It would be idle to pretend that radio navigation is a simple activity, something for the do-it-yourself enthusiast to teach himself. For, like basic instrument flying, the subject must be taught by good instructors and practised diligently in simulators and aircraft. However, the task of learning this complex, but fascinating, subject can greatly be eased with the aid of good text-books.

Radio Navigation for Pilots, by Alan Bramson and Neville Birch, is probably the most widely-read writers of aviation text-books in the world. Among their many titles the FLIGHT BRIEFING FOR PILOTS series has enjoyed international support for a number of years. It is an example of their talent for explaining the complicated in simple terms. The book is copiously illustrated, often in colour, and it offers the reader an opportunity of self-testing at appropriate stages in the text. There are three parts to the work: Part 1 outlines the concept of radio navigation, offers some useful revision on basic instrument flying and explains the use of radio charts. Part 2 describes the function and principle of VDF, Radar, ADF, VOR and ILS and provides an 'air exercise' based on each aid. Part 3 details three flights, starting with a simple VMC example and progressing to the more complex. All flights are supported by the various met forms and radio charts. Whether the aim is to gain an Instrument Rating or no more than a wish to make better use of the radio equipment in a light aircraft, Radio Navigation for Pilots will provide the essential stepping stone of knowledge in a way that is unique.