EAA Sport Aviation - January 2009

flightline
armchair flying

Caravan

Authors J.D. Lewis and LeRoy Cook have a new book titled Caravan, an exploration of the Cessna aircraft known as one of the most versatile and robust aircraft ever produced. The Caravan has become the DC- 3 workhorse of our current times. It’s affectionately referred to as a “ flying SUV,” “Suburban with a turbine,” or “aerial truck.” The 304- page book features the Caravan’s colorful history, its aircraft systems, pilot stories, tips, and beautiful photography throughout including two eight-page sections. Order from ASA at www.ASA2Fly.com.

Historic Adventures in Flight Testing

A new book that features the “aerocatures” of aviation artist Hank Caruso is a historic, educational review of the unique flight-test aircraft and flight-test techniques of the past 60 years. Each aircraft is accompanied by historical descriptions and photos, along with information about the test pilots, crew, and engineers who put the aircraft through its paces. Sales of this softbound, 128-page, 8.5- by 11-inch book will directly benefit the educational goals of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots Foundation. Order from www.SETP.org.

Caribbean Getaway
Written primarily for pilots, the 450-page spiral-bound
2009 Bahamas & Caribbean Pilot’s Guide provides helpful
information for non-aviators,
too. This book helps you plan
where to go and where to stay.
Within each section you’ll find
travel information on the islands
and the country, accommodation
and car rental listings, pilot info,
maps, and airport information.
Included are frequencies, runway
details, hours, fuel availability,
GPS designators, as well as
longitudes and latitudes—a necessity to find some of the
small airports that won’t be in GPS databases. The general
information section covers customs, flight plans, forms,
procedures, and required equipment in great detail. Order
at www.Fly TheIslands.com.

Flight Technology, Yesterday and Today
Smithsonian Books offers The Airplane: How Ideas Gave Us
Wings, by Jay Spenser, which covers
early breakthroughs, trailblazing feats,
and modern technological triumphs.
You’ll also learn of the courageous in-
dividuals who dedicated their lives to
creating or improving the components
that have made flying an everyday real-
ity, such as Otto Lilienthal, the first to
make glider flights; Igor Sikorsky, who
flew the first multi-engine airplane;
and Jimmy Doolittle, who flew the first “blind flights.”
The book provides the inside story of how people invent-
ed and refined the airplane. The 320-page book includes
black and white photos and illustrations throughout. Or-
der through your favorite local or online bookseller.

Sue Hughes has started Powder Puff Pilot, offering pilot gear for feminine fliers via wholesale and retail channels. Hughes’ aim is to attract women and girls to aviation, help women pilots identify themselves with pride, and honor courageous women pioneers. Initial offerings include pink logbooks, a 2009 aviatrix-inspired calendar, clothing, and more.