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that are out of date or that you have no control over anyway.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.