Best Air Sports Books of 2026

The Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C is the official source for learning to fly and for many of the test questions in the FAA Knowledge Exams for pilots. It covers basic pilot skills and knowledge that are essential for piloting airplanes, providing information on transitioning to other airplanes and the operation of various airplane systems. Developed by the Flight Standards Service in cooperation with aviation educators and industry, this handbook is ideal for student pilots, pilots who wish to improve their flying proficiency, and flight instructors. The current 2022 edition is printed in color and has 405 pages.

The FAR/AIM 2023 is an essential resource for aviators and aviation enthusiasts, providing up-to-date information on federal regulations, procedures, and illustrations for safe operation in US airspace. It includes a comprehensive guide to specific pilot training certifications and ratings, a glossary for pilots and controllers, standard instrument procedures, airworthiness standards, and important FAA contact details. This book is the most complete guide to aviation rules available and a must-have for anyone in the aviation community. The FAA's commitment to providing the safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world is evident in this comprehensive guide.

The Private Pilot - Airplane: Airman Certification Standards FAA-S-ACS-6B (Change 1) is an official guide released in 2018, including Change 1 (2019), for use in 2023. It provides a comprehensive set of standards for both the knowledge exam and the practical test, clearly outlining what an airman must know, consider, and do to pass the private pilot certification in single-engine land and sea, and multiengine land and sea classes. Aspiring pilots should not miss this practical study and test prep guide before taking their written or practical test.

The Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM) is an essential guide for anyone interested in skydiving, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned veteran. Produced by the United States Parachute Association, the SIM provides up-to-date information on all aspects of the sport, including safety standards, emergency procedures, equipment, and advanced techniques such as wingsuit flying and canopy piloting. It also includes federal aviation administration documents related to skydiving. Overall, the SIM is an invaluable resource for skydivers of all levels and a must-read for anyone interested in the sport.

Microsoft Flight Simulator For Dummies is an ideal book for beginners and existing players looking to enhance their skills in the game. The book covers everything from getting familiar with instrument panels of different planes to dealing with virtual emergencies, dynamic weather, and more. Brittany Vincent, a seasoned journalist in the video game industry, has provided clear and concise instructions for smooth digital takeoffs and landings. The book is an excellent guide for anyone looking to learn how to fly planes of all sizes without ever leaving the ground.

The book "Flight: 100 Greatest Aircraft" is a comprehensive guide to the world's most groundbreaking contributions to flight. With fascinating and informative text, detailed specifications, and spectacular full-color photographs, this book is a must-read for aviation enthusiasts. It covers iconic aircraft like the Concorde, F-22 Raptor, and Boeing-Stearman PT-17 Biplane, among others. The experts at Flying magazine curated and collected the 100 greatest aircraft and presented them in this book. The authors, Mark Phelps and Robert Goyer, are both aviation enthusiasts and pilots themselves. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in aviation and aeronautical engineering.

The Remote Pilot - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Study Guide FAA-G-8082-22 is the official guide released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2016 and updated in 2022. This guide covers the knowledge areas required to prepare for the Remote Pilot Certificate with an sUAS rating airman knowledge test. The guide is organized according to the knowledge areas covered on the airman knowledge test, including regulations, airspace classification, weather effects, emergency procedures, and more. This book is a must-have for anyone seeking to become a certified drone pilot.

The Instructional Rating Manual (IRM) is a must-read for any USPA-licensed skydiver looking to obtain an instructional rating with the organization. This official publication of the U.S. Parachute Association covers all the necessary information to attend a USPA Rating Course, including teaching methods, candidate evaluation, observation and debriefing strategies, and lesson planning. It also provides tools to excel in teaching skydivers through the USPA Integrated Student Program. The IRM is a comprehensive guide for those seeking to become USPA coaches, instructors, evaluators, and examiners.

The Aeronautical Chart User's Guide is the official guide to the FAA's aeronautical charts and publications. It is an essential tool for pilots, both new and experienced, as it explains the VFR and IFR air navigation charts used in training, planning, enroute, approaches, and taxiing. The guide contains 129 pages and covers VFR Charting Products, IFR Enroute Charts, and Terminal Procedure Publications. This edition renews every 56 days and has an effective date of 08 September 2022. Overall, this guide is a valuable resource for pilots and is unique in its comprehensive coverage of all aeronautical charts and publications.

The Airplane Flying Handbook by the Federal Aviation Administration is an essential guide for pilots, aviation instructors, and specialists. It covers a wide range of topics such as cockpit management, flight standards, preflight assessment, and much more. The book is regularly updated to include current information, making it an excellent study guide for both current and potential pilots. The book is published under the SKYHORSE brand and is categorized as a commercial aviation book. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the aviation industry and is highly recommended.