The Student Pilot's Flight Manual Overview:

A ground school textbook, maneuvers manual, and syllabus all rolled into one, The Student Pilot’s Flight Manual provides a step-by-step comprehensive course for student pilots working towards a Private or Sport Pilot Certificate. This authoritative volume from the legendary flight instructor William K. Kershner, edited by his son, William C. Kershner, presents a wealth of practical information, while encouraging student pilot decision making. The fundamentals of flying are clearly described in a methodical yet informal manner that a learner can easily absorb with detailed references to maneuvers and procedures and fully illustrated including the author’s original drawings.

This softcover manual covers everything you need to know for your first flight, presolo, post-solo maneuvers, cross-country, and night flying. First published in 1960 and updated continuously since then, this new 12th Edition features color figures and enhanced instruction to ensure you will be prepared for the classroom, tarmac, and flight deck.

A gathering of material used in preflight and postflight briefings accompanies in-flight instruction, all provided by one of the greatest flight instructors of our time. A synopsis of what to expect for your FAA Knowledge Exam and checkride will reassure any student or renewing pilot. Intended to do more than help you “get past” the exam and checkride—this book also features the essential information used in the day-to-day processes of flying airplanes.

With over six decades of experience as pilot-in-command in more than 100 types and models of airplanes, Bill Kershner was FAA/ General Aviation Flight Instructor of the Year in 1992, and named Elder Statesman of Aviation in 1997. He was inducted into the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame in 1998. His son, William C. Kershner, was soloed by his father, and holds Flight Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot certificates. He has flown 22 types of airplanes in his over 15,000 hours of flight time, ranging from Cessna 150s to Boeing 777s.

Soft cover
Published March 2025, 12th Edition
ISBN 9781644254080

"Since I first began taking flying lessons, I have used William Kershner's wonderful Flight Manuals - from his "Student Pilot's Flight Manual" to his "Flight Instructor's Manual." I love the way Mr. Kershner makes fun and interesting reading of sometimes-dry subjects. His books are easy and fun to read and filled with all of the best information! I continue to recommend his books to anyone learning to fly, and have bought quite of few of them over the years to give to aspiring pilots. I cannot think of any other books on aviation that I would recommend more highly than William Kershner's Flight Manuals."
—Patty Wagstaff, 2004 Inductee, National Aviation Hall of Fame