topics such as multi-engine tailwheel airplanes and mountainside ski-plane takeoffs. Gorgeous photography and clever illustrations throughout make this book a perfect gift to any pilot thinking of where their flying skills will take them.

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