Private Pilot Certificate
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
Private Pilot - Airplane ACS - FAA-S-ACS-6B - Change 1
Private Pilot PTS for Rotorcraft (Helicopter, Gyroplane) - FAA-S-8081-15A with Change 1
Private Pilot PTS for Lighter-Than-Air - Balloon, Airship - FAA-S-8081-17
Private Pilot PTS for Glider - FAA-S-8081-22
2. Then study the applicable Aviation Handbooks and Manuals from the list below:
Aerodynamics for Navy Aviators
Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide
Aeronautical Information Manual
Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C)*
Airship Aerodynamics Technical Manual
Aviation Instructor's Handbook*
FAA-H-8083-30B, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General*
FAA-H-8083-31B, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe*
FAA-H-8083-32B, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Powerplant*
Balloon Flying Handbook Addendum*
Balloon Safety Tips: False Lift, Shear, and Rotors
Balloon Safety Tips: Powerlines & Thunderstorms
Glider Flying Handbook Errata Sheet*
Helicopter Instructor's Handbook*
Instrument Flying Handbook Errata Sheet*
Instrument Flying Handbook Addendum*
Instrument Flying Handbook Addendum B*
FAA-H-8083-28, Aviation Weather Handbook
Instrument Procedures Handbook
MC-4 Ram Air Free-fall Personnel Parachute System Technical Manual
Parachute Rigger Handbook (Change 1)*
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C)*
Plane Sense – General Aviation Information*
Powered Parachute Flying Handbook*
Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2A)*
FAA-H-8083-21, Rotorcraft Flying Handbook*
Note: This handbook is to be used for gyroplane information only. Disregard any Helicopter information presented. For current Helicopter information refer to FAA-S-8083-21A, Helicopter Flying Handbook.
Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook*
Remote Pilot — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22)*
Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook*
Weight-Shift Control Aircraft Flying Handbook Addendum
Weight & Balance Handbook (FAA-H-8083-1B)*
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
Private Pilot Helicopter – PRH
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
Sport Pilot Certificate
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
Sport Pilot PTS for Airplane, Gyroplane, Glider, and Flight Instructor - FAA-S-8081-29 with Change 3
Sport Pilot PTS for Airship, Balloon, and Flight Instructor - FAA-S-8081-30 with Change 4
2. Then study the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
Recreational Pilot Certificate
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
2. Then study the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
Instrument Rating
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
Instrument Rating Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8B)(Change 1)
Instrument Rating Practical Test Standards for Airplane, Helicopter, and Powered Lift (FAA-S-8081-4E with Changes 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5) - for helicopter and powered lift applicants only
2. Then study the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
Instrument Rating Airplane – IRA
Instrument Rating Helicopter – IRH
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
InFO 15012 dated 9-8-15 - Logging Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP)
Changes to Instrument Rating Cross Country Approach Requirement Notice Number: NOTC2305
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently reviewed two legal interpretation and determined they were overly restrictive. The Glaser (2008) and Pratte (2012) legal interpretations focused on the requirements of an instrument rating under § 61.65. Specifically, the requirement to use three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems to meet the requirements of § 61.65(d)(2)(ii)(C). These interpretations inaccurately concluded that an applicant for an instrument rating must use three different kinds of navigation systems to meet these requirements.
On February 28, 2022, the FAA rescinded both the Glaser and Pratte legal interpretations, stating the regulation’s plain language requires three different types of approaches, not three different navigation systems. Certificated flight instructors (CFI) and designated pilot examiners (DPEs) should be aware that the requirements for an instrument rating may be met by performing three different approaches, regardless of the source of navigation.
More information is available at: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2022/Mar/61.65_Recission_memo.pdf
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Commercial Pilot Certificate
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
Commercial Pilot — Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-7A)(Change 1)
Commercial Pilot — Military Competence Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-12)
Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft (Helicopter and Gyroplane) (FAA-S-8081-16B)
Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Lighter-Than-Air (Balloon, Airship) (FAA-S-8081-18)
Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards for Glider (FAA-S-8081-23A) with changes 1 and 2
2. Then study the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
Commercial Pilot Airplane – CAX
Military Competence, Non-Category – MCN
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
2. Then study the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
Airline Transport Helicopter – ATH
Airline Transport Multiengine Class Rating – ATM 121
Airline Transport Single Engine Class Rating – ATS 135
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
1. Start your training with the applicable FAA ACS or PTS
Flight Instructor Practical Test Standards for Glider (FAA-S-8081-8B)
2. Then study the Aviation Handbooks and Manuals
3. Be sure to review the FAA Sample Aircrew Knowledge Test Questions
Advanced Ground Instructor – AGI
Flight Instructor Airplane – FIA
Fundamentals of Instruction – FOI
4. Check out the appropriate Advisory Circulars
Flight Instructor Resfresher Clinic - FIRC
Additional Resources
AOPA Online courses through the Air Safety Institute
There are several interactive courses on the following topics:
Weather or Not Thunderstorm Challenge
General Aviation TSA Security Awareness
BasicMed Course Medical Self Assessment
IFR Insight A Practical Approach
Transitioning to Other Airplanes
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Safety concerns from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
FAA Order 8130.2J - Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products
FAA Order 8130.35B - Amateur-Built Aircraft National Kit Evaluation Team
General Aviation Pilot Stall Awareness Training Study
Download these tips for your kneeboard, or these flashcards for your next study session
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