Airplane Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-3C - updated 2021

The Airplane Flying Handbook provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This handbook introduces basic pilot skills and knowledge for piloting airplanes. It provides information on the transition to other airplanes and the operation of various airplane systems. It is developed by the Flight Standards Service, Airman Testing Standards Branch, in cooperation with various aviation educators and industry. This handbook is developed to assist student pilots learning to fly airplanes. It is also beneficial to pilots who wish to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, those pilots preparing for additional certificates or ratings, and flight instructors engaged in the instruction of both student and certificated pilots. It introduces the future pilot to the realm of flight and provided information and guidance on the performance of procedures and maneuvers required for pilot certification.

Topics covered:
Introduction to Flight Training
Ground Operations
Basic Flight Maneuvers
Energy Management: Mastering Altitude and Airspeed Control
Maintaining Aircraft Control: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
Ground Reference Maneuvers
Airport Traffic Patterns
Approaches and Landings
Performance Maneuvers
Night Operations
Transition of Complex Airplanes
Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
Transition to Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
Transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)
Emergency Procedures
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
FAA-H-8083-25B - Updated 2016

The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This handbook introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. Except for the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to civil aviation, most of the knowledge areas applicable to pilot certification are presented. This handbook is useful to beginning pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.

Topics Covered:
Introduction to Flying
Aeronautical Decision-Making
Aircraft Construction
Principles of Flight
Aerodynamics of Flight
Flight Controls
Aircraft Systems
Flight Instruments
Flight Manuals and Others Documents
Weight and Balance
Aircraft Performance
Weather Theory
Aviation Weather Services
Airport Operations
Airspace
Navigation
Aeromedical Factors