Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook is a different kind of Private Pilot's textbook. Very thorough, very detailed, very complete, highly illustrated - but taught in a way that makes you remember what you're supposed to be learning. Even the meteorology section is enjoyable and intriguing. Rod Machado has done an excellent job presenting a vast amount of required information.

Many major flight schools, including Embry Riddle, have switched to this book from those of the major publishers. Since doing so, they have reported their student pass rate up 15-20%. It's easy to see why. Highly recommended. The matching workbook contains questions and answers from the FAA private pilot written test along with additional student study aides and for instructors, an FAA approved Part 141 ground school syllabus.

A reviewer's description:

"A serious text written in a fun and witty style. More than 1,100 original illustrations and photos with 64 pages in color, ensures this to be a one-of-a-kind manual. You can learn or review by just looking at the pictures. However, the text is laced with Machado's humor, so you will want to read every word. Written in the first person, it's as if Rod is sitting next to you, personally explaining all the necessary aspects of flying to make you an informed, confident and competent pilot. It is the first book of its kind completely written and illustrated by one instructor, a CFI with more than two decades of teaching experience, 8,000 hours as a flight instructor and 600+ aviation seminars under his belt. Flight instructors will love using the great illustrations with their students. It will also be a favorite for its readability. It's perfect to refresh for a flight review, catch up on new rules or for student pilots to pass their FAA knowledge and oral exams. New weather codes: METAR & TAF / Alphabet airspace made E-Z with 3-D color illustrations / Easy to understand analogies and examples for technical subjects such as aerodynamics, engines and flight instruments / The airplane's electrical system described using the water analogy of electricity / Step-by-step procedures for planning X-country flights / Clear, down-to-earth explanations of pertinent FARs-Part 61 & 91 / Easy to apply navigation methods for VOR, GPS & ADF! / Practical tips and techniques for ensuring a safe and enjoyable flight. ...and when you think of it, what better way to rate the quality of a book than by how much you take away when you put it back on the shelf. "