Glider Flying Handbook: #FAA-H-8083-13 (FAA Handbooks series) (Paperback)

~ Federal Aviation Administration (Author) "Welcome to the world of soaring..." (more)
Key Phrases: minimum sink airspeed, launch crewmember, high tow position, United States, National Weather Service, Pilot's Operating Handbook (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The first official book released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the sole purpose of glider and sailplane instruction and knowledge, this book answers all the questions related to glider flying and soaring found in the FAA's required knowledge exams for pilots. Included is detailed coverage on decision making, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, soaring weather, flight instruments, medical factors, communications, and regulations, all in relation to the world of glider flying. Through full-color graphics and detailed descriptions, pilots are better able to comprehend and visualize the maneuvers within the book.

About the Author

The Federal Aviation Administration is the government organization that regulates and sets procedural standards for the SUBJECT: Transportation/Technology

Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560275243
• ISBN-13: 978-1560275244
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #680,251 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!!, May 15, 2004

By	Kent Ponder (Albuquerque., NM USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Finally! The FAA itself has released just last month (as of this writing) the instruction book that will likely become the standard recommended volume for glider-pilot prep among Americans preparing for licensing. This book covers virtually all aspects of knowledge necessary for VFR and IFR (visual and instrument) flight rules related to soaring.

Though there are quite a few interesting and informative books on glider soaring, the others lack the official stamp and aura of the Federal Aeronautics Administration itself. If you're preparing to solo and/or obtain your "ticket," you might as well read the most official treatise, since it is bound to be the most dependable path to the kind of education you need for all aspects of motorless flight in today's amazing sailplanes.

In addition to its authoritative quality, as above, this book is also impressively complete, straightforward and easy to follow.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only If You Need Printed Version, October 29, 2006

By	MrTwistoff "hobbesclarity" (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

This is THE AUTHORITATIVE manual for testing as a Glider Pilot. However, the printed version here is only if you need to carry the book around. And many of the new/used people selling here are selling a CD version [...].

The entire book, and addendum, are available from the FAA in PDF format, FREE. This is a government handbook, paid for with public funds. Take advantage of what you've already paid for.

[...]

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Glider Flying Handbook replaces the Soaring Flight Manual, April 6, 2006

By	Glider Flight Instructor (North East, US) - See all my reviews

As of 2006, the Soaring Society of America no longer offers the Soaring Flight Manual for sale because it has been replaced by the Glider Flying Handbook. This was not un-anticipated but still, IMHO, unfortunate.

The Glider Flying Handbook, while generally good, has some serious flaws. For instance, the topics of pattern planning and hypoxia (to name just two) get a most cursory treatment. And, all drawings depicting ground launches show the wire being attached to a nose hood instead of a center of gravity hook - I mean, come on!

Still, on the whole, I recommend this book. It does have much to offer and, quite likely, FAA test questions will come from this book. But, do look for and buy the Soaring Flight Manual - still available at Amazon.... for now.

Tony V. Certified Flight Instructor, Glider