The Proficient Pilot

by Barry Schiff

Book Overview

A compilation of Barry Schiff's monthly column in AOPA Pilot, the popular aviation periodical, these books contain favorite articles from over the years in three volumes that are arranged by subject. These articles are pulled from his more than 26,000 flight hours in 260 types of aircraft to assemble volumes filled with Schiff's vast knowledge and experience with teaching pilots. The first volume of the series covers such diverse topics as slip...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560272813
• ISBN13: 9781560272816
• Release Date: February 1997
• Publisher: Aviation Supplies & Academics
• Length: 330 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

PRICELESS WISDOM

In another, pre-digital age pilots were more social. Perhaps it was that pilots took up flying at a younger age and had more time to socialize. In such social settings and frequently aided by the availability of adult beverages, talk of all things flying ran late into the night. Precious wisdom was passed down from the tribal elders, often under challenge from young, upstart pilots. Much of the most important lessons of flying came from these discussions. Today's pilot is much more likely to be processed through a professional flight school under the tutelage of pilots who themselves were the product of identical schools only a year or two earlier. Much of the real world and pleasures of flying are lost in the process. Schiff fills that gap, bringing a wealth of flying knowledge gathered around the world in 50 plus years of flying countless airplanes, from Piper Cubs to jet transports. Barry is also unique in that he is an accomplished instructor and writer. His knowledge is packaged into well written, highly digestible pieces that are perfect for an evening read. The book is a timeless gift for any pilot, especially one with perhaps 150 hours who is entering that phase where many pilots don't know what they don't know and it leads them to grief. It's one of those books that belong on a pilot's bookshelf and will provide useful lessons/reminders year after year. Highly recommended.

Great Source of Knowledge

I am a 60 hour student pilot. I found Schiff's book to be broken down in easy to digest sections. I've learned much.

New insight

Even you are familiar with the principle of flying, the book can provide new insight in every flying aspect. It uses different point of view to elucidate the basic theory. I am sure you can get more understanding about what you have learnt in flying.

Top five

As a physicist and private pilot, having read a few dozens of books on aviation, I find this book (in fact the two volumes I and II) the best aviation reading I have ever come across. Strongly recommended even if you think you have read it all.

Do you REALLY know what lift is?

Being a helicopter and fixed wing instructor pilot for 7 years, I thought I knew how lift worked. NOT. Read what they did not teach you in flight school in this great book by Mr. Schiff.