Publications & References

The Federal Aviation Administration publishes a wide variety of publications and documents which guide aviation operations at large.

Publications & References

Introduction to Publications & References

  • Pilots rely on publications and references to turn training, regulations, procedures, and aircraft information into practical decisions. Knowing where information comes from is just as important as knowing the information itself.
  • The FAA provides a variety of important reference material for the student, as well as the advanced civil aviation pilot
  • In addition to the regulations provided online by the FAA, several other publications are available to the user
  • Almost all reference material is available online at www.faa.gov in downloadable format
  • Commercial aviation publishers also provide published and online reference material to further aid the aviation pilot
  • This section begins with the FAA handbooks pilots use throughout training, then moves into terminal procedures, advisory circulars, other aviation references, and the flight publications pilots use before and during a flight.
On This Page
    Publications & References

    FAA Handbooks

    • Airplane Flying Handbook Cover
      Amazon, Airplane Flying Handbook Cover
    • Instrument Flying Handbook Cover
      Amazon, Instrument Flying Handbook Cover
    • Handbooks provide specific information about a particular topic that enhances training or understanding
    • The FAA publishes a variety of handbooks that generally fall into three categories: aircraft, aviation, and examiners and inspectors
    • Aircraft flight manuals commonly called Pilot Operating Handbooks (POH) are documents developed by the airplane manufacturer, approved by the FAA, and are specific to a particular make and model aircraft by serial number
    • These handbooks are published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125
    • Comments regarding publications should be sent, in email form, to AFS630comments@faa.gov.

    • Student Pilot Guide:

      • The Student Pilot Guide introduces new pilots to the training process, certification requirements, and the expectations that come with learning to fly.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Airplane Flying Handbook:

      • The Aircraft Flying Handbooks are designed as technical manuals to introduce basic pilot skills and knowledge that are essential for piloting aircraft. []
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].
      • Airplane Flying Handbook Cover
        Amazon, Airplane Flying Handbook Cover

    • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge:

      • The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK) covers broad aeronautical knowledge pilots are expected to understand.
      • Most of the knowledge areas applicable to pilot certification are presented.
      • The PHAK is useful to beginning pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Instrument Flying Handbook:

      • The Instrument Flying Handbook is designed for use by instrument flight instructors and pilots preparing for instrument rating tests. []
      • Instructors find this handbook a valuable training aid as it includes basic reference material for knowledge testing and instrument flight training.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].
      • Instrument Flying Handbook Cover
        Amazon, Instrument Flying Handbook Cover

    • Instrument Procedures Handbook:

      • The Instrument Procedures Handbook is designed as a technical reference for pilots who operate under IFR in the NAS and expands on information contained in the Instrument Flying Handbook.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook:

      • The Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook provides the knowledge pilots and mechanics need to understand how aircraft loading affects safety, stability, controllability, and performance.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Helicopter Flying Handbook:

      • The Helicopter Flying Handbook introduces the unique aerodynamics, systems, and flight techniques that distinguish helicopter operations from other forms of aviation.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Glider Flying Handbook:

      • The Glider Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for glider category rating and for currently certificated glider pilots who wish to improve their knowledge.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Aviation Instructor Handbook:

      • The Aviation Instructor's Handbook provides the foundation for beginning instructors to understand and apply the fundamentals of instructing.
      • This handbook also provides aviation instructors with up-to-date information on learning and teaching, and how to relate this information to the task of conveying aeronautical knowledge and skills to students.
      • Experienced aviation instructors also find the new and updated information useful for improving their effectiveness in training activities.
      • It is available for download online or purchase in paperback/eBook [Amazon].

