I thought this book was a little disappointing. The first 80% covers stuff that any private pilot (or sport pilot) should already know: how to navigate, weather briefing (which is viciously out of date in this book) and flying, preflighting, performance, weight and balance... basic flying stuff you get in any flying handbook and have already been drilled on during your check ride. It's not "beyond" stuff, it's "basic" stuff. But I guess it bears repeating if certificated pilots think it's not worth remembering all that stuff once they start building hours.

The last 20% of this book is where it's more interesting. The author covers different ratings and certificates that you can obtain, as well as endorsements. I think the best part of this book wasn't what it takes to obtain the certificates/ratings/endorsements (which you can determine by snuggling up with FAR part 61) but why you might want to obtain them, and when they're worth doing. As somebody who is someday interested in obtaining an instrument rating, I found the "is this worth the cost" section to be particularly useful.

I know this book is called "beyond" the PPL, but it would have been useful to note that some of the things in this book (tailwheel endorsement, aerobatic training, and I'm pretty sure the complex and high performance endorsements) can be obtained before students obtain their SPL or PPL. I had my tailwheel endorsement while I was still a student pilot. Any students who are reading ahead to get a feel for what goals they might want to set when they get their certificate should keep in mind that not all of this stuff has to wait for afterward.

Definitely worth a read whether or not you're actually finished up with your SPL or PPL, although you may want to skim through the first several chapters of this book if you already know how to navigate and obtain a weather briefing. ( )

This guide for new pilots proves that the fun has just begun when you pocket that precious certificate that says you’re free to fly on your own. Now, veteran pilot LeRoy Cook shows you what lies beyond flight school. This indispensable, skill-building handbook not only leads you through becoming a fully fledged, confident, and competent independent pilot, it helps you discover all the joys of flying, from vacation advice to piloting for money.

Packed with valuable information for pilots at all levels of experience, this popular guide is expanded to include chapters on coping with Airport Radar Service Areas (ARSAs), performing post-flight inspections, joining flying clubs, & obtaining a seaplane rating. The author addresses such essential topics as planning long-range flights, avoiding near misses, flying in terminal control areas, handling all kinds of weather, & filing flight plans. He also covers such topics of interest as how to acquire a commercial license & alternative ratings, learn aerobatics, fly old-fashioned aircraft, purchase an airplane, navigate cross-country, & much more.