Index

Guides

Practical starting points for learning about flying, FAA requirements, and ground school.

Start with the question in front of you. These guides explain the first steps without assuming you are already in flight training.

You do not need to memorize an airplane to begin learning from one. Start by looking for the systems and surfaces that make every flight …

Piloting is only one part of aviation. Airports, airlines, cargo operations, manufacturers, public agencies, museums, and research …

Weather is not a box to check before a flight. It is part of every decision a pilot makes: whether to go, when to leave, what route is …

A simulator is excellent for building curiosity and repetition. It can help you understand what controls do, recognize an airport layout, …

Ground school is the knowledge side of learning to fly. It is not separate from the airplane: weather affects a planned flight, airspace …

Flight training is not something you need to understand all at once. A useful first goal is simply to take an introductory lesson with a …

You do not need a student pilot certificate just to take flying lessons. Before flying solo, however, a student needs the appropriate …

An introductory or discovery lesson is a chance to see whether flying appeals to you. It is also a chance to learn how an instructor teaches …

Learning links

Books, courses, and tools that go with the guides above.

FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (free PDF)
Start here for ground school — the core FAA textbook
FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (free PDF)
How to actually fly the maneuvers, from preflight to checkride
FAA Aviation Weather Handbook (free PDF)
The FAA's weather theory and forecasting reference
FAA Handbooks & Manuals Library
Every current FAA handbook in one place — always check editions here

Flight Insight
Recommended ground-school lessons and study resources
Flight Insight — YouTube
Free video lessons from Flight Insight
Sheppard Air
Recommended FAA knowledge-test preparation materials
King Schools
Online aviation courses, ground schools, and test-prep resources
King Schools — Private Pilot Ground School sample
A sample lesson from King Schools' Private Pilot online ground school and test-prep course