The all-time greatest aviation book, in my opinion, is Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche. This one is a definite must read for soaring, as well as power, pilots. It's still in print after 58 years, so Mr. Langewiesche must have gotten it right. If you fly (pilot aircraft) and haven't read Stick and Rudder, then you've missed an important part of your training.

Mr. Langewiesche marvelously analyzes the "art of flying" in terms that anyone can understand. He explains every facet of piloting in complete detail, using illustrations that step you through the chains of events that follow control inputs. In the process, he debunks much of the hanger talk that so many pilots take for Gospel. Hanger talk can be dangerous.

Periodically, Mr. Langewiesche compares powered aircraft to gliders. And, in fact, ends the book with a discussion of the concept of soaring. This kind of comparison is helpful both to power and glider pilots, helping them understand the dynamics of their own aircraft in contrast to the other type.

Perhaps the most important benefit you will take from this book is a healthy respect for and understanding of the stall. As you might expect, he stresses this issue and gives expert advice on recognizing incipient stalls and on recovery. You may think you understand this perfectly, but if you haven't read Langewiesche, then you still have something to learn.

In short, Mr. Langewiesche knows pilots and how to talk to them in language that, while true and accurate, is also understandable. Get this one and read it. You'll be glad you did.