Disclaimer! I no longer keep this page up-to-date so some of the links may be broken and some of the references may be outdated. This page was last updated in 2021.
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
- Weather Forecasting Hints
- UCAR Weather Study Course
- NWS Weather School Online
List of Helpful Advisory Circulars & FAA Orders
Aviation Weather
Thunderstorms
Aircraft Ground Handling
Aviation Weather Services
ASRS
Windshear
Mountain Winds
Aircraft Icing & Deicing
Aeronautical Decision Making
English Language Skills Standard
Instructor Endorsements
Stall & Spin Awareness
BFR & IPC Guide
High Altitude, High Speed Flight
CFIT Awareness
Aviation Training Devices
BasicMed
Wake Turbulence
Midair Collision Avoidance
Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations
RNAV Operations
Using RNAV on Approaches
Transition to Unfamiliar Aircraft
G-Force Effect on Pilots
TFR’s
Part 91 Minimum Equipment
Single Pilot Taxiing
Flight in Icing Conditions
Ultralight Vehicle Operations
Airport Markings
Flight Services
Air Traffic Control
AC 00-6B
AC 00-24C
AC 00-34A
AC 00-45H
AC 00-46F
AC 00-54
AC 00-57
AC 20-117
AC 60-22
AC 60-28B
AC 61-65H
AC 61-67C
AC 61-98D
AC 61-107B
AC 61-134
AC 61-136B
AC 68-1A
AC 90-23G
AC 90-48D
AC 90-66B
AC 90-100A
AC 90-108
AC 90-109A
AC 91-61
AC 91-63D
AC 91-67
AC 91-73B
AC 91-74B
AC 103-6
AC 150/5340-1M
JO 7110.10BB
JO 7110.65Z
AC 120-115
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:
Daniel Sims 