Training Handbooks from the FAA

Written by Arwyn Jones | 08 April 2010

The FAA offers many complete, public-domain training handbooks for free download in Adobe Reader (.pdf) format. These books are the official references for many pilot certificates and ratings, and they’re comprehensive, practical guides to the core knowledge every pilot should possess.

The best place to find the latest versions of these handbooks is the FAA’s Web site, especially the Online Resources page at www.FAASafety.gov.

The FAA has been revamping its Web pages, and sometimes it takes a bit of pointing-and-clicking to find specific titles. New titles are added periodically, so check back occasionally to see what’s been put on the virtual bookshelf.

Other good places to find these handbooks on the FAA Web site include:

• FAA Aviation Manuals
• FAA Training Manuals
• Aviation Learning Center at www.FAASafety.gov

You can use the links in the following list to download specific complete training handbooks (in PDF format) from the FAA Web site. If you prefer real books, ASA offers reprints of many titles.

• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25A)/ASA-8083-25
• Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A)/ASA-8083-3A
• Glider Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-13)/ASA-8083-13
• Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook (FAA-H-8083-23)/ ASA-8083-23
• Rotorcraft Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21)/ASA-8083-21
• Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15A)/ASA-8083-15A
• Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8261-1A)/ASA-8261-1
• Advanced Avionics Handbook (FAA-H-8083-6)
• Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9A)/ASA-8083-9A
• Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide/ASA-CUG-8
• Aviation Weather (AC 00-6A)/ASA-AC00-6A
• Aviation Weather Services (AC 00-45)/ASA-AC00-45E
• Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook (FAA-H-8083-1A)/ ASA-8083-1A
• Air Traffic Control (Order JO 7110.65T)
• Contractions (Order JO 7340.2A)
• Risk Management Handbook (FAA-H-8083-2)
• Crew Resource Management Training (AC120-51e)
• FAA Practical Test Standards (Pilots / Flight Instructors)/ ASA reprints
• FAA Airmen Knowledge Test Guides
• Sample Airmen Knowledge Test Questions
• Computer Testing Supplements