Pilot’s Handbook of 

Aeronautical Knowledge

U.S. Department of Transportation

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Flight Standards Service

2008
ii
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The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This handbook 

introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. Except for 

the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to civil aviation, most of the knowledge areas applicable to pilot certification are 

presented. This handbook is useful to beginning pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates. 

Occasionally the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language 

is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

It is essential for persons using this handbook to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the 

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at www.faa.gov. The current Flight Standards 

Service airman training and testing material and learning statements for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained 

from www.faa.gov.

This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, dated 2003.

This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from www.faa.gov.

This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman 

Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following address:

AFS630comments@faa.gov

Preface
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The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the 

assistance of Safety Research Corporation of America. The FAA wishes to acknowledge the following contributors:

 Mrs. Nancy A. Wright for providing imagery of a de Haviland DH-4 inaugural air mail flight (Chapter 1)

 The Raab Collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for images of the first pilot license (Chapter 1) 

 Sandy Kenyon and Rod Magner (magicair.com) for photo of 1929 TravelAir 4000 (Chapter 1)

 Adventure Seaplanes for photos of a ski and float training plane (Chapter 2)

 Jack Davis, Stearman Restorers Asociation, for photo of a 1941 PT-17 Army Air Corps trainer (Chapter 2)

 Michael J. Hoke, Abaris Training Resources, Inc., for images and information about composite aircraft (Chapter 2)

 M. van Leeuwen (www.zap16.com) for image of Piaggio P-180 (Chapter 5)

 Greg Richter, Blue Mountain Avionics, for autopilot information and imagery (Chapter 5)

 Mountain High E&S Company for various images provided regarding oxygen systems (Chapter 6)

 Jeff Callahan, Aerox, for image of MSK-AS Silicone Mask without Microphone (Chapter 6)

 Nonin Medical, Inc. for image of Onyx pulse oximeter (Chapter 6)

 Pilotfriend.com for photo of a TKS Weeping Wing (Chapter 6)

 Chelton Flight Systems for image of FlightLogic (Chapter 7)

 Avidyne Corporation for image of the Entegra (Chapter 7)

 Teledyne Controls for image of an air data computer (Chapter 7)

 Watson Industries, Inc. (www.watson-gyro.com) for image of Attitude and Heading Reference system (Chapter 7)

 Dr. Pat Veillette for information used on decision-making (Chapter 17)

 John Park for image of spinning plates (Chapter 17) 

 Cessna Aircraft Company, Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, Eclipse Aviation Corporation, Garmin Ltd., 

The Boeing Company for images provided and used throughout the Handbook.

Additional appreciation is extended to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, 

the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) for 

their technical support and input.

Acknowledgments
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Preface ...................................................................iii

Acknowledgments ..................................................v

Table of Contents .................................................vii

Chapter 1

Introduction To Flying .........................................1-1

Introduction ....................................................................1-1

History of Flight .............................................................1-2

History of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 1-3

Transcontinental Air Mail Route ................................1-4

Federal Certification of Pilots and Mechanics ...........1-4

The Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938 ............................1-5

The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 ..............................1-6

Department of Transportation (DOT) ........................1-6

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Automation ......................1-6

The Professional Air Traffic Controllers

Organization (PATCO) Strike ....................................1-7

The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 .......................1-7

Role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) .....1-7

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) ....................1-7

Primary Locations of the FAA ...................................1-8

Field Offices ............................................................1-8

Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) ................................1-9

FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) ................................1-9

Obtaining Assistance from the FAA ..........................1-9

FAA Reference Material ............................................1-9

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) ...............1-9

Handbooks ............................................................1-10

Advisory Circulars (ACs) .....................................1-10

Flight Publications ................................................1-11

Pilot and Aeronautical Information .........................1-11

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) ............................1-11

Safety Program Airmen Notification

System (SPANS) ..................................................1-12

Aircraft Types and Categories .....................................1-12

Ultralight Vehicles ...................................................1-12

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) Category .......................1-12

Pilot Certifications .......................................................1-13

Sport Pilot .................................................................1-14

Recreational Pilot .....................................................1-14

Private Pilot ..............................................................1-14

Commercial Pilot ......................................................1-14

Airline Transport Pilot .............................................1-15

Selecting a Flight School ............................................1-15

How To Find a Reputable Flight Program ...............1-15

How To Choose a Certificated Flight Instructor

(CFI) .........................................................................1-16

The Student Pilot ........................................................1-16

Basic Requirements ..................................................1-16

Medical Certification Requirements .....................1-17

Becoming a Pilot ..........................................................1-17

Knowledge and Skill Examinations .............................1-18

Knowledge Examination ..........................................1-18

When To Take the Examination ...........................1-18

Where To Take the Examination ..........................1-18

Practical Examination ..............................................1-18

When To Take the Practical Exam .......................1-19

Who Administers the Practical Examination? ......1-20

Role of the Certificated Flight Instructor .................1-20

Role of the Designated Pilot Examiner ...................1-20

Chapter Summary .....................................................1-21

Chapter 2

Aircraft Structure .................................................2-1

Introduction ....................................................................2-1

