The name Rod Machado is well known in the pilot training industry. Pilot, flight instructor, and author, Rod Machado is an Airline Transport rated pilot with all fixed wing-flight powered instructor ratings. He started instructing student pilots full time in 1973 and has taught hundreds of grounds schools and aviation safety seminars in the US, Canada & Europe, including hundreds of Flight Instructor Revalidation Clinics. Rod has taught thousands as a classroom instructor, 100,000+ through his training materials, and several million with his flight lessons on MS Flight Simulator.
At Airman’s Angle “we've got your six.” Our team has researched Rod Machado’s pilot training courses and materials and highly recommends the selection below that offer the best features and benefits to keep you flying high.
Please note: As an Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Rod Machado's 40-hour Private Pilot eLearning Ground School
Thinking about learning to fly or pursuing a career above the clouds? Or maybe you’re a seasoned pilot looking to refresh your knowledge for an upcoming flight review? Whatever your aviation goals, Rod Machado’s 40-hour+ Private Pilot eLearning Ground School is your ultimate starting point.
This comprehensive course is designed to prepare you for the FAA Knowledge Exam while laying the groundwork for a smoother, more enjoyable flight training experience.
Why Choose Rod Machado’s Ground School?
- ✅ Meets New ACS 2025 Standards – Always up-to-date and aligned with current regulations.
- ✅ Downloadable Content – Access videos offline on your iPad or Android tablet.
- ✅ Lifetime Access – Learning on your schedule with continually updated material.
- ✅ Certification & Endorsement – Earn a graduation certificate and test endorsement upon completion.
Start your aviation journey today with training crafted by one of the most trusted voices in flight education. Whether you're soaring toward your first solo or reconnecting with the cockpit, this course is your key to success.
👉 Take off with lifetime access—enroll now!
Rod Machado's Private/Commercial Pilot Handbook
Flying is an exhilarating experience, and Rod Machado’s Private/Commercial Pilot Handbook makes learning to fly just as thrilling. Whether you're dreaming of becoming a pilot or simply curious about the science of flight, this comprehensive guide is your ultimate companion.
Packed with over 1,200 vibrant illustrations and photos, this 704-page handbook is written in Rod Machado’s signature clear and engaging style. It’s not just a textbook—it’s an immersive education that explains how and why airplanes fly, preparing you for both the FAA private pilot knowledge exam and, when you're ready, the FAA commercial pilot knowledge exam.
This isn’t just a beginner’s guide; it’s a go-to reference for aspiring pilots and seasoned professionals alike. You’ll find everything you need to excel in private pilot oral and knowledge exams, while also gaining insights that enhance your skills as a licensed pilot.
Key features include:
- Comprehensive Content: Covers everything from the basics to advanced concepts, meeting the 2024 ACS standards.
- Exceptional Visuals: Stunning full-color illustrations simplify complex topics.
- Versatility: Available as a softcover book or a convenient eBook (PDF).
- Bonus: Includes Rod Machado's Private/Commercial Pilot eWorkbook for added learning support.
This is the most current and updated handbook available, trusted by countless pilots for its clarity, depth, and educational value.
Don’t just learn to fly—master the art of aviation with Rod Machado's handbook.
[Get your copy today and prepare for takeoff!]
Rod Machado's Private/Commercial Pilot Handbook - Audiobook Version
This comprehensive learning product offers 30+ hours of engaging audio content, fully downloadable to Rod Machado's intuitive iPhone/Android Audiobook App. If you’re short on time to sit and read, Rod’s conversational teaching style makes it easy to listen and learn wherever you are—whether it’s during your commute, while relaxing at home, or on the go. It’s a transformative way to absorb essential knowledge, turning everyday moments into efficient learning opportunities.
Designed with practicality in mind, the included complementary copy of the course eWorkbook is in a compact spiral-bound format that allows for easy access to the included illustrated fold-out pages. These detailed visuals provide step-by-step instructions for crucial flight maneuvers, ensuring pilots know exactly what to focus on during each task. From stalls and slips to performance maneuvers and ground references, the content is clear, accessible, and easy to master. You'll even find a wealth of guidance on short, soft, and crosswind takeoffs and landings.
Whether you're striving to become a private or commercial pilot, this product provides a versatile, engaging, and efficient way to learn.
Discover a smarter way to achieve your aviation goals—download now and take flight with Rod Machado’s innovative learning tools!
Rod Machado's Private/Commercial Pilot eWorkbook (eBook PDF)
Looking to ace your FAA Private or Commercial Pilot Knowledge Exams and elevate your aviation skills? This comprehensive guide is the perfect companion. Designed to align seamlessly with the content in Rod's Private/Commercial Pilot Handbook, it focuses on making your exam prep straightforward and effective.
