Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge 2016 Ch. 1 Introduction To Flying (New version 2022)

Introduction
The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides
basic knowledge for the student pilot learning to fly, as well
as pilots seeking advanced pilot certification. For detailed
information on a variety of specialized flight topics, see
specific Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handbooks
and Advisory Circulars (ACs).
This chapter offers a brief history of flight, introduces the
history and role of the FAA in civil aviation, FAA regulations
and standards, government references and publications,
eligibility for pilot certificates, available routes to flight
instruction, the role of the Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
and Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in flight training,
Practical Test Standards (PTS), and new, industry-developed
Airman Certification Standards (ACS) framework that will
eventually replace the PTS.

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-8083-25A, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, dated 2008.
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.