Lift and Basic Aerodynamics .........................................2-2

Major Components .........................................................2-3

Fuselage ......................................................................2-3

Wings .........................................................................2-3

Empennage .................................................................2-5

Landing Gear ..............................................................2-6

The Powerplant ..........................................................2-6

Subcomponents ..............................................................2-7

Types of Aircraft Construction ......................................2-7

Truss Structure ...........................................................2-7

Semimonocoque .........................................................2-8

Table of Contents
viii

Composite Construction .............................................2-8

History ....................................................................2-8

Composite Materials in Aircraft .............................2-9

Advantages of Composites .....................................2-9

Disadvantages of Composites .................................2-9

Fluid Spills on Composites ...................................2-10

Lightning Strike Protection ...................................2-10

The Future of Composites ....................................2-11

Instrumentation: Moving into the Future ....................2-11

Control Instruments .................................................2-12

Navigation Instruments ...........................................2-12

Global Positioning System (GPS) ................................2-12

Chapter 3

Principles of Flight ..............................................3-1

Introduction ....................................................................3-1

Structure of the Atmosphere ..........................................3-1

Atmospheric Pressure .................................................3-2

Pressure Altitude ........................................................3-2

Density Altitude .........................................................3-3

Effect of Pressure on Density .................................3-3

Effect of Temperature on Density ..........................3-3

Effect of Humidity (Moisture) on Density .............3-3

Theories in the Production of Lift ..................................3-4

Newton’s Basic Laws of Motion ................................3-4

Magnus Effect ............................................................3-4

Flow of Air Against a Nonrotating Cylinder ..........3-5

A Rotating Cylinder in a Motionless Fluid .............3-5

A Rotating Cylinder in a Moving Fluid ..................3-5

Bernoulli’s Principle of Differential Pressure ............3-7

Airfoil Design ................................................................3-7

Low Pressure Above ..................................................3-8

High Pressure Below ..................................................3-9

Pressure Distribution ..................................................3-9

Airfoil Behavior .......................................................3-10

A Third Dimension ......................................................3-10

Chapter Summary ........................................................3-10

Chapter 4

Aerodynamics of Flight .......................................4-1

Forces Acting on the Aircraft ........................................4-1

Thrust .........................................................................4-2

Drag ............................................................................4-3

Parasite Drag ...........................................................4-4

Induced Drag ..........................................................4-5

Lift/Drag Ratio ........................................................4-6

Weight ........................................................................4-7

Lift ..............................................................................4-7

Wingtip Vortices ............................................................4-8

Formation of Vortices ................................................4-8

Avoiding Wake Turbulence .......................................4-8

Ground Effect .................................................................4-9

Axes of an Aircraft .......................................................4-11

Moment and Moment Arm ..........................................4-12

Aircraft Design Characteristics ...................................4-12

Stability ....................................................................4-12

Static Stability .......................................................4-13

Dynamic Stability .................................................4-13

Longitudinal Stability (Pitching) ..........................4-14

Lateral Stability (Rolling) .....................................4-16

Vertical Stability (Yawing) ...................................4-17

Free Directional Oscillations (Dutch Roll) ..............4-18

Spiral Instability .......................................................4-18

Aerodynamic Forces in Flight Maneuvers ...................4-19

Forces in Turns .........................................................4-19

Forces in Climbs .......................................................4-21

Forces in Descents ....................................................4-21

Stalls ............................................................................4-22

Basic Propeller Principles ............................................4-23

Torque and P-Factor .................................................4-26

Torque Reaction .......................................................4-26

Corkscrew Effect ......................................................4-26

Gyroscopic Action ....................................................4-27

Asymmetric Loading (P-Factor) ..............................4-27

Load Factors .................................................................4-28

Load Factors in Aircraft Design ...............................4-28

Load Factors in Steep Turns .....................................4-29

Load Factors and Stalling Speeds ............................4-30

Load Factors and Flight Maneuvers .........................4-31

Vg Diagram ..............................................................4-32

Rate of Turn .............................................................4-33

Radius of Turn ..........................................................4-34

Weight and Balance .....................................................4-35

Effect of Weight on Flight Performance ..................4-37

Effect of Weight on Aircraft Structure .....................4-37

Effect of Weight on Stability and Controllability ....4-38

Effect of Load Distribution ......................................4-38

High Speed Flight ........................................................4-39

Subsonic Versus Supersonic Flow ...........................4-39

Speed Ranges ...........................................................4-40

Mach Number Versus Airspeed ...............................4-41

Boundary Layer ........................................................4-41

Laminar Boundary Layer Flow ............................4-41

Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow ..........................4-41

