Training for a new pilot certificate? These are going to be your must have resources:
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Airplane Flying Handbook
Pilot’s Operating Handbook
Sectional Chart
Terminal Area Chart
Chart Supplement
Airman Certification Standards
FAR/AIM
A couple other things that you will need during your training:
Medical Certificate – Before you can solo the airplane, you’ll need to obtain a 3rd class medical (or a 1st class medical if you plan on going to the airlines) from an Aviation Medical Examiner. It’s like a typical physical, they review/check your medical history, eye sight, hearing, etc. Click here to find an examiner near you.
Student Pilot Certificate – Also before you solo, you will need to apply for a student pilot certificate from the FAA on this website. It’s free and just takes a couple of weeks to process. Whoever is your primary instructor will need to validate this information. First, register for an account, then create an application for a student pilot certificate.
Ground School – You will need to pass the FAA Knowledge Test for Private Pilot before your check ride. I highly suggest an online ground school to prepare you for the written test and to supplement your textbook reading. The courses typically will give you the endorsement to take the knowledge test once you complete the course. If it does not, let me know. Here are some of the online ground schools. I suggest checking out the demos and seeing which one you like the best:
- Gold Seal Online Ground School
- Sporty’s
- King’s Schools
- Dauntless Aviation
- Gleim
- ASA
- & more
Other Useful Resources:
Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual
Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook
Say Again, Please
Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
Live ATC – Lets you listen to airport frequencies worldwide (also includes an archive so you can listen to your radio communications during your flight). www.liveatc.net
Bold Method – Consists of many educational articles on everything aviation. www.boldmethod.com
Skyvector – Displays the latest aeronautical maps. Plus TFRs, NOTAMs, weather conditions and fuel prices. www.skyvector.com
Flightradar24 – Track aircraft in real time as they travel across the world. www.flightradar24.com
Airnav – Provides information on a specific airport and navaids similar to a chart supplement. www.airnav.com
METARs/TAFs Flight service – Shows the current and forecasted weather over selected locations. 1800wxbrief (1-800-992-7433) is both a phone number and website. They provide a legal weather briefing and will be utilized when you do cross country flight planning. www.1800wxbrief.com
KRHV ATIS Phone Number – (408) 923-7100 (call and listen, it’s a good practice).
AOPA – Online courses, free 6 month student membership to access the courses. www.aopa.org
Additional Helpful Articles and Files:
- FAR/AIM Study Guide
- Radio Communication
- Aircraft Fires
- Engine Failure
- METAR/TAF Guide
- Personal Minimums Checklist
- Airport Signs and Markings
- AOPA ASI Runway Safety Flash Cards
- Nontowered Airport Operations
- Passenger SAFETY Briefing
- Private Pilot Cheat Sheet
- PPL Ground Log
- VFR Aeronautical Chart Users’ Guide
- ASA Flight Planner
- Auto-filling Navigation Log
- ADS-B Out Requirements
- FAA Contractions Order JO 7340.2J
- Pilot/Controller Glossary
- AOPA TFR Intercept Procedures
Make sure you have up to date airport diagrams! You can download and print the latest airport diagrams by clicking here.
and also check out AeroDynamic’s page on helpful documents & resources:
