FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge [FAA 2003].pdf

Front Matter.qxd 10/28/03 6:13 AM Page i

PILOT’S HANDBOOK

Aeronautical Knowledge

2003

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

Flight Standards Service

Front Matter.qxd 10/28/03 6:13 AM Page ii

Front Matter.qxd 11/19/03 7:53 AM Page iii

PREFACE

The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This hand-

book introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot train-

ing. 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 also become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR

and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at http://www.faa.gov/atpubs .

The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and subject matter knowledge codes for all

airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from the Flight Standards Service Web site at http://av-info.faa.gov .

This handbook supersedes Advisory Circular (AC) 61-23C, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, dated

1997.

This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO),

Washington, DC 20402-9325, or from http://bookstore.gpo.gov . This handbook is also available for download from

the Flight Standards Service Web site at http://av-info.faa.gov .

This handbook is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman

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

book should be sent in e-mail form to AFS630comments@faa.gov .

AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the current status of FAA advisory circulars and

other flight information and publications. This checklist is available via the Internet at

http://www.faa.gov/aba/html_policies/ac00_2.html.

iii

Front Matter.qxd 10/28/03 6:13 AM Page iv