Boundary Layer Separation ..................................4-41

Shock Waves ............................................................4-42

Sweepback ................................................................4-43

Mach Buffet Boundaries ..........................................4-44

High Speed Flight Controls ......................................4-45

Chapter Summary ........................................................4-46
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Chapter 5

Flight Controls .....................................................5-1

Introduction ....................................................................5-1

Flight Control Systems .................................................5-2

Flight Controls ............................................................5-2

Primary Flight Controls ..............................................5-2

Elevator ...................................................................5-5

T-Tail ......................................................................5-6

Stabilator .................................................................5-6

Canard .....................................................................5-7

Rudder .....................................................................5-7

V-Tail ......................................................................5-8

Secondary Flight Controls ..........................................5-8

Flaps ........................................................................5-8

Leading Edge Devices ............................................5-9

Spoilers .................................................................5-10

Trim Tabs ..............................................................5-10

Balance Tabs .........................................................5-11

Antiservo Tabs ......................................................5-11

Ground Adjustable Tabs .......................................5-11

Adjustable Stabilizer .............................................5-12

Autopilot ......................................................................5-12

Chapter Summary ........................................................5-12

Chapter 6

Aircraft Systems ..................................................6-1

Introduction ....................................................................6-1

Powerplant .....................................................................6-1

Reciprocating Engines ................................................6-2

Propeller .....................................................................6-4

Fixed-Pitch Propeller ..............................................6-5

Adjustable-Pitch Propeller ......................................6-6

Induction Systems ......................................................6-7

Carburetor Systems ....................................................6-7

Mixture Control ......................................................6-8

Carburetor Icing ......................................................6-8

Carburetor Heat ......................................................6-9

Carburetor Air Temperature Gauge ......................6-10

Outside Air Temperature Gauge ..............................6-10

Fuel Injection Systems .............................................6-10

Superchargers and Turbosuperchargers .......................6-11

Superchargers ...........................................................6-12

Turbosuperchargers ..................................................6-12

System Operation ..................................................6-13

High Altitude Performance ...................................6-14

Ignition System ............................................................6-14

Oil Systems ..................................................................6-15

Engine Cooling Systems ..............................................6-16

Exhaust Systems ..........................................................6-17

Starting System ............................................................6-18

Combustion ..................................................................6-18

Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) ........6-19

Turbine Engines ...........................................................6-20

Types of Turbine Engines ........................................6-20

Turbojet .................................................................6-20

Turboprop .............................................................6-20

Turbofan ...............................................................6-20

Turboshaft .............................................................6-20

Turbine Engine Instruments .....................................6-22

Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR) ...............................6-22

Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) ........................6-22

Torquemeter ..........................................................6-22

N1 Indicator ...........................................................6-22

N2 Indicator ...........................................................6-22

Turbine Engine Operational Considerations ............6-22

Engine Temperature Limitations ..........................6-22

Thrust Variations ..................................................6-22

Foreign Object Damage (FOD) ............................6-23

Turbine Engine Hot/Hung Start ............................6-23

Compressor Stalls .................................................6-23

Flameout ...............................................................6-23

Performance Comparison .........................................6-24

Airframe Systems ........................................................6-25

Fuel Systems ................................................................6-25

Gravity-Feed System ...............................................6-25

Fuel-Pump System ...................................................6-25

Fuel Primer ...............................................................6-25

Fuel Tanks ................................................................6-25

Fuel Gauges ..............................................................6-26

Fuel Selectors ...........................................................6-26

Fuel Strainers, Sumps, and Drains ...........................6-26

Fuel Grades ..............................................................6-26

Fuel Contamination ..................................................6-27

Refueling Procedures ...................................................6-27

Electrical System .........................................................6-28

Hydraulic Systems .......................................................6-30

Landing Gear ............................................................6-31

Tricycle Landing Gear Airplanes .........................6-31

Tailwheel Landing Gear Airplanes .......................6-31

Fixed and Retractable Landing Gear ....................6-31

Brakes .......................................................................6-32

Pressurized Aircraft .....................................................6-32

Oxygen Systems...........................................................6-34

Oxygen Masks ..........................................................6-35

Cannula .....................................................................6-35

Pressure-Demand Oxygen Systems .........................6-36

Continuous-Flow Oxygen System ...........................6-36

Electrical Pulse-Demand Oxygen System ................6-36

Pulse Oximeters ........................................................6-37
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Servicing of Oxygen Systems ..................................6-37

