Rich Bates - Flight Instructor

These are some resources that pilots-in-training may find useful.  Everything except the King / Cessna course  and the Essco Aircraft POH is a free download.      

Cockpit Aids

Cessna 172M Checklist.  This is a large print format that can be folded or cut to fit a kneeboard.  It's in statute mph for the aero club skyhawk.

VFR Navigation Log.  There are dozens out there.  I like this one because it's designed to fold and fit a kneeboard.

Training Aids

Private / Sport Pilot Maneuvers.  Great for chair-flying or as a reference while in the aircraft.  This is in a format that can be folded or cut to fit a kneeboard.

Radio Communications Script.  Good for rehearsing the most common radio transmissions at towered and non-towered airports.  Can also be cut and placed on a kneeboard.  Tip:  each page is successively longer, so it is "tabbed" on the bottom.  Thanks to Linda for improving this.

Handouts

IFR/VFR Separation?  Some interesting things to think about when conducting IFR approaches to uncontrolled airports.  Courtesy of Rick Harber, DPE.

Density Altitude and Aircraft Performance.  A handout from the WINGS Seminar by Amy Hoover.

Exams

Pre-Solo Exam.  An open-book, take-home exam required prior to receiving a solo endorsement.

Pilot's Operating Handbooks

Cessna 172M.  Essco Aircraft is a good place to purchase a POH.  Follow the link to get the correct one for the Aero Club's skyhawk.

Home Study Material

King / Cessna Course.  If you want to study on your own with some tutoring during your scheduled flight lesson, then this study course from King Schools is the one I recommend.  It integrates the study material with the flight lessons in an easy to follow manner.  It also provides a video preview of the flight lesson so you see a demonstration before you get into the plane.  If you're interested in the online class, then go here for study material recommendations.

To get the DVD / Book version of this course (called "Cleared for Takeoff") call King Schools at 1-800-854-1001.  To view a demo of the online version go here.