Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, created by the Federal Aviation Administration, is the official reference manual for pilots at all levels. An indispensable and invaluable encyclopedia, it deals with all aspects of aeronautical information. Each chapter focuses on a different area that pilots are tested on in flight school and must need to know before they fly a plane on of their own. These topics include: aircraft structure principles of aerodynamics flight controls aircraft systems flight instruments and more Flight manuals and documentation are also covered, as is specialized information on such matters as weight and balance, aircraft performance, weather, navigation, airport operations, aeromedical factors, and decision-making while flying. An updated appendix, detailed index, and full glossary make this book easy to navigate and useful in quick reference situations.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Flying offers a brief history of flight, introduces the history and role of the FAA in civil aviation, FAA Regulations and standards, government references and publications, eligibility for pilot certificates, available routes to flight instructions, the role of the Certificated Flight Instructor (FI) and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in flight training, and Practical Test Standards (PTS). Chapter 2: Aircraft Structure An aircraft is a device that is used, or intended to be used, for flight, according to the current Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14CFR) Part I. This chapter provides a brief introduction to the structure of aircraft and uses an airplane for most illustrations. Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), such as wight-shift control, balloon, glider, powered parachute, and gyroplane have their own handbooks to include detailed information regarding aerodynamics and control. Chapter 3: Principles of Flight This chapter examines the fundamental physical laws governing the forces acting on an aircraft in flight, and what effect these natural laws and forces have on the performance characteristics of aircraft. To control an aircraft, be it an airplane, helicopter, glider, or balloon, the pilot must understand the principles involved and learn to use or counteract these natural forces. Chapter 4 Aerodynamics of Flight This chapter discusses the aerodynamics of flight – how design, weight, load factors, and gravity affect an aircraft during flight maneuvers. The four forces acting on an aircraft in straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight are thrust, drag, lift, and weight. Chapter 5 Flight Controls This chapter focuses on the flight control systems a pilot uses to control the forces of flight, and the aircraft’s direction and attitude. It should be noted that flight control systems and characteristics can vary greatly depending on the type of aircraft flown. The most basic flight control system designs are mechanical and date to early aircraft. They operate with a collection of mechanical parts such as rods, cables, pulleys, and sometimes chains to transmit the forces of the flight deck controls to the control surfaces. Chapter 6 Aircraft Systems This chapter covers the primary systems found on most aircraft. These include the engine, propeller, induction, ignition, as well as the fuel, lubrication, cooling, electrical , landing gear, and environmental control systems. Chapter 7 Flight Instruments This chapter addresses the pitot-static system and associated instruments, the vacuum system and related instruments, gyroscopic instruments, and the magnetic compass. When a pilot understands how each instrument works and recognizes when an instrument is malfunctioning , he or she can safely utilize the instruments to their fullest potential. Chapter 8 Flight Manuals and Other Documents The chapter covers airplane flight manuals (AFM), the pilot’s operating handbook (POH), and aircraft documents pertaining to ownership, airworthiness, maintenance, and operations with inoperative equipment. Knowledge of these required documents and manuals is essential for a pilot to conduct a safe flight. Chapter 9 Weight and Balance Compliance with the weight and balance limits of any aircraft is critical to flight safety. Operating above the maximum weight limitation compromises the structural integrity of an aircraft and adversely affects its performance. Operations with the center of gravity (CG ) outside the approved limits results in control difficulty. Chapter 10 Aircraft Performance This chapter discusses the factors that affect aircraft performance which include the aircraft weight, atmospheric conditions, runway environment, and the fundamental physical laws governing the forces acting on an aircraft. Chapter 11 Weather Theory This chapter explains basic weather theory and offers pilots background knowledge of weather principles. It is designed to help them gain a good understanding of how weather affects daily flying activities. Understanding the theories behind weather helps a pilot make sound weather decisions based on reports and forecasts obtained from a Flight Service Station (FSS) weather specialist and other aviation weather services. Be it a local flight or a long cross-country flight, decisions based on weather can dramatically affect the safety of the flight. Chapter 12 Aviation Weather Services In aviation, weather service is a combined effort of the National Weather Service (NWS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Defense, DOD), other aviation groups and individuals. While weather forecasts are not 100 percent accurate, meteorologists, through careful scientific study and computer modeling, have the ability to predict weather patterns, trends, and characteristics with increasing accuracy. These reports and forecasts enable pilots to make informed decisions regarding weather and flight safety before and during a flight. Chapter 13 Airport Operations This chapter focuses on airport operations both in the air and on the surface. By adhering to established procedures, both airport operations and safety are enhanced. Chapter 14 Airspace This chapter introduces the various classifications of airspace and provides information on the requirements to operate in such airspace. For further information, consult the AIM and 14 CFR parts 71, 73, and 91. Chapter 15 Navigation This chapter provides an introduction to cross-country flying under visual flight rules (VFR). It contains practical information for planning and executing cross-country flights for the beginning pilot. Chapter 16 Aeromedcial Factors It is important for a pilot to be aware of the mental and physical standards required for the type of flying done. This chapter provides information on medical certification and on a variety of aeromedical factors related to flight activities. Chapter 17 Aeronautical Decision-Making This chapter focuses on helping the pilot improve his or her ADM skills with the goal of mitigating the risk factors associated with flight in both classic and automated aircraft. In the end, the discussion is not so much about aircraft, but about the people who fly them. Includes Appendix with tables of information, a glossary and an index.
Every day in the United States, over two million men, women, and children step onto an aircraft and place their lives in the hands of strangers. As anyone who has ever flown knows, modern flight offers unparalleled advantages in travel and freedom, but it also comes with grave responsibility and risk. For the first time in its history, the Federal Aviation Administration has put together a set of easy-to-understand guidelines and principles that will help pilots of any skill level minimize risk and maximize safety while in the air. The Risk Management Handbook offers full-color diagrams and illustrations to help students and pilots visualize the science of flight, while providing straightforward information on decision-making and the risk-management process.
The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge is an official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Handbook that provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This updated handbook introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. Written for the pilot preparing for a Remote, Sport, Private, Commercial, or Flight Instructor Pilot Certificate, it is a key reference for all the information necessary to operate an aircraft and to pass the FAA Knowledge Exam and Practical Test. This handbook introduces readers to flying and a history of flight, then explores the role of the FAA, criteria for earning the various pilot certificates, how to plan their flight education, and the examinations associated with earning a pilot certificate. With covered topics ranging from aeronautical decision-making to flight instrument use to weather theory, beginners and advanced pilots alike will find the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge to be their primary resources for all things aviation. In addition the most current FAA information, this 2016 edition features full-color drawings and photographs, an index, a glossary, and appendices of common acronyms, abbreviations and NOTAM contractions, and airport signs.
The workbook companion to the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. With the Grounds School Workbook for Private Pilots, student pilots can teach themselves the ground school portion of the flight training. The book has reading assignments and exercises that are tied to the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Working one module at a time, a student pilot can learn and better understand the things required of a Private Pilot.
Providing a clear, conversational approach to radio communications, this sourcebook for pilots and aviation specialists features typical transmissions in order to explain how the air traffic control system works and presents simulated flights to demonstrate the correct procedures. Topics cover every aspect of radio communication, including basic system and procedural comprehension, etiquette and rules, visual flight rules, instrument flight rules, emergency procedures, ATC facilities and their functions, and a review of airspace definitions. Beginners and professionals alike will find this an invaluable resource for communicating by radio.
Used extensively as a reference source for the FAA Knowledge Exams, this resource includes basic knowledge that is essential for all pilots, from beginning students to those pursuing advanced pilot certificates. This updated guide covers a wide array of fundamental subjects, including principles of flight, aircraft and engine structures, charts and graphs, performance calculations, weather theory, reports, forecasts, and flight manuals. Required reading for pilots for more than 25 years and formerly published as an Advisory Circular (AC 61-23C), this new edition is now listed as an official FAA Handbook.