Anti-Ice and Deice Systems .........................................6-37

Airfoil Anti-Ice and Deice .......................................6-37

Windscreen Anti-Ice ................................................6-38

Propeller Anti-Ice .....................................................6-38

Other Anti-Ice and Deice Systems ...........................6-39

Chapter Summary ........................................................6-39

Chapter 7

Flight Instruments ...............................................7-1

Introduction ....................................................................7-1

Pitot-Static Flight Instruments .......................................7-1

Impact Pressure Chamber and Lines ..........................7-2

Static Pressure Chamber and Lines ............................7-2

Altimeter .....................................................................7-3

Principle of Operation .............................................7-3

Effect of Nonstandard Pressure and Temperature ..7-4

Setting the Altimeter ...............................................7-5

Altimeter Operation ................................................7-6

Types of Altitude ....................................................7-6

Instrument Check ....................................................7-7

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) ...................................7-7

Principle of Operation .............................................7-7

Instrument Check ....................................................7-8

Airspeed Indicator (ASI) ............................................7-8

Airspeed Indicator Markings ..................................7-9

Other Airspeed Limitations ..................................7-10

Instrument Check ..................................................7-10

Blockage of the Pitot-Static System .........................7-10

Blocked Pitot System ............................................7-10

Blocked Static System ..........................................7-11

Electronic Flight Display (EFD) ..................................7-12

Airspeed Tape ..........................................................7-12

Attitude Indicator .....................................................7-12

Altimeter ...................................................................7-12

Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) .................................7-12

Heading Indicator .....................................................7-12

Turn Indicator ...........................................................7-12

Tachometer ...............................................................7-12

Slip/Skid Indicator ....................................................7-13

Turn Rate Indicator ..................................................7-13

Air Data Computer (ADC) .......................................7-14

Trend Vectors ...........................................................7-14

Gyroscopic Flight Instruments .....................................7-15

Gyroscopic Principles ..............................................7-15

Rigidity in Space ...................................................7-15

Precession .............................................................7-15

Sources of Power ......................................................7-16

Turn Indicators .........................................................7-16

Turn-and-Slip Indicator ........................................7-17

Turn Coordinator ..................................................7-17

Inclinometer .............................................................7-18

Yaw String ............................................................7-18

Instrument Check ..................................................7-18

Attitude Indicator .....................................................7-18

Heading Indicator .....................................................7-20

Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) ...7-20

The Flux Gate Compass System ..............................7-20

Remote Indicating Compass .....................................7-21

Instrument Check ..................................................7-22

Compass Systems ........................................................7-22

Magnetic Compass ...................................................7-22

Magnetic Compass Induced Errors .......................7-23

The Vertical Card Magnetic Compass .....................7-26

Lags or Leads ........................................................7-26

Eddy Current Damping .........................................7-26

Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Gauge ......................7-26

Chapter Summary ........................................................7-26

Chapter 8

Flight Manuals and Other Documents ...............8-1

Introduction ....................................................................8-1

Preliminary Pages .......................................................8-2

General (Section 1) .....................................................8-2

Limitations (Section 2) ...............................................8-2

Airspeed ..................................................................8-2

Powerplant ..............................................................8-3

Weight and Loading Distribution ...........................8-3

Flight Limits ...........................................................8-4

Placards ...................................................................8-4

Emergency Procedures (Section 3) ............................8-4

Normal Procedures (Section 4) ..................................8-4

Performance (Section 5) .............................................8-4

Weight and Balance/Equipment List (Section 6) .......8-4

Systems Description (Section 7) ................................8-4

Handling, Service, and Maintenance (Section 8) .......8-4

Supplements (Section 9) .............................................8-5

Safety Tips (Section 10) .............................................8-5

Aircraft Documents ........................................................8-6

Certificate of Aircraft Registration .............................8-6

Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) .........................................8-7

Airworthiness Certificate ............................................8-7

Aircraft Maintenance ..................................................8-8

Aircraft Inspections ........................................................8-8

Annual Inspection ......................................................8-8

100-Hour Inspection ...................................................8-9

Other Inspection Programs .........................................8-9

Altimeter System Inspection ..................................8-9

Transponder Inspection ..........................................8-9

Emergency Locator Transmitter .............................8-9

Preflight Inspections ...............................................8-9

Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL) and Operations With 
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Inoperative Equipment ..................................................8-9

Preventive Maintenance ...............................................8-11

Maintenance Entries .............................................8-11

Examples of Preventive Maintenance ..................8-11

Repairs and Alterations ............................................8-12

Special Flight Permits ..............................................8-12

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) ..................................8-12

