RESOURCES FOR EVERY STAGE

STUDENT
RESOURCES

Start with straightforward answers about lessons, solo flying and earning your private pilot certificate.

WEATHER AND FLIGHT PLANNING

PRIVATE PILOT

INSTRUMENT PILOT

Commercial and multiengine

FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR

BEFORE EVERY FLIGHT

WEATHER AND FLIGHT PLANNING

Use these tools to check conditions, build a route, and prepare for a thorough preflight briefing.

OFFICIAL FAA

AviationWeather.gov

Official aviation forecasts, observations, radar, satellite imagery, and advisories from the National Weather Service.

PLANNING TOOL

Leidos Flight Service

Obtain an official weather briefing, file a flight plan, and review notices relevant to a planned flight.

PLANNING TOOL

SKYVECTOR

View aeronautical charts and sketch routes for training and preliminary planning.

PLANNING TOOL

FLTPLAN.COM

Build flight plans and review airport, route, and weather information.

PLANNING TOOL

EARTH WIND MAP

Explore an animated view of winds and weather patterns around the world.

FIRST CERTIFICATE

PRIVATE PILOT

Build the knowledge and practical skills required for private pilot training and the checkride.

OFFICIAL FAA

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

The FAA’s current foundation for aerodynamics, systems, weather, navigation, and aeronautical decision making.

OFFICIAL FAA

Aeronautical Information Manual

Current FAA operating procedures and guidance for the National Airspace System.

OFFICIAL FAA

AIRPLANE FLYING HANDBOOK

The current official FAA handbook for flight maneuvers, operations, and practical flying skills.

OFFICIAL FAA

Federal Aviation Regulations

The current electronic Code of Federal Regulations for Title 14, Aeronautics and Space.

OFFICIAL FAA

Advisory Circulars

Search current FAA advisory material and guidance by subject or number.

OFFICIAL FAA

Pilot/Controller Glossary

Definitions for terms used in air traffic control and pilot communications.

OFFICIAL FAA

Student Pilot Application Guide

Current FAA guidance for completing a student pilot application through IACRA. This replaces the retired Student Pilot Guide.

OFFICIAL FAA

Private Pilot Airplane ACS

The current FAA Airman Certification Standards for the private pilot airplane practical test.

OFFICIAL FAA

Temporary Flight Restrictions

Check the FAA’s active TFR list and map before flight.

ADVANCED TRAINING

Instrument Pilot

Prepare for instrument procedures, weather decisions, IFR planning, and the instrument rating practical test.

OFFICIAL FAA

Instrument Flying Handbook

Find the current official Insturment Flying FAA handbook and any active addenda on the Aviation Handbooks page.

OFFICIAL FAA

Instrument Procedures Handbook

FAA guidance covering the national airspace system, departures, en route operations, arrivals, and approaches.

OFFICIAL FAA

Instrument Approach Procedures

Search current FAA terminal procedures and approach charts by airport.

OFFICIAL FAA

NOTAM Search

Use the FAA’s official search tool to review current Notices to Air Missions.

OFFICIAL FAA

Instrument Rating Airplane ACS

The current FAA Airman Certification Standards for the instrument rating airplane practical test.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

Commercial and Multiengine

Use current standards and operating guidance as training moves toward commercial privileges and multiengine aircraft.

OFFICIAL FAA

Commercial Pilot Airplane ACS

The current official FAA Airman Certification Standards for the commercial pilot airplane practical test.

OFFICIAL FAA

Multiengine Airplane Operations

Current multiengine guidance from Chapter 13 of the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook. It replaces the FAA’s retired light-twin pamphlet.

TEACH THE NEXT PILOT

Flight Instructor

Use current standards and operating guidance as training moves toward commercial privileges and multiengine aircraft.

OFFICIAL FAA

Aviation Instructor’s Handbook

Current FAA guidance on learning, teaching, assessment, risk management, and instructor responsibilities.

OFFICIAL FAA

Flight Instructor Airplane ACS

The current FAA Airman Certification Standards for the flight instructor airplane practical test.

Flight planning reminder: Third-party planning tools are helpful, but they do not replace an official weather briefing, current charts, NOTAM review, aircraft documents, or instructor guidance.