Pilot Resource Center
Every FAA publication you need, in one place.
Free study materials, Airman Certification Standards, and handbooks from the FAA. 23 resources, organized by certificate level. Bookmark this page.
Free, current, authoritative
The POHs for the aircraft we fly, plus everything the FAA publishes.
Pilot Operating Handbooks for the Cessna 172 variants we operate are hosted here so students can study before lessons, refresh on systems, and run performance numbers without digging through a hangar binder. The FAA documents below link to the source so you always get the current revision. Bookmark this page.
If you are training with us, your instructor will tell you which section to read before each lesson. If you are not training with us yet, this list is a decent self-assessment: read the Private Pilot ACS and the PHAK first, then come fly with us when you are ready.
3 documents
Aircraft Pilot Operating Handbooks (POHs)
The POH is the airplane’s instruction manual: limitations, systems, normal and emergency procedures, performance charts. Students should know the POH for the aircraft they train in cold by checkride day. Refresh on systems the night before a lesson, study performance for cross-countries, and re-read the emergency section every few months. These copies match the aircraft we operate at Riverside and Redlands.
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Cessna 172L Pilot Operating Handbook
The 172L (1971–1972 model) POH. Covers normal procedures, limitations, emergency procedures, and performance charts for the 172L Skyhawk we operate.
NextGen · PDF · 2.8 MB Download →
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Cessna 172N Pilot Operating Handbook
The 172N (1977–1980 model) POH. The most-studied POH on our flight line and the standard reference for instrument and commercial students training in the Skyhawk.
NextGen · PDF · 14 MB Download →
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Cessna 172H (1967) Pilot Operating Handbook
The 172H POH from 1967. Older Continental O-300 powerplant, different performance numbers than later 172s. If you fly a 172H with us, this is the document the checkride is graded against.
NextGen · PDF · 1.1 MB Download →
5 documents
Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
The ACS is what your DPE grades you against on every FAA practical test. Read the matching ACS cover-to-cover before the checkride, then read it again. Free, current, and authoritative.
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Private Pilot — Airplane ACS
Standards for the Private Pilot single-engine and multi-engine airplane checkride.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Instrument Rating — Airplane ACS
Standards for the Instrument Rating airplane checkride.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Commercial Pilot — Airplane ACS
Standards for the Commercial Pilot single- and multi-engine airplane checkride.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Airline Transport Pilot ACS
Standards for the ATP airplane and type rating practical tests.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Remote Pilot — Small UAS ACS
Standards for the Part 107 small unmanned aircraft systems knowledge exam.
FAA · PDF Open →
3 documents
Practical Test Standards (PTS)
CFI, CFII, and MEI candidates still test against PTS rather than ACS. These are the documents your DPE will use on flight instructor checkrides.
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Flight Instructor — Airplane (CFI)
PTS for the initial Certified Flight Instructor — Airplane practical test.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Flight Instructor — Instrument (CFII)
PTS for the Instrument Flight Instructor practical test.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Flight Instructor — Multi-Engine (MEI)
PTS for the Multi-Engine Flight Instructor practical test.
FAA · PDF Open →
10 documents
FAA Pilot Handbooks
The FAA reference library. Every student pilot needs the PHAK and Airplane Flying Handbook. Instrument students add the Instrument Flying Handbook and IPH. Every pilot benefits from the Aviation Weather Handbook and Risk Management Handbook.
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Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3)
The book that teaches you how to fly an airplane. Read the chapter that matches your next lesson.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25)
The PHAK. Covers everything on the Private Pilot written exam: aerodynamics, weather, regulations, navigation, ADM.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28)
Consolidated weather reference. Replaces the old AC 00-6 and AC 00-45 weather material in one volume.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45)
How to read every weather product you will see in the cockpit: METAR, TAF, PIREP, prog charts, radar, satellite.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Weight & Balance Handbook (FAA-H-8083-1)
Calculating CG, max takeoff weight, and load distribution. Required reading for every checkride.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Advanced Avionics Handbook (FAA-H-8083-6)
How to operate glass cockpits, GPS, FMS, and modern integrated flight decks.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B)
Instrument flight techniques, scan, approaches, and procedures. The IR student’s primary book.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B)
IFR operations in the National Airspace System: clearances, departures, en route, approaches, the whole flight.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2)
PAVE, IMSAFE, the 5 P’s. ADM frameworks that the DPE will quiz you on at every level.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Aviation Instructor’s Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9)
For CFI candidates. Learning theory, lesson planning, FOI material that you will be tested on at the CFI initial.
FAA · PDF Open →
2 documents
AIM & Chart References
Day-to-day reference material every pilot should have within arm’s reach.
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Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
The official guide to the National Airspace System. Procedures, phraseology, services, and how it actually works.
FAA · PDF Open →
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Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide
How to read sectionals, low-enroute, TACs, and IFR plates. Symbology legend in one place.
FAA · PDF Open →
Reading is not flying
The PHAK is a great book. The airplane is a better teacher.
When you are ready to put the handbook down and try the real thing, a discovery flight is the cheapest way in. From $199.