Aircraft Owner/Operator Responsibilities ...................8-13

Chapter Summary ........................................................8-14

Chapter 9

Weight and Balance ............................................9-1

Introduction ....................................................................9-1

Weight Control ...............................................................9-1

Effects of Weight .......................................................9-1

Weight Changes .........................................................9-2

Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity ......................9-2

Effects of Adverse Balance ........................................9-3

Stability ...................................................................9-3

Control ....................................................................9-3

Management of Weight and Balance Control ............9-4

Terms and Definitions ................................................9-4

Principles of Weight and Balance Computations .......9-6

Weight and Balance Restrictions ...............................9-7

Determining Loaded Weight and CG ............................9-7

Computational Method ...............................................9-7

Graph Method ............................................................9-7

Table Method .............................................................9-9

Computations With a Negative Arm ........................9-10

Computations With Zero Fuel Weight .....................9-10

Shifting, Adding, and Removing Weight .................9-10

Weight Shifting .....................................................9-10

Weight Addition or Removal ................................9-11

Chapter Summary ........................................................9-11

Chapter 10

Aircraft Performance .........................................10-1

Introduction ..................................................................10-1

Importance of Performance Data .................................10-1

Structure of the Atmosphere ........................................10-2

Atmospheric Pressure ..................................................10-2

Pressure Altitude ..........................................................10-3

Density Altitude ...........................................................10-3

Effects of Pressure on Density .................................10-4

Effects of Temperature on Density ..........................10-5

Effects of Humidity (Moisture) on Density .............10-5

Performance .................................................................10-5

Straight-and-Level Flight .........................................10-5

Climb Performance ..................................................10-6

Range Performance ..................................................10-8

Region of Reversed Command ..............................10-10

Takeoff and Landing Performance .........................10-11

Runway Surface and Gradient ................................10-11

Water on the Runway and Dynamic Hydroplaning10-13

Takeoff Performance ..............................................10-13

Landing Performance .............................................10-15

Performance Speeds ...................................................10-17

Performance Charts ....................................................10-17

Interpolation ...........................................................10-18

Density Altitude Charts ..........................................10-18

Takeoff Charts ........................................................10-19

Climb and Cruise Charts ........................................10-20

Crosswind and Headwind Component Chart .........10-24

Landing Charts .......................................................10-25

Stall Speed Performance Charts .............................10-26

Transport Category Airplane Performance ................10-26

Major Differences in Transport Category Versus NonTransport Category Performance Requirements ....10-27

Performance Requirements ....................................10-27

Takeoff ................................................................10-27

Landing ...............................................................10-27

Takeoff Planning ................................................10-27

Runway Requirements ...........................................10-27

Balanced Field Length ........................................10-28

Climb Requirements ..................................................10-30

First Segment ..........................................................10-30

Second Segment .....................................................10-31

Third or Acceleration Segment ..............................10-31

Fourth or Final Segment .........................................10-31

Second Segment Climb Limitations .......................10-31

Air Carrier Obstacle Clearance Requirements ...........10-31

Summary of Takeoff Requirements .......................10-32

Landing Performance .............................................10-32

Planning the Landing ..........................................10-32

Landing Requirements ........................................10-32

Approach Climb Requirements ..........................10-32

Landing Runway Required .................................10-33

Summary of Landing Requirements ......................10-33

Chapter Summary ......................................................10-34

Chapter 11

Weather Theory .................................................11-1

Introduction ..................................................................11-1

Atmosphere ..................................................................11-2

Composition of the Atmosphere ..............................11-2

Atmospheric Circulation ..........................................11-3

Atmospheric Pressure ...............................................11-3

Coriolis Force ...............................................................11-3

Measurement of Atmosphere Pressure ........................11-4

Altitude and Atmospheric Pressure .............................11-5

Altitude and Flight .......................................................11-6

Altitude and the Human Body .....................................11-6
xii

Wind and Currents .......................................................11-7

Wind Patterns ...........................................................11-7

Convective Currents .................................................11-7

Effect of Obstructions on Wind ...............................11-8

Low-Level Wind Shear ..........................................11-11

Wind and Pressure Representation on Surface

Weather Maps ........................................................11-11

Atmospheric Stability ................................................11-12

Inversion .................................................................11-13

Moisture and Temperature .....................................11-13

Relative Humidity ..................................................11-13

Temperature/Dew Point Relationship ....................11-13

Methods by Which Air Reaches the

Saturation Point ......................................................11-14

Dew and Frost ........................................................11-15

Fog ..........................................................................11-15

Clouds .....................................................................11-15

Ceiling ....................................................................11-17

Visibility .................................................................11-18

Precipitation ...........................................................11-18

Air Masses .................................................................11-18

