"This is by far the best introductory book about soaring that I have ever seen. And the graphics are wonderful. —Barry Schiff"

This new addition to the FAA's handbook series is the first official book released by the FAA for the sole purpose of glider and sailplane instruction and knowledge. Originally designed as a technical manual for glider pilots and students, this handbook also contains chapters of beneficial reference information for glider and powered-flight pilots of all skill levels and experience.
The Glider Flying Handbook is filled with in-depth coverage throughout on decision making, weather theory and services, aerodynamics, aircraft performance, medical factors, communications, the certification process and regulations, soaring maneuvers and techniques, and launch and recovery procedures.

Through superb, full-color graphics and detailed descriptions, many theories and techniques are explained so that readers are better able to comprehend and visualize the maneuvers and practices most commonly used. Based on thorough research from within the glider flying community, this well-organized guide also has excellent coverage of "soaring weather" meteorology and thermal and fluid dynamics and more, making this an excellent glider and soaring resource for all aviators. The detailed explanation of theories of the atmosphere makes it a great textbook for meteorology courses, and it could be used in physics classes for specific applications as well.

Includes a glossary of glider flying terminology. Softcover, illustrated throughout in full color, indexed, 230 pages.

A powered parachute (PPC) is a category of aircraft that requires the pilot to inflate the wing (parachute) and then control the aircraft with a “pendulum configuration” of the cart hanging below it. This unique and fun aircraft is an evolution of ultralight aircraft including the parachute, paraglider, and powered paraglider. This new FAA handbook introduces the basic pilot skills and knowledge essential for piloting powered parachutes.
It benefits student pilots just beginning their PPC endeavors, as well as those pilots wishing to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, and flight instructors engaged in the instruction of both students and licensed pilots.

Here the pilot is shown the realm of powered parachute flight and given information and guidance in the performance of procedures and maneuvers required for pilot certification.
The handbook begins with an introduction to powered parachutes, including a history of this unique aircraft. Chapters cover aerodynamics, components and systems, powerplants, preflight and ground operations, basic flight maneuvers, takeoffs and departure climbs, airspace, ground reference maneuvers, airport operations, approaches and landings, and night, abnormal, and emergency procedures.

This book is the official FAA source for learning to fly powered parachutes and many test questions for the powered parachute FAA Knowledge Exam come from this reference. Illustrated throughout with full-color graphics and photography, indexed, soft cover, 160 pages.

The FAA's Instrument Procedures Handbook is a great resource for instrument-rated pilots! (FAA-H-8261-1A) Emphasis is placed on operations and procedural information for real-world use, which makes this the next logical step for pilots after learning basic instrument skills from the Instrument Flying Handbook (ASA-8083-15). Using this book, pilots can more directly apply the concepts to their current flying situation, and learn how their acquired skills are best used in today’s IFR environment.

Considered industry-wide as a top source for instrument procedures information and a “must read” for all instrument pilots, this Second Edition (effective March 2007) brings pilots the latest changes to procedures and even more insights and guidance on how to operate safely within the National Airspace System.

Detailed information is provided for every navigation receiver and phase of flight on the required precision necessary to stay within protected airspace and to make a successful approach. The text emphasizes airplane operations, and includes a new chapter dedicated to helicopter instrument procedures.

With the increased occurrence of regulatory changes, pilots must be aware of current procedures. This book covers all of the information needed to operate safely within the National Airspace System. In-depth sections on instrument charts and procedures cover all phases of flight from takeoff to landing, including safety of flight issues such as runway incursions and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
Each topic covered is well-detailed and explained in user-friendly terms, along with full-color depictions to aid understanding.

The Instrument Procedures Handbook was intended primarily as a technical reference for professional pilots. However, with the specialized glossary, index, full-color illustrations and photographs, flight instructors, instrument pilots and instrument students alike will find it a valuable training aid.
The perfect companion to the FAA’s Instrument Flying Handbook (ASA-8083-15), the wealth of information provided in this book is invaluable to everyone who operates under instrument flight rules (IFR).