    • Seaplane/Skiplane and Float Ski Equipped Helicopter Ops Handbook:

    • Balloon Flying Handbook:

    • Aviation Weather Services:

    Publications & References

    Terminal Procedures Publications

    • Terminal procedures help pilots transition safely between the enroute environment and the airport environment.
    • Whether departing or arriving, these procedures exist to make the controllers' and pilots' jobs safer and more efficient.
    • Pilots use Terminal Procedures Publications to brief instrument approaches, standard terminal arrival routes, departure procedures, and airport diagrams before operating near an airport.
    • Because these procedures are tied closely to terrain, obstacles, airspace, and ATC expectations, pilots must use current publications and verify that the procedure matches the intended operation.
    • Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) enables pilots to guide their aircraft in the airport area.
    • Available in booklets by region (published by AeroNav Products), the TPP includes instrument approach procedures, standard arrival (STAR) procedures, departure procedures (DPs), and airport diagrams.
    Publications & References

    Advisory Circulars

    • Not every important aviation topic is best explained in a regulation or handbook.
    • The FAA uses Advisory Circulars to provide guidance, explanations, and recommended practices for a wide range of aviation subjects.
    • Although advisory circulars are generally informational rather than regulatory, pilots and instructors often use them to understand how the FAA expects certain procedures, systems, or safety practices to be applied.
    • Because advisory circulars can be revised, canceled, or replaced, pilots should verify they are using the current version before relying on one for training or operational guidance.
    Publications & References

    Other Publications

    • Pilots also rely on references that explain the National Airspace System, regulatory requirements, certification standards, and aircraft documentation.
    • The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is the official guide to basic flight information and ATC procedures for the aviation community flying in the NAS of the United States.
      • The AIM contains information of interest to pilots, such as health and medical facts, flight safety, a pilot/controller glossary of terms used in the system, and information on safety, accidents, and reporting of hazards.
    • The Federal Aviation Regulations establish the legal standards pilots must follow.
      • Punitive in nature, the regulations are ultimately designed to enhance safety by creating procedures and upholding standards
    • Pilot Safety Brochures, Arrival Alert Notices, and the Pilot/Controller Glossary help pilots review specific safety concerns, airport risks, terminology, and operational details.
      • Safety brochures acquaint the aviation community with the physiological challenges of the aviation environment and relevant safety concerns
      • AANs are new graphics produced by the FAA that visually depict an approach at specific airports to help mitigate wrong surface misalignment risks for pilots.
      • The Pilot/Controller Glossary help pilots understand the span of acronyms used in aviation and the U.S. Government writ large.

    • Airworthiness Certificate:

    • The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) define the knowledge, risk management, and skill expectations used during certification.
      • They set the standard and provide transparency on where pilots are expected to perform for their initial certificate/rating application while implying the standard set for pilots to sustain.

    • Registration Certificate:

    • Aircraft documents such as the airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, service bulletins, and airworthiness directives help pilots understand whether the aircraft is legal, properly documented, and maintained for flight.
    Publications & References

    Flight Publications

    • The FAA, in concert with other government agencies, orchestrates the publication and changes to publications that are key to safe flight
    • The Pilot's Information Manual provides aircraft-specific operating information necessary for the safe operation of an aircraft.
    • The Chart Supplement U.S., Airport Diagrams, and aeronautical charts help pilots review airport data, runway information, services, procedures before departure or arrival.
    • Sometimes updated are released between publication issuance, necessitating, Notice to Airman, or NOTAMs, to inform pilots of time-critical aeronautical information.
    Publications & References

    Publications & References Conclusion

    • Aviation publications give pilots a common source of information, but they only help when pilots know which reference to use and verify that it is current.
    • As pilots move through aircraft systems, weather, navigation, regulations, and flight operations, these publications become the foundation for checking facts, preparing for flights, and making decisions based on current and authoritative information.
    • Publications come from a variety of sources but they all have one thing in common, they go out of date
    • These handbooks are constantly updated in response to safety investigation recommendations and updates to regulations, so check the FAA's website for the most up-to-date version!
    • Discussions and interpretations of aviation topics can be found through several podcasts, including:
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    Publications & References

    Publications & References References