Customer Reviews

Rod Machado's Instrument Pilot's Survival Manual

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a newly rated IFR pilot, I highly recommend Rod's IFR book. Unlike textbooks that tend to write about a subject 'a mile wide and an inch deep', Rod takes each procedure or approach and treats it as if the reader were truly flying from beginning to end. Rod's flying and instructing experience, as well as his humor and humility, come through in an easy to read, meaningful, and enjoyable book. Included are some great tips to become a more proficient and safe IFR pilot, also. This is a book that will not gather dust on your shelf. It's a terrific reference to keep your IFR skills and knowledge sharp.

I appreciate Machado's book more now that I'm maintaining currency than when I was initially working on the instrument rating.

The most valuable part (to me) was on cockpit organization. The four-way clipboard suggestion is an elegant solution compared to the well-armed instrument gladiator look I was sporting -- you know, with multiple kneeboards and a Post-It(tm) pad.

His analyses of the individual parts of the approach and "how the system" works are helpful as well, especially with both NOS and Jepp charts. The only minus was the suggested scan technique. It didn't work for me and I thought it was a little cumbersome.

Mr. Machado's instrument book has been a key resource in our IFR training programs since its first publishing in 1991. Our students delight in the author's writing style combining humor with substance. In operating our school, I depend on authors like Rod to help equip our students with the highest possible level of aeronautical knowledge which in turn enables them to make sound inflight decisions. I particularily appreciate the exceptional manner in which Rod teaches the proper use of approach lighting systems pursuant to FAR 91.175.

Mark Wilson, Owner, IFR Flight Training School, Austin, Texas

Nobody teaches instrument flying better than Rod Machado. Best of all he makes learning a pleasure through his genuine enthusiasm for the material and wonderful sense of humor. Whether you're an aspiring instrument pilot or an experienced one brushing up, this book is a must-read!

Machado's schtick is funny here and there, but elsewhere is an annoying distraction. The biggest problem though is how disorganized the book is. The chapters just follow a stream-of-consciousness ordering, with nothing to tie them together except for a clever little quip. There are lots of good tips in there, but it's not a *book*.

Working on your instrument rating? Preparing for a competency check? Need to learn GPS instrument approaches? Just want to laugh? Here's the book to satisfy all of that. Twenty-seven years of teaching experience leaps from each page, and Rod delivers on his promise-you'll laugh while you learn. This book is filled with anecdotes, stories, humor, and wisdom. It's a must for every instrument student and instrument-rated pilot.

I have had this book for a while and have read other books from this author and must say that Rod Macado makes learning fun. It is realitively easy to read and is filled with many tips and ways to help you organize yourself in the cockpit during IFR situations. Not to mention he includes first hand experiences from students that he has taught to try to "show you" what not to do. I must say that this book is a must read for anyone up to getting IFR certified. I helped me and I am sure that it will help you in the air as well

Machado has become known as a humorous aviation pilot. Sometimes this may be good, but too often it feels like he's always trying to put something "cute" or "funny" in there, even when he doesn't have anything worth putting there. I would have preferred it if it had tried to amuse me less.

There's info here for the new instrument pilot, and a little for the more knowledgeable. If you've read much and subscribed to IFR, etc., then save your money.

With over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry, Rod Machado has a significant background to draw from in his books. He presents material important to the Instrument pilot, and even to private pilots thinking about getting their instrument rating in a straightforward and humorous manner. Rod Machado is never boring and always relevant!