Aviation Books Sampling

Flight: 100 Years of Aviation by Jonathan Metcalf (Hardcover - September 1, 2002).
This sweeping compendium of milestones in 20th-century aviation history is published in association with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, which may account for its rigorous attention to detail. Grant (The Berlin Wall) offers a wealth of supportive information to complement his engagingly written text. Succinct offset biographies sketch the lives and contributions of aviation's pioneers (both men and women), scientists, promoters, businessmen, barnstormers, racers, designers and manufacturers, aces (from World War I to Vietnam), and astronauts and cosmonauts.

Fascinating sidebars also treat early flight, assorted inventions, famous air races (1910-39), the gradual transformation of the role of the fighter pilot, the evolution of aerial weaponry, training programs, navigational technology, aerial exploration, landmark altitude and long-distance flights, Zeppelin travel, power plants, Hitler's jet and rocket programs, the breaking of the sound barrier, the Cold War space race, and America's current shuttle program. The impressive illustrations include over 300 gorgeous, full-color profiles of the world's major military and civilian aircraft and space vehicles. The result is a work of greater overall scope and depth than Bill Gunston's Aviation: The First 100 Years. Highly recommended for all military, aviation, and transportation collections and public libraries.
John Carver Edwards, Univ. of Georgia Libs., Cleveland. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Pilot's rules of thumb: Rules of thumb, easy aviation math, handy formulas, quick tips by Art Parma (Spiral-bound - December 31, 1999).
The only book of its kind! A collection of helpful rules and tips useful to the weekend bugsmasher and jet fighter pilot alike.

Airplane Flying Handbook: Federal Aviation Administration by F.A.A. (Paperback - May 1, 2007).
This official U.S. government guide to piloting aircraft—created by the Federal Aviation Administration—is the essential resource for finding the knowledge and skills to fly all types of planes. It includes an introduction to flight training and official information on ground operations, basic flight maneuvers, slow flight, stalls and spins, takeoff and departure climbs, ground reference maneuvers, airport traffic patterns, approaches and landings, performance maneuvers, and night operations. Pilots will find information on transitioning from small aircraft to more complex airplanes, as well as detailed explanations of emergency procedures. Each topic is coupled with colorful, detailed illustrations to aid the reader. Any pilot who wishes to maintain a current understanding of aircraft operation must read this book.

Aviation Video Games Sampling

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight by Microsoft (January 13, 2004).
Flight Simulator 2004: A Century Of Flight celebrates the world-altering invention of powered flight -- by taking you on a tour of great aircraft from the past and present! Complete set of historical and modern-day aircraft to fly, from the Wright Brothers' Flyer I to the Boeing 747-700. Dynamic weather system based on realistic atmospheric physics, with true three-dimensional clouds that form and dissipate.Worldwide scenery with accurate 3D terrain and auto-gen objects that fill in the world with appropriate buildings and vegetation.Enhanced interactive air traffic control (ATC), including traffic at all airports around the world.Improved support for 3D graphics hardware acceleration in multiple windows and across multiple monitors.

Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe by Microsoft (October 24, 2002).
Anti-aircraft fire blankets you. Blast debris hurls toward your propeller. And you wonder why you didn't join the navy. This ain't no free-flight, cloud-gunner, glory ride. This is ground assault: the real, gritty combat that can make or break a battle, and take your life in one massive explosion. Bombs shatter enemy airfields, trains, and tank columns as you streak across the European countryside in WWII's greatest planes, dodging small-arms fire, gripping your joystick with sweaty palms and white knuckles, pumped with adrenaline-living history.

As a U.S. Army Air Force, Royal Air Force, or Luftwaffe pilot in Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator 3 you fly in the historical framework of the tactical air war in northwest Europe starting in mid-1943, but there's a significant difference. The skill and perseverance you and your squadron or Staffel bring to each battle can alter the tactical situation and the timeline of the campaign. This open-ended and flexible campaign means you can influence events, alter history, and extend the timeline to add new technology to your arsenal. How you handle these tactical and technological advantages will determine the outcome.Choose to fly for the U.S., England, or the German Luftwaffe in 34 different and unique aircraft.

Falcon 4.0: Allied Forceby Atari (June 28, 2005).
Pilot three different variants of the F-16 Fighting Falcon -- the best multi-role fighter ever built -- including Block 40, Block 50/52 and MLU variants. Ultra-high fidelity physics modeling closely simulates actual aircraft performance. Engage the enemy in two operational theaters -- Korea and the Balkans -- each covering over a million square Kilometers of territory. Dogfight over a wide variety of landscapes: wide seas, open grasslands, dense forests and snow capped mountains. Fly nap-of-earth missions through detailed terrain and undulating valleys. Launch a variety of air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder.

Deploy a vast array of air-to-ground weaponry including the AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, cluster bombs, slick and high drag bombs and laser guided ordnance. Weapon systems are simulated using the most accurate publicly available specifications. Go up against challenging enemy aircraft, sea and ground defenses all of which employ real attack and defense tactics. Experience authentic Air Traffic Control procedures with stacks and talk down via your aircraft's radio. See busy airbases with parked and taxiing aircraft, helicopter traffic, and aircraft takeoffs and landings. Vastly improved AI (Artificial Intelligence) for better ground strikes and air-to-air combat. Improved airbase handling and ATC (Air Traffic Control)