Fronts .........................................................................11-18

Warm Front ............................................................11-19

Flight Toward an Approaching Warm Front ......11-20

Cold Front ..............................................................11-20

Fast-Moving Cold Front .....................................11-21

Flight Toward an Approaching Cold Front ........11-21

Comparison of Cold and Warm Fronts ..................11-22

Wind Shifts .............................................................11-22

Stationary Front ......................................................11-22

Occluded Front .......................................................11-22

Thunderstorms ........................................................11-22

Hazards ..............................................................11-23

Squall Line .........................................................11-23

Tornadoes ..........................................................11-23

Turbulence .........................................................11-24

Icing ...................................................................11-24

Hail ....................................................................11-24

Ceiling and Visibility .........................................11-25

Effect on Altimeters ...........................................11-25

Lightning .............................................................11-25

Engine Water Ingestion .....................................11-25

Chapter Summary ......................................................11-25

Chapter 12

Aviation Weather Services ...............................12-1

Introduction ..................................................................12-1

Observations ................................................................12-2

Surface Aviation Weather Observations ..................12-2

Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) .........12-2

Upper Air Observations ...........................................12-2

Radar Observations ..................................................12-2

Satellite .....................................................................12-3

Satellite Weather ...................................................12-3

Satellite Weather Products ....................................12-4

Service Outlets .............................................................12-4

Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) ...............12-4

Transcribed Information Briefing Service (TIBS) ...12-4

Direct User Access Terminal Service (DUATS) .....12-4

En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS) ..............12-5

Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory (HIWAS) .....12-5

Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB) ...............12-5

Weather Briefings ........................................................12-5

Standard Briefing ......................................................12-5

Abbreviated Briefing ................................................12-6

Outlook Briefing .......................................................12-6

Aviation Weather Reports ............................................12-6

Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) ..........12-6

Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs) ..............................12-8

Radar Weather Reports (RAREP) ............................12-9

Aviation Forecasts .....................................................12-10

Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) ...................12-10

Area Forecasts (FA) ...............................................12-11

Inflight Weather Advisories ...................................12-12

AIRMET .............................................................12-12

SIGMET .............................................................12-13

Convective Significant Meteorological

Information (WST) .............................................12-14

Winds and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FD) ........12-14

Weather Charts ...........................................................12-15

Surface Analysis Chart ...........................................12-15

Weather Depiction Chart ........................................12-16

Radar Summary Chart ............................................12-17

Significant Weather Prognostic Charts ..................12-18

ATC Radar Weather Displays ..................................12-19

Weather Avoidance Assistance ..............................12-21

Electronic Flight Displays (EFD) /Multi-Function

Display (MFD) Weather ...........................................12-21

Weather Products Age and Expiration ...................12-22

The Next Generation Weather Radar System 

(NEXRAD) .............................................................12-22

Level II Data Products ........................................12-22

Level III Data Products .......................................12-22

NEXRAD Abnormalities ....................................12-23

NEXRAD Limitations ........................................12-23

AIRMET/SIGMET Display ...................................12-24

Graphical METARs ................................................12-24

Chapter Summary ......................................................12-26
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Chapter 13

Airport Operations .............................................13-1

Introduction ..................................................................13-1

Types of Airports .........................................................13-1

Towered Airport .......................................................13-2

Nontowered Airport .................................................13-2

Sources for Airport Data ..............................................13-2

Aeronautical Charts ..................................................13-3

Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD) ............................13-3

Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) ................................13-3

Airport Markings and Signs .........................................13-4

Runway Markings ....................................................13-4

Taxiway Markings ....................................................13-5

Other Markings ........................................................13-5

Airport Signs ............................................................13-6

Airport Lighting ...........................................................13-6

Airport Beacon .........................................................13-6

Approach Light Systems ..........................................13-7

Visual Glideslope Indicators ....................................13-7

Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) .............13-7

Other Glidepath Systems ......................................13-7

Runway Lighting ......................................................13-8

Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) ..................13-8

Runway Edge Lights .............................................13-8

In-Runway Lighting ..............................................13-9

Control of Airport Lighting ......................................13-9

Taxiway Lights .........................................................13-9

Obstruction Lights ....................................................13-9

Wind Direction Indicators ..........................................13-10

Traffic Patterns ..........................................................13-10

Key to Traffic Pattern

Operations—Single Runway ..................................13-11

Key to Traffic Pattern

Operations—Parallel Runways ..............................13-11

Radio Communications ..............................................13-11

Radio License .........................................................13-11

Radio Equipment ....................................................13-12

Lost Communication Procedures ...........................13-12

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services ...........................13-13

