Starting Your Training

 

Throughout your flight training journey, from Private Pilot and beyond, you will be evaluated based on FAA Flight Standards published in certificate specific publications called “Airman Certification Standards” (ACS), or older publications called “Practical Test Standards” (PTS). The following video provides an excellent overview of the ACS, and the importance of being familiar with its contents and how that relates to your ultimate goal… PASSING YOUR CHECKRIDE!

As fun as it is to fly, the required commitment to the knowledge component associated with becoming both a proficient and safe pilot cannot be stressed enough. Demonstrating your flight skills to your Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) will be the last thing you get to do on your checkride. You will have to pass your FAA Written Exam, and an oral examination with your DPE to demonstrate satisfactory knowledge before you ever head out to the airplane. Below are some important resources you will need while building your knowledge base, AND prepare you for each flight lessons so you can make the most out of your time with your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). After all, you will hear it said, “the airplane is a terrible classroom” (~author unknown). The best flight training begins on the ground; in the air, you learn how those concepts work and become proficient at applying them under a variety of conditions.
    • Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM): These are separate resources, but a consolidated resource is published annually by the FAA and is referred to as the “FAR/AIM”. – The FAR/AIM does not contain all regulations or the full AIM manual, but is sufficient for most purposes for a student pilot.
    • Airman Certification Standards (ACS): – Example: Airman Certification Standards Private Pilot Airplane Updated by the FAA regularly but not necessarily annually.
    • Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK): Updated by the FAA regularly but not necessarily annually.
    • Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH): Updated by the FAA regularly but not necessarily annually.
    • Aviation Weather Handbook: Updated by the FAA regularly but not necessarily annually.
    • Risk Management Handbook: Updated by the FAA regularly but not necessarily annually.

These resources, and many more, are available free at the following FAA website:

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation

and https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs

NOTE: These resources are available in pdf format from the FAA website. They can also be downloaded to most Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) platforms. They are also available for purchase as hardcopy books, which can also be useful for some learners. REMEMBER: Always ensure you have the most up-to-date versions of any handbooks, manuals, other documents, maps, etc.; particularly going into your checkride.