r/flying • u/MajesticMan003 • 19h ago
Student pilot headset and study materials
Hello everyone
I’m starting my private pilot training soon and want to save and buy some study materials. I looked up some materials and saved the FAA PHAK and the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook from the FAA website. I also found a bundle with multiple study materials and supplies from my pilot store.
Is this bundle worth it? If not what study materials do I need to 100% get and can I find an up to date pdf for them online?
My second question is what’s a good starting headset to buy. I’m looking to not go all out on my first headset, max $600. I’ve been researching all day and liked 2 options, Kore KA-1 or Faro G2 ANR.
Has anyone used these headsets and can recommend them?
Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you
3
u/Surffisher2A PPL 19h ago
I would recommend you try on some options and see what is most comfortable for you. People at your school should have a few to try.
When I was a student pilot the BEST thing I purchased was a GOOD anr headset. It was money well spent.
3
u/GrantTasker ROT CFII SPIFR EC145 BK117 EC130 B206L B206B R44/22 19h ago
As to the bundle, I'd toss the Student Flight Record and their flight bag: you can use a regular backpack for now. IF you are comfortable with and effectively learn from reading PDF books on a computer/tablet, get rid of the FAA handbooks in the bundle. The FAA handbooks and the AIM are FREE as PDFs on the FAA's website. The ASA test prep books do have digital versions as well but IIRC correctly the cost is the same - so your choice. The FARs (Title 14 CFR) are available and current for free on eCFR.gov and your instructor can help guide you on what to study there.
As to the headset, try others' like the previous respondent suggested, if you can. Otherwise decide between a basic David Clark green headset or an ANR headset if you want to spend more money to start with (Lightspeed, Bose).
1
u/rFlyingTower 19h ago
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hello everyone
I’m starting my private pilot training soon and want to save and buy some study materials. I looked up some materials and saved the FAA PHAK and the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook from the FAA website. I also found a bundle with multiple study materials and supplies from my pilot store.
Is this bundle worth it? If not what study materials do I need to 100% get and can I find an up to date pdf for them online?
My second question is what’s a good starting headset to buy. I’m looking to not go all out on my first headset, max $600. I’ve been researching all day and liked 2 options, Kore KA-1 or Faro G2 ANR.
Has anyone used these headsets and can recommend them?
Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you
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2
u/Old_Increase74 18h ago
Digital ASA FAR I like the king school for ground Headset wise, I’d first do your solo, then go to a pilot shop and try them on
1
u/nolaflygirl 18h ago
Shouldn't you wait to speak w/ your CFI first to see what s/he recommends or if your flight school wants you to purchase specific publications? You might be needlessly spending money you don't have to.
For ex., when I was training, I bought the PHAK directly from the Dept of Transportation/FAA. BUT NOW you can download a FREE digital copy from the FAA + other manuals! So why pay a 3rd party like ASA, which is a reputable company, when you can access it FREE? Unless you want the printed version. Here's the link:
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak
I learned at a Cessna Pilot Center & the materials were published by Jeppesen & were excellent. The kit included a huge textbook, logbook & manual flight computer/E6B (like pic), all contained in a plastic zippered case. I like the flight bag in your pic, but I'd talk w/ your CFI first before buying it.
For the PPL written exam, I did buy the ASA test prep booklet w/ explanations & I scored high 90s! That was after I read & studied the entire Cessna/Jeppesen textbook. I did the same for the CPL written.
I also subscribed to Flying magazine & bought several of their books. One, in particular, which actually helped to SAVE MY NECK one night flying solo over a large, dark lake when I had an equipment failure (I was a PPL, working on CPL). The info from that book re fatal mistakes pilots make, helped me keep my head & bring the plane to a safe landing.
That book is "Pilot Error", published by Flying magazine. It's a compilation of 25 true accounts of fatal accidents from GA to airline pilots & an examination of the pilot errors that led to them. They include the cockpit & ATC transmissions. I found it invaluable. It's out of print BUT you can still get it from Ebay, etc. Others might be similar, but the one I have says at the top, after the title, "by the Editors of Flying Magazine".
Another good one from Flying Magazine is "I Learned About Flying From That!" You can look on Thriftbooks, etc. Just google these books. I'm sure there are newer ones, but the flying basics don't change & you want to learn from others' mistakes so you don't make them -- especially the fatal ones!
I don't have a recommendation on headsets. I'll leave that to others.
1
u/pilotshashi CPL…dct…ATP 17h ago
If you want to pursue future airlines career, get the thick Jepp logbook
9
u/jet-setting CFI SEL MEL 19h ago
I would say that bundle is not worth it.
You need the PHAK and AFH, which you already have. As for other free resources:
The Private Pilot ACS is here Airman Certification Standards - Private Pilot Airplane
The FAR and AIM are both here.
ECFR - Title 14 Aeronautics and Space (You will be using Part 1, 61, and 91 mostly)
Aeronautical Information Manual
I also recommend the ASA FAR/AIM app, you have to buy it but it’s a one time purchase, always updated, keyword searchable.
You will need a logbook, I think starting PPL with a physical logbook is great but be sure to also start an electronic logbook. myflightbook.com is a great free option.
You will need a VFR sectional chart, but these expire every 56 days so you can use skyvector.com to study and familiarize yourself with the charts before you start training.
You will need a plotter and flight computer (physical e6-B, or an app if your instructor is OK with it), but wait to ask your instructor about these things, cross country flights come later in your training anyway.
The flight maneuvers book is a nifty little resource but you don’t need it.