What will I need?

ASpilot2be

ASpilot2be

Qbicle seat warmer
Hello,
I am going to be starting my PPL training in a couple months and was wondering if there is anything I need to buy before I begin? Like a book bag, or any books.
Thanks,Alec
 
i would recommend the Gleim Written Test Guide and the Jepp Private Manual. I also like the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook.

For right now a good ol bookbag will work just fine as a flight bag.
 
If you know what flight school you are going to, you should check with them, or your CFI, if you have one. They might want you to use a certain book.
 
At some places (including where I learned), they will ask you to buy a kit with things that you need. Mine included a Jepp PPL manual, maneuver guide, FAR-AIM, AFD, updated sectional chart, updated terminal chart (if applicable), E6B and a couple of other things.

I checked with some pilot friends to make sure that I really needed all the things on the list and I did. I'd recommend you do the same.

As you get closer to your check ride, they may ask you to purchase test prep guides such as the ASA Practical Test Standards.

Mahesh
 
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Hello,
I am going to be starting my PPL training in a couple months and was wondering if there is anything I need to buy before I begin? Like a book bag, or any books.
Thanks,Alec

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$$$ Lots and lots of it!!
 
I second the Jepp PPL Manual. Eventually, it might be an idea to buy/download the practical test standards so you know what you're gonna be up against. The ASA Oral Guide will help towards the end, but not something you need before you start. Don't blow cash on an expensive flight bag when you can get something just as good in the "back to school" section of Wal-Mart. I've got a kick butt flight bag, and the further I go in training, the less I use it. I don't even use my kneeboard anymore unless I'm IFR. An E6B flight computer is a good thing to have, but I'd recommend the cheap-o paper ones to start with. You can always move up later if you want. A nice plotter will also come in handy later, but once again, not something you need months ahead of time. I like buying things piece by piece instead of in one pre-made package. A lot of times you wind up paying for poor quality stuff or stuff you'll never use. Get the Gleim Private Pilot Written Exam book. There's web sites all over the place with free practice tests, so IMO, the software is not worth the extra $$$. If you're serious about flying, I'd start looking at headsets. Try on ones you think you might like, and pick one that works for YOU. Doesn't matter of one person says Lightspeed is the be all end all and someone else argues that DC is god. It comes down to the individual. I'd hold off on buying sectionals and charts just yet. They might be expired by the time you get to the cross country part of your training.
 
Thanks for your replies
rawk.gif
I will get looking for those items.
Alec
 
I don't know your financial situation but when i started out I got a cheap scanner to listen to ATC I found and my CFI agreed that it greatly helped my communication skills on the radio even more so when I started my instrument rating. Its not something you need but Its a lot of fun just to have, I still sit outside and listen to MCO's ATC a lot.
 
If you look for a scanner....invest a little more money to buy a transponder ... this way you have a backup radio to use in the airplane.

You can still enjoy it on the ground, but add a safety net as well.
 
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If you look for a scanner....invest a little more money to buy a transponder ...

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I believe transceiver is what you mean, not transponder.
smile.gif
 
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I don't know your financial situation but when i started out I got a cheap scanner to listen to ATC I found and my CFI agreed that it greatly helped my communication skills on the radio even more so when I started my instrument rating. Its not something you need but Its a lot of fun just to have, I still sit outside and listen to MCO's ATC a lot.

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I have a Motorola Bearcat scanner. I will get it out soon and start listening to non tower traffic
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Alec
 
Welcome to aviation, but beware-like anywhere else, there are lots of people peddling wares that you don't need. Kind of like the gift shops at Disney World.

For now get a good headset (David Clark, Lightspeed, etc), a small flight bag, an E6-B, and a couple of books. The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook, the Pilots handbook of aeronautical knowledge, and the Gleim private pilot written guide are what I would get now. All of this should cost under $400. Leave the rest for later-you'll know when you need more.

The Jeppesen books are a mixed bag. They contain vast amounts of information and are good references later on, and have lots of pictures. The downside is they are very expensive, and are intended for use in a structured ground school. I liked them as a student, but disliked them as an instructor. Jeppesen likes to sell them in kits that contain lots of extras you will never use, so if you are going to buy the book look for a place that just sells the book.
 
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I don't know your financial situation but when i started out I got a cheap scanner to listen to ATC I found and my CFI agreed that it greatly helped my communication skills on the radio even more so when I started my instrument rating. Its not something you need but Its a lot of fun just to have, I still sit outside and listen to MCO's ATC a lot.

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Or you can pocket the cash and listen to ATC transmissions here:

http://www.liveatc.net/
 
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Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook

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Good one and I can't believe I forgot to mention it. Best Private book on the market.
 
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I believe transceiver is what you mean, not transponder.

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Yep, that would be what I meant --- DOH!
banghead.gif
 
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I don't know your financial situation but when i started out I got a cheap scanner to listen to ATC I found and my CFI agreed that it greatly helped my communication skills on the radio even more so when I started my instrument rating. Its not something you need but Its a lot of fun just to have, I still sit outside and listen to MCO's ATC a lot.

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I would have to agree with that... First flight with him, I called got taxi clearance, and then he asked if he could try, and he could talk on the radios from day one... Kinda nice to know that your students can speak and communicate their intentions from the beginning, especially when it came down to his solo.
 
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