Customer Reviews

Using Aeronautical Charts

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I am a non-pilot but aviation enthusiast and prospective student pilot at that. I read through this book and found it highly thorough. I don't think you'll find a better reference anywhere on the cartography methods, different aero charts and their origins, and in-depth explanations and technicalities.

However, I did wish I had seen three things-- the first much moreso than the others: First, I wish there was more about navigation methods and actually plotting VFR courses on a sectional to create a plan, along with maybe some mention of types of plotters and their use. Perhaps one could say it's a tad outside the scope of the book, but not entirely IMHO if the book is about charts. The closest it got was a complete explanation about how to plot a course on opposite sides of a VFR chart using a sheet of paper.

The second is the delivery. The explanation of types of charts is mostly done on a story- or case study format. Simpler, straightforward descriptions/keys to the different types of charts would have made for even easier reference. Most of the chapters use these sample scenarios and refer back to chart figures that have you boncing back and forth between pages too often.

Lastly, the illustrations of charts are too small. This is a book that I feel was meant to be large or at least have full-page chart illustrations. Many of the charts you need to refer to are akin to playing card size. Workable, but could be better if there is an additional printing from this publisher.

All in all, though, a very good reference for anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of how aero charts and their symbols are used in aviation.