Take Your Wings and Fly - A Journey Through a Private Pilot's Licence by Jason Smart

by Jason Smart

Jason Smart, like many people, went through the range of emotions when he set out to learn to fly. In this book he takes the reader on a journey through the highs and lows of learning to fly, from the early lessons to the first solo, the exams, and ultimately gaining his wings as a private pilot. It's not all fun and easy, however. In this day-by-day account, Jason recounts frustration with the weather, the exhaustion, and his own limitations, as well as the many characters he meets along the journey. This book is a frank account aimed at anyone interested in learning to fly. It is also for anyone simply curious to know what is involved in becoming a pilot.

Paperback

First published May 3, 2013

About the author

I am a travel writer living in the Middle East with my wife.
I love travel and have been to over 100 countries across 6 continents.
In my spare time, I play bass in a rock band.
Please feel free to ask me any questions about travel or my books.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book shortly after I started taking flying lessons, and re-read parts of it throughout my training. I found it really helpful! It's a very honest and amusing account, and so many of Jason's experiences rang very true when I got round to those parts of the syllabus. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is considering taking flying lessons.

[Amad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well written and easy to read book made me dream even more of passing the PPL (private pilot license). The author tells in detail his history from the very first moment he ever got into a small aircraft to his first solo flight to the Isle of Man after having passed the license.
Day by day he writes the anecdote of his journey learning to fly the good in the band as well as some of them very interesting technical details about aviation that I loved reading and learning about.
I recommend this book for anyone who contemplates doing the PPL as it shows you how achievable it is for a normal person, while still making your dream about it.

[Andrea McAts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you want to get a first person account on what's it like to get a PPL in the UK.

[Alan Symington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting journey through the PPL

[Claire (find me on Storygraph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very reassuring as I'm working towards the PPL myself.

[Connor+Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and entertaining read

I enjoyed this book. My only experience of being a pilot is on Computers, so I learned a lot about the real world of aviation from Jason's book. It was honest and funny too.

I have decided to stick to the Sim programs. I don't think I need that much stress at my age.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Highly recommend if you are thinking about taking flying lessons. The author is very open about his trials and tribulations.