This section provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. It introduces basic pilot skills and knowledge that are essential for piloting airplanes. It provides information on transition to other airplanes and the operation of various airplane systems. This section 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 provides information and guidance in the performance of procedures and maneuvers required for pilot certification. Topics such as navigation and communication, meteorology, use of flight information publications, regulations, and aeronautical decision making are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
- Introduction to Flight Training
- Ground Operations
- Basic Flight Maneuvers
- Maintaining Aircraft Control
- Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
- Ground Reference Maneuvers
- Airport Traffic Patterns
- Approaches and Landings
- Performance Maneuvers
- Night Operations
- Transition to Complex Airplanes
- Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
- Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
- Transition to Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
- Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
- Transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)
- Emergency Procedures
The information found in this section is based upon the information found in the Airplane Flying Handbook published by the FAA.
Flight Literacy Recommends
Rod Machado’s Private Pilot Handbook -Flight Literacy recommends Rod Machado’s products because he takes what is normally dry and tedious and transforms it with his characteristic humor, helping to keep you engaged and to retain the information longer.
Rod Machado’s How to Fly an Airplane Handbook – Learn the fundamentals of flying any airplane. Make flight training easier, less expensive, and more enjoyable. Master all the checkride maneuvers. Learn the “stick and rudder” philosophy of flying. Prevent an airplane from accidentally stalling or spinning. Land a plane quickly and enjoyably.
Rod Machado’s Handling In-Flight Emergencies – Can you handle an in-flight emergency? This course trains you to do so. Shows in-flight demonstrations of many emergency procedures. This six-hour course also contains questions to test your knowledge to ensure that you retain the material.
Rod Machado’s Cross Country Flight Planning – Learn to plot a course on a sectional chart, correct for magnetic variation, compass deviation and wind to find the heading needed to travel from one airport to another. Use your mechanical flight computer to calculate speed, time, distance and fuel.