Plastic Pilot

I’m an avid aviation reader, but time is frequently the limit of what I can read. So each time I receive a new magazine, I start reading the columns from authors I know and appreciate. If you’re a fellow reader you won’t be surprised to know that my favorite topics are modern aircrafts and safety.

Feed-back from incidents is always valuable, as well as more general safety analysis. I also like reading on new avionics or engines. I’m not an instructor, but I’m interested in all the human factors issue, flying solo or as a student.

Moreover, if an article on one of these topics is well written and with a touch of humor, it makes it even better. Each time I receive the AOPA Pilot magazine, I first read Rod Machado’s column. The topic is generally interesting, and the tone is always refreshing.

Reading it somehow made my flying better as I apply some of the tricks he suggests. In example, I tend to be crisped on the controls under stress, so I slipped a pen between the yoke and my fingers - one of Rod’s suggestions - and this helped me to relax my finger muscles even when I’m a bit nervous.
Writing is only one of the activities of Rod Machado. He is obviously an active instructor, but he also tours US and Europe as an aviation speaker.

On his website, www.rodmachado.com, you will find his books, CDs, courses, and also copies of many articles he published. To give you an example of his style, here is a very short extract of his “Questions & Answers” page (53 questions answered).

“I met one fellow who claimed the only way he could hold altitude in a steep turn was by continually updating the altimeter setting. This isn’t a good solution. I have a better one.”

The good point www.rodmachado.com is that it is not only a “buy my products” website. Ok, the books, CDs and other material can be ordered from there, but there’s also tons of stuff for free. Be careful however, Rod’s style makes reading it nearly as addictive as flying !