Free Pilot Training Books

June 5, 2020

In 2023, there’s not much in pilot training that’s free.

But we have three introductory books for aspiring aviators that’ll help get you started with your aviation theoretical knowledge – whatever stage you’re at.

These 3 books are free to download via our Apple Bookstore. Read on to find out more.

Please note: both Maths and Physics books are included in the complete PPL(A) and ATPL(A) sets for our multi-device eReader platform, but are not available as single editions.

1. Maths and Physics for the Private Pilot Licence

EASA PPL - Maths and Physics Book

If you want to learn to fly for fun, then a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the way to go. As part of your flight training, you’ll need to pass nine theoretical knowledge exams, which our books can help you prepare for. And, if you decide to continue on to commercial flying, the PPL theory you learn will be great preparation for ATPL theory studies, too.

This free PPL ebook will give you the basic maths and physics you’ll need before starting PPL theory. Work through it at your own pace to refresh any knowledge you may have forgotten! Like all our books, it can be downloaded onto any Apple device from our online book store.

The PPL(A) book series:

  • Maths and Physics for Pilots (FREE)
  • Air Law
  • Aircraft General Knowledge
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • Human Performance
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation and Radio Aids
  • Operational Procedures
  • Principles of Flight
  • Communications

PPL(A) Apple Book series

2. The Padpilot Guide To Distance Learning

Pilot training is an investment, but fortunately, the ground school phase is the least expensive element of the process. Choosing to complete your ATPL theory via distance learning can reduce the cost still further. For modular students, ATPL ground training comes after the successful completion of a Private Pilot Licence, whereas full-time integrated students usually begin their course with ATPL ground school.

The Padpilot Guide To Distance Learning’ is a free ebook designed to help trainee pilots study for the EASA ATPL theoretical knowledge exams without getting overwhelmed by the size of the syllabus. You may be a modular student who’s distance learning, or a ‘pre-courser’ – someone studying ATPL theory material in order to get ready for a professional pilot training course some time in the future.

Whatever your reason for self-study, if you’d like a program of study to follow, this book will help. Along with useful distance learning tips, there are explanations of how to use the interactive features within our books that’ll aid learning and improve knowledge retention. The book also explains how to build up your aviation knowledge, which ATPL subjects to start with, and which to save for your ground school course.

Download here

3. Maths and Physics for the ATPL

Whether you choose a modular or integrated pilot training route, the syllabus and regulatory exams you’ll have to pass are the same.

Many aspiring airline pilots understandably feel daunted by the theory exams and are keen to brush up on their maths knowledge before going through pilot selection or embarking on professional training.

This free Padpilot ATPL Maths and Physics ebook will help! It contains the same content as the PPL Maths and Physics book listed above – so you won’t need both – and is a comprehensive brush up of the maths and physics you’ll need before starting commercial pilot training.

(If you’d like a science revision course as well as a maths and physics refresher, get this STEM-A book instead.)

Work through Maths and Physics to help you prepare for your training provider’s selection process, or at the beginning of your ATPL theory course. Then you’ll be ready to tackle the more complex elements of the syllabus.

Plus, you’ll get to experience a few of the interactive features built into Padpilot books. With 3D models, video, and study tools, our books make the CAA/EASA ATPL syllabus easy to understand and memorise.

Free sample pages of all Padpilot books are available from the Apple Books Store.

The ATPL(A) book series:

  • Maths and Physics for Pilots (FREE)
  • Air Law
  • Aircraft General Knowledge – Electrics
  • Aircraft General Knowledge – Engines
  • Aircraft General Knowledge – Airframes and Systems
  • Basic Instrumentation
  • Advanced Instrumentation
  • Mass and Balance
  • Flight Planning and Monitoring
  • Human Performance and Limitations
  • Meteorology
  • General Navigation
  • Radio Navigation
  • Operational Procedures
  • Principles of Flight
  • Communications – IFR and VFR
  • Aeroplane Performance

ATPL(A) Apple Book series

Want to know more about becoming a pilot? Pilot training is explained over here.

“Even if you are not in training to be an airline pilot I would recommend the Maths & Physics book to anybody that wants to transform their understanding of Maths (for use in any workplace) overnight.”

Andrew L

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Love your books. They're improving big knowledge gaps I had, especially for Meteorology. And super nice job the way you designed the PoF book as well - it helps so much with understanding everything.

Michael Pace

Student

We’re very happy to start this new cooperation with Padpilot. We share the same vision of wanting to improve students’ knowledge, and, at the same time, pilot performance and safety with KSA100. Thanks to this support we didn’t stop operating, even during lockdown, continuing to teach classes online throughout. Our students’ safety is what matters the most to us.”

Capt. Calvano

President, Airways Aviation Esma

I initially started my ATPLs with a different provider and got nowhere until I purchased the Padpilot iBooks. 6 months and fourteen exams later, I was done. Can highly recommend them!

@igstudentpilots

Student

At L3 Harris, we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality commercial pilot training in the market. It’s therefore important to work with third party suppliers that have best in class products and services on offer, ensuring we can support our cadets with the most up to date and innovative learning tools. We’re pleased to extend our contract with Padpilot and look forward to continuing to work with them in our shared aim to deliver world-class pilot training.

C. Rydon

L3Harris Airline Academy

The combination of text, illustrations and videos helps me understand ATPL concepts far more easily. (e.g. Gyroscopes)

P.L.

Student

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