Since the first edition of this manual published in 1962, it has long been a standard reference for veteran pilots preparing for the commercial knowledge and flight tests.

The Commercial license preparation manual from Kershner's "The Flight Manuals Series."

Bill Kershner believes that the average pilot could learn the basics of airplane performance very easily if the involved mathematics were bypassed. Therefore one of the purposes of this book is to bridge the gap between theory and practical application, covering the fundamentals of airplane Lift, Weight, Drag, and Thrust. If pilots know these basic principles of performance they will readily understand the effects of variable factors such as altitude and temperature on the operation of the aircraft.

This manual's 21 chapters cover:

Airplane performance and stability for pilots
Checking out in advanced models and types
Emergencies and unusual situations
Advanced navigation
High-altitude Operations
Preparing for the commercial knowledge and practical tests