[.ca] Encyclopedia of Technical Aviation (ISBN 0071402136)

Excellent Aviation Reference For All Experience Levels:
"The Encyclopedia of Technical Aviation" is a valuable addition to the library of any pilot, or for that matter anyone interested in aviation. It is organized alphabetically, as you would expect, and has extensive explanations of most any aviation related term you can think of. As an aside, the only term I have tried to look up and have not found is "RAT" (Ram Air Temperature). It does include "TAT" (Total Air Temperature), but I was trying to find the definitive answer on how the two differ. The lack of "RAT", though, is (by far) the exception, as the book covers most all other topics more thoroughly and concisely than any other single volume I have found. This volume would be especially useful to people upgrading to complex aircraft (especially jets) for the first time. The section discussing FMS (Flight Management System) information and use would be very helpful to pilots transitioning to their first 'glass' airplane. The book has hundreds of illustrations, and all key points requiring visual illustration seem to have an easy to grasp drawing, chart, diagram, or graph, as appropriate. This book is useful to pilots at all levels, as it discusses the very basic things like the forces acting on an aircraft in flight, to advanced EFIS and FANS concepts. This book is a one stop reference goldmine for pilots. The chances are very high that if it isn't in here, it isn't that important for a pilot to know.