This FAA handbook has been required reading for pilots for more than 25 years. Written for the applicant preparing for the Private, Commercial, or Flight Instructor Certificates, it is also valuable to flight instructors as a teaching aid. Providing basic knowledge essential for all pilots—from beginning student pilots to those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates—this book introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress through pilot training. Studying this book, pilots gain the required knowledge to earn a certificate, and can understand the theory associated with flying an airplane. It is a key reference tool to all the information necessary for operating an aircraft.

Subjects covered include principles of flight, aircraft and engine structure and systems, weight/balance and performance calculations, charts and navigation, weather theory, weather reports, forecasts, flight manuals and other documents, use of computers, and aeromedical factors and decision making.

This revision now features new, full-color illustrations. It also includes a newly-updated and revised section on aerodynamics that was formerly contained in a previous FAA publication (Chapter 17 of the FAA's old AC61-21A, Flight Training Handbook). Now reflecting all the latest aviation industry procedures, techniques and regulations, this handbook is the official reference source for questions appearing on the FAA Knowledge Exams. (Formerly published as Advisory Circular 61-23C.)