Article: PPL Books UK: Which Books You Need for Flight and Helicopter Training in the UK
PPL Books UK: Which Books You Need for Flight and Helicopter Training in the UK
If you're about to start or have started taking flying lessons in the UK and wondering which PPL books you actually need, we'll make it simple for you here.
Starting a Private Pilot Licence in the UK is exciting, but the theory side can feel unclear at first. Most new students search for terms like “PPL books UK”, “Air Pilot’s Manual set” or “what books do I need for my flying lessons?” and quickly realise there are several different options.
At Arco Aviation, we stock the full range of Air Pilot’s Manuals for aeroplane and helicopter students, along with the complete exam preparation series. Below is a straightforward explanation of what you need, when you need it, and which set is right for you.
You can view all available books here:
https://www.arcoaviation.co.uk/collections/aviation-and-flight-training-books
If You Are Starting a PPL(A) – Aeroplane
If you are learning to fly a fixed wing aircraft (for example a Cessna or Piper), you are working towards a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane).
For this, you will need the Air Pilot’s Manual Books 1–7. This is the complete core set and covers every CAA theoretical knowledge subject.
The Complete Aircraft Set – Books 1 to 7
This is the most straightforward option if you are just beginning and want everything you will need for the full course.
Here is what each book is for, in simple terms:
Book 1 – Flying Training
Explains what you are physically doing in the aircraft during lessons, from straight and level flight to circuits and stalls.
Book 2 – Air Law
Covers the rules of the air, airspace and your legal responsibilities as a pilot. Often one of the first exams students take.
Book 3 – Meteorology
Teaches you how weather works and how to read aviation forecasts.
Book 4 – Navigation
Shows you how to plan flights, read charts and calculate headings and wind corrections.
Book 5 – General Aircraft Knowledge
Explains how the aircraft works, including engines, instruments and systems.
Book 6 – Human Performance & Limitations
Covers how the human body and mind perform in flight, including fatigue and decision making.
Book 7 – Communications
Teaches you how to use the radio properly and understand standard phraseology.
If you are at the very start of training, most students begin studying Book 1 and Book 2 (Air Law) first.
If You Are Starting a PPL(H) – Helicopter
If you are learning to fly a helicopter, you are training for a Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter).
Helicopters fly very differently from aeroplanes, so there are dedicated manuals for rotary wing training. All of the above books are applicable apart from Volume 1 and Volume 4, where there are helicopter specific replacements.
The Helicopter Manual Set
This includes:
Helicopter Book 1 – Flying Training
Covers hovering, translational lift, autorotation and helicopter specific emergencies.
Book 2 – Air Law
Covers the rules of the air, airspace and your legal responsibilities as a pilot. Often one of the first exams students take.
Book 3 – Meteorology
Teaches you how weather works and how to read aviation forecasts.
Helicopter Book 4 – Helicopter Technical
Teaches principles of flight and general helicopter technical knowledge
Book 5 – General Aircraft Knowledge
Explains how the aircraft works, including engines, instruments and systems.
Book 6 – Human Performance & Limitations
Covers how the human body and mind perform in flight, including fatigue and decision making.
Book 7 – Communications
Teaches you how to use the radio properly and understand standard phraseology.
If you are starting helicopter lessons, these are the correct core manuals to begin with.
When Do You Use the Exam Preparation Books?
Alongside the main manuals, there is a separate Air Pilot’s Manual Exam Preparation series (Books 1–9).
These are not the teaching books. They are Q&A revision books designed to help you pass the CAA written exams and are used by nearly every student pilot.
Each one focuses on a specific subject:
Exam Prep 1 – Air Law
Exam Prep 2 – Operational Procedures
Exam Prep 3 – Principles of Flight
Exam Prep 4 – Meteorology
Exam Prep 5 – Navigation
Exam Prep 6 – Communications
Exam Prep 7 – Human Performance
Exam Prep 8 – Aircraft General
Exam Prep 9 – Flight Performance & Planning
You normally use these:
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After studying the main manual
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Before booking your written exam
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To test your knowledge and identify weak areas
If you are just starting lessons, focus first on the main manuals. The exam prep books become useful once you are preparing to sit each exam. That be
So What Should You Buy as a New Student?
To make it very clear:
If you are starting aeroplane training and want everything covered from day one:
→ Choose the Aircraft Air Pilot’s Manual Set (Books 1–7)
If you are starting helicopter training:
→ Choose the Helicopter Books 1-7 manuals
If you are preparing to sit written exams:
→ Add the Exam Preparation books (1–9) for revision
If you are unsure whether your school provides aircraft systems material:
→ The full aircraft set (1–7) is the safest option.
You can browse all available Air Pilot’s Manuals and exam preparation books here:
https://www.arcoaviation.co.uk/collections/aviation-and-flight-training-books
Starting flight training is a big step. Having the right books from the beginning makes the theory structured, manageable and far less confusing.
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