FAA Publications

Objective:

Be able to explain the different FAA publications and the use and applicability of each. Attain the ability to utilize the information from both physical and online publications to aid in flight planning and referencing information.

Attention:

What if there were no signs along any street in the entire United States? It would be chaotic finding out which road to take, when to stop, and be much more complicated moving through unfamiliar territory.

Motivation:

FAA publications help pilots determine best routes, airport information, safety information, regulations, common practices, terrain, and much more highly useful information critical to safe flight.

Overview:

Scenario: using the publications in the order of a cross-country flight. Aviationweather.gov for NOTAMS and TFR’s etc, departure and arrival airport information and frequencies A/FD, Airplane Flying Handbook, aeronautical chart, communication AIM, and Aviation Weather Resources.

Log Ground Training:

  • 61.105(b)(1) Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that relate to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
  • 61.105(b)(2) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;
  • 61.105(b)(3) Use of the applicable portions of the “Aeronautical Information Manual” and FAA advisory circulars;

Development:
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARS)

  • A part of Title 14 in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): Aeronautics and Space
  • Parts within 14 CFR for general aviation
  1. Part 1: Definitions and abbreviations
  2. Part 61: Certification of Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
  3. Part 91: General Operating and Flight Rules
  4. Student FARS to study
  • 61.113 Private pilot privileges and limitations: Pilot in command.
  • Under CFR Title 49: Transportation
  1. NTSB Part 830: Accident Reporting

Advisory Circulars

  • To provide current aviation information on a recurring basis
  1. Provide information and procedures which are necessary for good operating practice, but not binding to the public unless incorporated into a regulation.
  • Published by the Department of Transportation
  • Available on FAA.gov

Practical Test Standards (PTS)

  • Required elements and standards to pass a check-ride.

Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH)

  • Contains aircraft’s specific operating instructions, limitations, procedures, etc.
  • Standardized format
  • Similar publications are Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)

Aviationweather.gov

Airport Facility Directory (A/FD)

  • Runway information
  • Airport operations
  • Airport resources
  • Frequencies
  • Preferred routes
  • Telephone numbers
  • VOR receiver checks
  • Regulatory notices
  • Etc.

Airplane Flying Handbook

  • Everything you need to know about how to fly an airplane

Aeronautical Chart

  • Airport locations and information
  • Terrain and obstructions
  • Airspace
  • Communication frequencies
  • Navigational facilities

Aeronautical Information Manual

  • Pilot/Controller glossary (right after the AIM)
  • Air navigation
  • Lighting and Airport visual aids, signs
  • Airspace
  • Air Traffic Control and procedures
  • Airport operations
  • Departure and Arrival Procedures
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Safety
  • Medical factors

Aviation Weather Resources

  • Everything you need to know about weather and deciphering reports (mostly) 

Conclusion and Evaluation:

Knowing where to find information before and during a flight is critical to conducting a safe flight.  Being knowledgeable about much of the information in these publications alleviates stress and confusion.