Primary Radar ........................................................13-13

ATC Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) ................13-14

Transponder ............................................................13-14

Radar Traffic Advisories ........................................13-14

Wake Turbulence .......................................................13-15

Vortex Generation ..................................................13-16

Vortex Strength ......................................................13-16

Vortex Behavior .....................................................13-16

Vortex Avoidance Procedures ................................13-17

Collision Avoidance ...................................................13-17

Clearing Procedures ...............................................13-18

Runway Incursion Avoidance ................................13-18

Chapter Summary ......................................................13-18

Chapter 14

Airspace .............................................................14-1

Introduction ..................................................................14-1

Controlled Airspace .....................................................14-2

Class A Airspace ......................................................14-2

Class B Airspace ......................................................14-2

Class C Airspace ......................................................14-2

Class D Airspace ......................................................14-2

Class E Airspace .......................................................14-2

Uncontrolled Airspace .................................................14-3

Class G Airspace ......................................................14-3

Special Use Airspace ...................................................14-3

Prohibited Areas .......................................................14-3

Restricted Areas .......................................................14-3

Warning Areas ..........................................................14-4

Military Operation Areas (MOAs) ...........................14-4

Alert Areas ...............................................................14-4

Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs) ...............................14-4

Other Airspace Areas ...................................................14-4

Local Airport Advisory (LAA) ................................14-4

Military Training Routes (MTRs) ............................14-6

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) ......................14-6

Published VFR Routes .............................................14-6

Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs) ..................14-6

National Security Areas (NSAs) ..............................14-6

Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System14-7

Coordinating the Use of Airspace ............................14-7

Operating in the Various Types of Airspace ............14-7

Basic VFR Weather Minimums ............................14-7

Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment

Requirements ........................................................14-7

Ultralight Vehicles ..............................................14-10

Unmanned Free Balloons ...................................14-10

Parachute Jumps .................................................14-10

Chapter Summary ......................................................14-10

Chapter 15

Navigation ..........................................................15-1

Introduction ..................................................................15-1

Aeronautical Charts .....................................................15-2

Sectional Charts ........................................................15-2

VFR Terminal Area Charts ......................................15-2

World Aeronautical Charts .......................................15-2

Lattitude and Longitude (Meridians and Parallels) .....15-3

Time Zones ...............................................................15-3

Measurement of Direction ........................................15-5

Variation ...................................................................15-6

Deviation ..................................................................15-8

Effect of Wind ..............................................................15-9

Basic Calculations ......................................................15-11

Converting Minutes to Equivalent Hours ...............15-11
xiv

Time T = D/GS ...................................................15-11

Distance D = GS X T ..........................................15-11

GS GS = D/T ......................................................15-11

Converting Knots to Miles Per Hour ......................15-11

Fuel Consumption ..................................................15-12

Flight Computers ....................................................15-12

Plotter .....................................................................15-12

Pilotage ......................................................................15-12

Dead Reckoning .........................................................15-12

The Wind Triangle or Vector Analysis ..................15-12

Flight Planning ...........................................................15-16

Assembling Necessary Material .............................15-16

Weather Check .......................................................15-17

Use of Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD) ..............15-17

Airplane Flight Manual or Pilot’s Operating

Handbook (AFM/POH) ..........................................15-17

Charting the Course ...................................................15-17

Steps in Charting the Course ..................................15-19

Filing a VFR Flight Plan ............................................15-20

Radio Navigation .......................................................15-21

Very High Frequency (VHF) Omnidirectional

Range (VOR) ..........................................................15-22

Using the VOR ...................................................15-23

Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) ..........................15-23

Horizontal Situation Indicator ................................15-24

Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI) ............................15-24

Tracking With VOR ...............................................15-25

Tips on Using the VOR ..........................................15-26

Time and Distance Check From a Station ..............15-26

Course Intercept ....................................................15-27

Rate of Intercept .................................................15-27

Angle of Intercept ..............................................15-27

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) .................15-27

VOR/DME RNAV .................................................15-27

Automatic Direction Finder (ADF) ........................15-29

Loran-C Navigation ................................................15-30

Global Positioning System .....................................15-32

Selective Availability ..........................................15-32

VFR Use of GPS ................................................15-32

RAIM Capability ................................................15-33

Tips for Using GPS for VFR Operations ...............15-33

VFR Waypoints .....................................................15-34

Lost Procedures ..........................................................15-34

Flight Diversion .........................................................15-34

Chapter Summary ......................................................15-35

Chapter 16

Aeromedical Factors .........................................16-1

Introduction ..................................................................16-1

Obtaining a Medical Certificate ...................................16-2

Health and Physiological Factors Affecting Pilot 

Performance .................................................................16-2

