The Private Pilot Series - Volume 1, Aircraft Technical Knowledge

This manual was written for students who wish to obtain the Private Pilot Licence. Via this book the student will acquire the knowledge to meet the syllabus requirements for the Aircraft Technical Knowledge and Principles of Flight topics. The first 11 chapters deal with technical matters and the remaining 8 chapters cover aerodynamic principles.

Volume 1, and other books written under the PilotBooks banner for that matter, is a very suitable reference for home study. Although the occasional explanation from an instructor may be useful, by and large there is no need for additional formal tuition. This factor underlines the cost savings associated with PilotBooks manuals.

Sound knowledge of technical and aerodynamic matters is a prerequisite to good airmanship; - a pilot who understands these matters is well equipped to deal with the management of the aircraft under normal and emergency conditions.

Considering the possible difficulty faced by many aviation students when trying to understand technical jargon, the author has made every effort to keep explanations simple and easy to follow.

Each chapter starts with an explanation or description of the topics to be discussed and then takes the student through the material in a logical sequence. Liberal use is made of diagrams and photographs which support the written text. At the end of each chapter the reader will find a Chapter Review which poses a number of questions on material discussed in the chapter. The answers to the questions are contained in an appendix at the end of the book.

Bearing in mind the diversity of student requirements with regard to the type of licence aimed at, eg, fixed wing, helicopter, microlight, and so on, this manual is suitable for most types. For example, the chapter on Other Engines covers the principles of the two-stroke engine which is commonly used for microlight aircraft.

Although this manual is broadly aimed at aeroplane (fixed-wing) students, it is also a suitable study reference for helicopter students because many of the topics discussed are common to both types. For example, engines, instruments, determination of centre of gravity, and a host of other topics are common to both types. The helicopter student simply skips those items that are clearly applicable to aeroplanes only, e.g. flaps.

At the end of the book is an appendix that contains a full Sample Examination of all the material explained. The questions are of the multi-choice type which reflects the model used by Aviation Services Ltd (ASL), the aviation industry-owned company delegated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct written examinations and flight tests. This manual, as well as others in the Private Pilot Series, is a text recommended by ASL.

Feedback received clearly indicates that students who used this manual in preparation for the Aircraft Technical Knowledge examination, have passed the examination on their first attempt and with very satisfactory marks.