The 17 Most Popular Ways To Fall Out Of the Sky And How To Avoid Them, Vols. I-IV

Watching the four programs on the cleverly titled The 17 Most Popular Ways to Fall Out of the Sky won't earn viewers their wings, but it may well keep them in the air after they've passed their tests. Citing NTSB (National Transportation and Safety Board) statistics that 77% of all accidents are due to pilot error, the series examines several all too common and dangerous situations in the areas of "Pre-Flight Preparation and Takeoff," "Cruise and En Route," and "Approach and Landing." The fourth part of the series "Your Body in Flight" looks at the importance of a pilot's physical and mental health during flight. Hosted by Bob Hoover, who is joined by experts in each of the programs, the series uses dramatic vignettes demonstrating the "wrong" and then the "right" ways to deal with problem situations, offers good advice from the hosts, and clarifies different aeronautic principles with excellent computer graphics. Each of the programs on the one-volume compilation is available separately (for $39.95 each), and libraries will have to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both options (the one-volume video costs $20 less, but longer tapes often wear out earlier; on the other hand, each of the programs stands alone, and would therefore be available to several patrons at once, but on the third hand, the four separate videos take up more space and...well, you'll have to decide for yourself.) An excellent aviation safety overview for the budding pilot and a great refresher for the seasoned ace. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)