I have just started my PPL course, what can I study at home?

Since you just started flying, you should focus on what your instructor has covered so far. If you want to progress your learning on your own, then I recommend looking through the Jeppesen book. You might want to look closely at basic aerodynamics such as lift and drag, and how they change in relation with airspeed, angle of attack, weight, flap settings,...etc.

I, too, would strongly recommend the Trevor Thom manuals, which cover everything in simple and thorough terms. Don't forget, you're not out to impress your instructor, you're out to learn how to fly. I'd ask him/her what they expect to cover next so you can read up on it at home. Don't be misled by Flight Sim "pilots" on here who trot out irrelevant terminology they barely understand.

Are you in the UK, and have applied for a JAR PPL? If so, like me I would highly recommend purchasing all 7 volumes of the 'Trevor Thom' manuals. You would follow these volumes througout your training, and as already mentioned you will be required to do ground study both at home and in the club, and then perform what you have learned in flight. The instructor won't progress any further unless you perform the task/menouvre well enough to satisfy him. http://shop.pilotwarehouse.co.uk/product6023catno2890023.html You may be able to purchase these at your flying school, and check if whether your books and supplements are already included in the cost of your course before making any payment. And if so, request them before you begin your flying. From memory Volume number 1 describes the physics of flight, the introduction. This is important to learn, knowing how your plane flies and the basic controls. Learn it and more and impress your instructor. I spend the whole 5 months of my PPL training in the NW trying to impress my instructor, and saving him the hassle of explaining things on a white board within the club. --------------------------------------… And don't be too shocked when the intructor requests you to perform both the taxi and takeoff on the 1st day.

I would work on learning things out of the POH including V-speeds and systems as well as familiarize yourself with the checklists and emergency procedures. Basically learn as much as you can about the aircraft you'll be flying. You can also begin working on airspace visibility and equipment requirements.

If you can retain everything your instructor is trying to teach you that will be enough to impress. What books do you have now? You should have something, it doesn't really matter what, any private pilot training book will get the job done. Some are better than others but you need something. If you don't have anything yet then shame on your instructor for not telling you to get one, and if he/she did shame on you for not buying one. (Its ok, I am the type of person that won't buy a book unless someone twists my arm) Check out the website below. I came across that site and have found it to be extremely useful. They cover nearly every topic you could come up with, and they do so in great detail. It may be more detail than you need at your stage but its really a great site. Check out the student code of conduct, you may find it useful to know what your instructor is really looking for, even though he/she may not say it. Lastly, ask questions. Ask questions even if you think it may not be reliant. If it interests you and involves aviation then ask your instructor.This shows you care about learning, which will be impressive.

I recommend joining Vatsim. From there you can actually participate in planned IFR exercises and get help from their online controllers. I don't fly anything at all and I think I know San Francisco's Porte III departure like the back of my hand at this point. That is because it has got to be one of the coolest departures from any airport anywhere in the world, and I don't even fly. Then again, I'm partial to KSFO. Check it out, get on the forum, get help with the ATC .org in your area, if you want to stay in your area, or go anywhere else you want. This organization is the absolutely the coolest thing I've ever seen, and it appears to me at least, that I know it like the back of my hand. Here is a link to that, as well as my personal favortite, the Oakland ATC website. Go ahead and join, participate, and then you tell me.

I know there are calculator-type pocket computers to help you file a flight plan, but how about getting a good old fashion Sanderson slide rule kind? It is great to know and you never have to worry about batteries.

just qualify, what is PPL