Flying machines demystified.

Two new publications written by pilots help demystify the innerworkings of airplanes. Plane Spotter ($8; available at airports or from www.planespotter.com), alaminated pocket guide to commercial jets, includes size breakdownsfor different aircraft and descriptions of planes’ moving parts.”My copilots are always blown away by it,” says the guide’scocreator, Southwest Airlines pilot Ford Frazier.

And if you’ve ever had an anxious question about flying, PatrickSmith has provided the answer in Ask the Pilot (Riverhead Books;$14). Addressing everything from how many gallons of fuel areburned flying across the country (7,000) to what happens whenlightning hits midflight (essentially, nothing), Smith’s book putspanicky minds at ease. ―Ryan Brandt

More Videos From Sunset

Keep Reading: