Aero-Book Report By ANN Correspondent John Ballantyne

Book By Phil Croucher

Ever felt like you needed a law degree to understand the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)? Well, Phil Croucher has written a plain-language FAR book that is much more understandable than the raw FARs.

This book is needed. Anyone who has struggled with FAA legal-eze can appreciate the plain-language approach. Is it the absolute authority? No. Croucher offers it as a guide, but recommends that you check the real FARs for the final word.

Croucher has deleted language that is painfully obvious, things that are out of date or that you have no control over anyway. For example, certificates and endorsements are assumed valid, current, and effective until surrendered, suspended or revoked. Aircraft and simulators are assumed suitable and approved, as are airfields and other equipment.

Does it work? Judge for yourself: where FAA used 119 pages for FAR Part 91 in the FAR/AIM 2005, Croucher gets it all into 55 pages (similar type style and size).

Or consider FAR 91.613 that speaks about materials used for compartment interiors. To explain it, FAA writes approximately 143 words divided into paragraphs (a) and (b)(1)(2)." It begins with, "No person may operate an airplane…"

In contrast Croucher says in total, "Airplanes over 12,500 lbs that conform to an amended or supplemental type certificate issued under SFAR No. 14 must meet the compartment interior requirements in 25,853 (a), (b), (b-1), (b-2), and (b-3) within 1 year after issuance of the initial airworthiness certificate." It is about 35 words in all. Yes, the regulations are still complex. But you can see how it really helps to eliminate burdensome, legalistic text.

FARs in Plain English contains all of the FAR subchapters related to operation in the U.S. under Parts 91, 121 and 135. There are 482 pages in total. However, the new sport pilot and light sport aircraft are not yet include.

Overall, it works very well. I have utilized FARs in Plain English in community college ground school classes, as well as with individual students, with much success. This book benefits those of us who fly and teach by simply saying it simply. The $31.95 price tag will put of some, but I recommend that you add FARs in Plain English to your flying library.

Croucher holds pilot certificates in several countries and has been a hire pilot, chief pilot, operations manager and training captain. He has written books explaining aviation regulations as well as books on helicopter flying and computer programming.

'FARs in Plain English' is published by Aero Expert Books, POB 735, Mojave CA 93502-0735.

FMI: www.aeroxbooks.com