This FAA Handbook contains straightforward discussions and explanations for:

Operations in the National Airspace System

Detailed coverage of instrument charts

Instrument procedural information for: takeoff, departure, en route, arrival, approach and landing

Human factors

Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)

Runway incursion information

Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT)

Helicopter instrument procedures

Whether a pilot is a seasoned professional or recently completed an Instrument Rating course, the Instrument Procedures Handbook is sure to encourage more precise instrument techniques and ultimately create a safer pilot. Used as a reference in the FAA Knowledge Exams and Practical Test Standards.

Soft cover, glossary, indexed, full-color illustrations, 8-3/8" x 10-7/8" format, 294 pages.

Being a safe pilot requires more than completing flight training and staying current. Full competency comes from the ability of a pilot to develop a keen awareness of the physiological aspects of flying, as well as those that influence workload and fatigue, decision making, and situational awareness. The Pilot Medical Handbook was compiled as a guide for study in these areas. With the Medical Handbook for Pilots Advisory Circular (AC 67-2) long discontinued, this new handbook is the only printed resource available with a collection of applicable FAA and Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) documents, articles and reports.

Topics include:

• Assessing and determining personal minimums
• Medical certification questions and answers
• Stress management
• Information for pilots considering LASIK surgery
• Visual illusions and spatial disorientation
• Flying safely with passengers
• and much more!

Pilots must thoroughly consider the human element and inherent physiological aspects of flight—as well as the machine and weather—if safety is to be maintained. Pilots can use the plentiful information in this handbook to help them make consistent, informed go/no-go and inflight decisions. Soft cover, full-color illustrations, bibliography, 8-3/8" x 10-7/8", 100 pages.

This official FAA handbook has been required reading for more than 30 years. 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 needed as they progress through pilot training. Studying this book, pilots gain the required knowledge to earn a certificate and understand aerodynamic theory associated with airplane flight.

The book begins with a basic introduction to flying, including the history of flight, the role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), criteria for earning the various pilot certificates, how to select a flight school and instructor, and the tests associated with earning a pilot certificate. .

Subjects covered include aircraft structure, principles and aerodynamics of flight, flight controls, aircraft systems, flight instruments, flight manuals and documents, weight and balance, aircraft performance, weather theory, aviation weather services, airport operations, airspace, navigation, aeromedical factors, and aeronautical decision-making..

This 2008 edition reflects the latest aviation industry procedures, equipment, techniques and regulations. It is a key reference for all the information necessary to operate an aircraft and for passing the FAA Knowledge Exam and Practical Test (checkride). Newly illustrated with hundreds of full-color drawings and photographs! Softcover, 8.25"x10.75", 470 pages..

This new FAA handbook (FAA-H-8083-6, Effective 2009) provides general aviation users with comprehensive information on the advanced avionics equipment available in technically advanced aircraft (TAA). VFR and IFR operations in aircraft with the latest integrated “glass cockpit” instrumentation are covered here, helping pilots understand which advanced avionics systems to use and when.

Readers will learn the “knob-ology” associated with operating cockpit-computers, including data entry, maintaining current databases, and accessing information from the various screens. Common pilot errors, catching those errors, and instrument failures are discussed, as well as recommendations for using standby instruments during both normal and emergency operations. Each phase of flight is covered, so readers will know how to execute departure, enroute and approach procedures using glass cockpit instrumentation.

Subjects covered include the Primary Flight Display (PFD), Multi-Function Display (MFD), moving maps, terrain, cockpit weather, traffic data, fuel management systems, and electronic charts and checklists. Essential skills checklists and summaries conclude each chapter for a comprehensive review and quick-check reference. Soft cover, full-color illustrations, glossary, 8-1/4" x 10-3/4", 114 pages.