Learning Materials

By Martin Pauly ✈ November 2, 2020

Here are a few things you should acquire as you start your flight training. Some of them are books with the choice of free downloads (PDF files) or printed copies.

FAR/AIM

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) are two publications you’ll find yourself consulting frequently. The FARs are part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); they govern all aviation activities in the United States. The AIM is the FAA’s official guide to basic flight information and Air traffic control (ATC) procedures, containing the basic aeronautical knowledge information required to fly in the United States National Airspace System.

You can read the FARs electronically; the two most important sections for you are:

An electronic copy (PDF) of the AIM is available here. Printed copies are available from multiple sources, such as this one.

FAA Textbooks

The FAA has published several textbooks for pilot training; three which I recommend for you are available through electronic downloads:

Available as printed copies at multiple sources, such as here.

Ground school study course

Online Private Pilot Written Exam Course - Take FAA-Style Practice Test  Questions - King Schools

In addition to the textbooks, there are ground study courses available from multiple vendors which present the material optimized in a way to help you pass the knowledge test (written test).

Sheppard Air helps you memorize the test answers for the multiple choice knowledge test. It does that very well – but it does not explain the material. Sporty’s and King do that.

If you are my student and you end up selecting a course from King, I can get you a discount there.