Several of us on this group helped Rod edit this new book and I can honestly say its a truly excellent book. Here's the official press release:

The Aviation Speakers Bureau Releases Publication of
Rod Machado’s Sport Pilot Handbook

August 1, 2011 - San Clemente, CA - The Aviation Speakers Bureau announced today the publication of another unique and refreshing new book by Rod Machado, one of the nation’s top aviation educators and humorists. Three years in the making, Rod Machado’s Sport Pilot Handbook is a serious text written in a fun and witty style. Its 582 “full-color” pages contain more than 1,000 original illustrations and photos.

Written in first person, this one-of-a-kind manual presents its information as if Rod is sitting next to you, personally explaining all the necessary aspects of flying to make you an informed, confident and competent sport pilot. It’s completely written and illustrated by one instructor—a CFI with nearly four decades of flight training experience and 600+ aviation seminars under his belt.

“As with all my training materials, “ says Machado, “my intent was to create a book that was not only fun to read but conveyed difficult concepts using a healthy dose of pictures, analogies, metaphors and humor. For instance, the airplane’s electrical system is presented using the water analogy of electricity. If you’ve ever taken a shower, you can understand how electricity flows in the airplane’s circuits.” Machado also says, “If you’ve never taken a shower, there’s a good chance you won’t need this information—because nobody will get in an airplane with you.”

In addition to the unique presentation on aerodynamics, engine operations (including Rotax operations), flight instruments (including glass cockpit instruments), the book shines in several other areas. For instance, the chapter on airspace presents 3-D color representations of our alphabet airspace system. Clear down-to-earth explanations of all pertinent Federal Aviation Regulations Part 1, 61 and 91 are presented in lay language. The very latest information on sport pilot regulations is also presented in a clear, easy to understand manner along with all the required endorsements necessary for sport pilot operations in an airplane. Rod presents this information in a fun and enjoyable manner, making even the most difficult concepts easy to understand.

“An additional benefit of this book,” says Machado, “is that it makes the instructor’s job of teaching as easy as the student’s job of learning. For example, instructors need only direct their students to read the chapter on flight planning and they should be able to create an entire flight plan on their own. This means the CFI spends less unnecessary time on the ground reviewing previously forgotten material with their students.”

This book is valuable for student pilots, and pilots, preparing for their sport pilot knowledge or oral exam, sport pilots preparing for a flight review or anyone wanting to refresh or catch up on the latest rules and changes in sport pilot operations. Additionally, because of the easy-to-understand explanations, this book is also valuable for all nonflying spousal members wanting a nonthreatening way to learn about aviation.

Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook is available for $59.95 by calling (800) 437-7080 or clicking the “Secure Ordering” button at www.rodmachado.com. The book is also available an application for your iPad or iPhone and can be ordered directly from the iTunes store for $44.95.

HIGH RESOLUTION PRODUCT PICTURE OF SPORT HANDBOOK: http://www.rodmachado.com/images/picks/pictures.php