Hypoxia ....................................................................16-2

Hypoxic Hypoxia ..................................................16-2

Hypemic Hypoxia .................................................16-2

Stagnant Hypoxia ..................................................16-3

Histotoxic Hypoxia ...............................................16-3

Symptoms of Hypoxia ..............................................16-3

Hyperventilation .......................................................16-3

Middle Ear and Sinus Problems ...............................16-4

Spatial Disorientation and Illusions .........................16-5

Vestibular Illusions ...............................................16-6

Visual Illusions .....................................................16-7

Postural Considerations ............................................16-7

Demonstration of Spatial Disorientation ..................16-8

Climbing While Accelerating ...............................16-8

Climbing While Turning .......................................16-8

Diving While Turning ...........................................16-8

Tilting to Right or Left .........................................16-8

Reversal of Motion ...............................................16-8

Diving or Rolling Beyond the Vertical Plane .......16-8

Coping with Spatial Disorientation ..........................16-8

Optical Illusions .......................................................16-9

Runway Width Illusion .........................................16-9

Runway and Terrain Slopes Illusion .....................16-9

Featureless Terrain Illusion ..................................16-9

Water Refraction ...................................................16-9

Haze ......................................................................16-9

Fog ........................................................................16-9

Ground Lighting Illusions .....................................16-9

How To Prevent Landing Errors Due to

Optical Illusions .....................................................16-11

Motion Sickness .....................................................16-11

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning ........................16-11

Stress ......................................................................16-11

Fatigue ....................................................................16-12

Dehydration and Heatstroke ...................................16-12

Alcohol ...................................................................16-13

Drugs ......................................................................16-14

Altitude-Induced Decompression Sickness (DCS) 16-16

DCS After Scuba Diving ....................................16-16
xv

Vision in Flight ..........................................................16-17

Empty-Field Myopia ..............................................16-18

Night Vision ...........................................................16-18

Night Vision Illusions ............................................16-19

Autokinesis .........................................................16-19

False Horizon ......................................................16-19

Night Landing Illusions ..........................................16-19

Chapter Summary ......................................................16-20

Chapter 17

Aeronautical Decision-Making .........................17-1

Introduction ..................................................................17-1

History of ADM ...........................................................17-2

Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Single-Pilot 

Resource Management .................................................17-4

Hazard and Risk ...........................................................17-4

Hazardous Attitudes and Antidotes ..........................17-4

Risk ...........................................................................17-4

Assessing Risk ......................................................17-5

Likelihood of an Event .........................................17-6

Severity of an Event ..............................................17-6

Mitigating Risk .....................................................17-6

The PAVE Checklist ...............................................17-6

P = Pilot in Command (PIC) ................................17-8

A = Aircraft .........................................................17-8

V = EnVironment .................................................17-8

E = External Pressures ..........................................17-9

Human Behavior ........................................................17-10

The Decision-Making Process ...................................17-11

SRM and the 5P Check .........................................17-11

The Plan .............................................................17-12

The Plane ...........................................................17-13

The Pilot .............................................................17-13

The Passengers ...................................................17-13

The Programming ..............................................17-13

Perceive, Process, Perform (3P) .............................17-14

Perceive, Process, Perform with

CARE and TEAM ...............................................17-14

Forming Good Safety Habits .............................17-16

The OODA Loop ....................................................17-16

The DECIDE Model ...............................................17-17

Detect (the Problem) ...........................................17-19

Estimate (the Need To React) .............................17-19

Choose (a Course of Action) ..............................17-19

Identify (Solutions) .............................................17-19

Do (the Necessary Actions) ................................17-19

Evaluate (the Effect of the Action) ....................17-19

Decision-Making in a Dynamic Environment ..........17-19

Automatic Decision-Making .................................17-20

Operational Pitfalls .............................................17-20

Stress Management ................................................17-20

Use of Resources ....................................................17-20

Internal Resources ..............................................17-20

External Resources .............................................17-22

Situational Awareness ................................................17-23

Obstacles to Maintaining Situational Awareness ...17-23

Workload Management ......................................17-23

Managing Risks ..................................................17-24

Automation ................................................................17-25

Results of the Study ................................................17-27

Equipment Use .......................................................17-29

Autopilot Systems ...............................................17-29

Familiarity ...........................................................17-29

Respect for Onboard Systems .............................17-29

Reinforcement of Onboard Suites ......................17-29

Getting Beyond Rote Workmanship ...................17-29

Understand the Platform ....................................17-29

Managing Aircraft Automation .............................17-30

Information Management ...................................17-30

Enhanced Situational Awareness ...........................17-31

Automation Management .......................................17-31

Risk Management ......................................................17-32

Chapter Summary .....................................................17-32

Appendix .............................................................A-1

Glossary ..............................................................G-1

Index ......................................................................I-1
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