But this book goes beyond test preparation. It's a tool to deepen your understanding of the principles that ensure safe and confident flying. Packed with practical, real-world exercises—including weight and balance, performance analysis, and flight planning problems—it empowers you to apply your knowledge to real-life scenarios.
Whether you're testing your skills or building a strong foundation for safe flight, this guide supports your growth as a pilot every step of the way.
How to Fly an Airplane eCourse
Looking to master flight control and take your aviation skills to new heights? This 15-hour, highly animated video eCourse is your go-to resource for primary flight training—and it’s unlike any other. Designed for aspiring pilots and flight instructors, this course goes beyond the basics to give you an in-depth understanding of how to control an airplane in flight, during takeoffs, and while landing.
What makes this course stand out? Many training programs demonstrate flight maneuvers, but few break down the coordination of essential controls—aileron, rudder, elevator, and throttle—that make those maneuvers possible. This eCourse not only shows you the “what” but also the “how,” with precise control movements and actionable insights for mastering both basic and advanced flight techniques needed for private pilot certification.
Practical and accessible, this eCourse can be viewed on any PC, Mac, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Prefer offline learning? You can easily download the videos to your iPad or Android tablet for on-the-go training. It’s never been easier to sharpen your skills anytime, anywhere.
Whether you’re starting your pilot training journey or looking for expert tools to refine your teaching methods as an instructor, this course is for you. Equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the skies—enroll now and take the first step toward becoming a better, safer pilot.
Rod Machado's How to Fly an Airplane Handbook
This handbook is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of flying, whether you're a student pilot taking your first steps or an experienced aviator seeking to refine your foundational skills. It’s also a valuable resource for flight instructors who want to streamline their teaching and make lessons more effective and engaging for their students.
Designed with practicality in mind, the book focuses on flying single-engine airplanes with tricycle landing gear, offering clear and actionable insights for confident and safe flight. (Note: While it doesn’t cover taildraggers comprehensively, the principles of stick-and-rudder flying remain relevant across many aircraft types!)
Why You'll Want This Book on Your Shelf:
Too many pilots today rely overly on panel instruments to guide them, especially in visual conditions. While these tools are helpful, over-dependence on them can leave pilots unprepared to handle real-world challenges confidently. What’s missing? The essential ability to “fly by the seat of your pants”—relying on sight, sound, and touch to stay fully connected with your aircraft.
This handbook prioritizes the timeless fundamentals of attitude flying and practical, hands-on stick-and-rudder skills. By focusing on these techniques, you’ll gain the intuitive abilities that set confident, capable pilots apart. You'll not only understand what your airplane is doing but also predict what it can and cannot do—ensuring complete control and safer flights.
If you're ready to enhance your flying skills, boost your confidence, and reconnect with the core principles of aviation, this book is an investment that delivers immediate and long-term value. Take control of the skies today—grab your copy and start flying smarter and safer with every takeoff.
Rod Machado's How to Fly an Airplane Handbook – Audiobook Version
Rod Machado's How to Fly an Airplane Handbook is now available in an immersive 18.5-hour companion audiobook, perfectly crafted to elevate your aviation learning experience. Designed for convenience, the audiobook is easily downloadable via Rod Machado's iPhone/Android-Phone Audiobook App, allowing you to learn on the go—at the gym, during your commute, or even in the cockpit.
Rod Machado, a trusted name in aviation with decades of instructional expertise, delivers this comprehensive audio guide in an engaging and accessible format. Packed with in-depth explanations, practical tips, and Rod's signature wit, this audiobook brings the rich content of his handbook to life.
Whether you're a student pilot or refining your skills as a seasoned aviator, this audiobook adapts to your busy lifestyle, making it easier than ever to absorb key aviation concepts. Unlock the convenience of learning anytime, anywhere, and experience the insightful, supportive guidance of a master flight instructor.
Take off on your learning journey today—download How to Fly an Airplane Handbook audiobook and enjoy 18.5 hours of expert training at your fingertips!
Rod Machado's FREE Flight Training Syllabus
Rod Machado's FREE Flight Training Syllabus
This syllabus is your trusted guide to earning a private pilot certificate. Designed for both flight instructors and their students, it’s the very same training framework Rod Machado has refined over decades of teaching pilots. With a strong focus on mastering "stick and rudder" flying skills, this syllabus prioritizes hands-on, practical proficiency in the cockpit.
For motivated students committed to training two to three times a week and completing the essential homework, this syllabus can make the dream of becoming a private pilot a reality in just over 40 hours of flight time. Take the first step toward confident and skilled flying—this proven approach is here to support you every mile of the way.
