Private Pilot Aeronautical Knowledge
This page will give you all the information you need to pass the private pilot written knowledge exam.
As mentioned on our home page, there are a few important parts of learning to fly. Theoretical knowledge required in flying an airplane. Such knowledge might include aerodynamics, flight planning, weather theory, and federal regulations. The second is practical knowledge. This is knowledge required to safely operate the airplane in normal and emergency operations. The third is much harder to learn and teach. The third is sound judgement. Sound judgement makes use of both theoretical book knowledge and practical knowledge and helps you make good aeronautical decisions.
On this page, we will help you learn the theoretical knowledge and try to pass on tips to help make sound judgement. There are several links below for each section so that you can read a little at a time to study.
Introduction to General Aviation and the Private Pilot Certificate
What do you do with a Private Pilots Certificate?
Introduction
The role of the FAA and a brief introduction to Aircraft, Pilot, and Mechanic certification
People you meet on your path to a pilot certificate
What pilot certificated should you get?
The costs of becoming a Pilot
General Requirements and Required Exams for the Private Pilot Certificate
Free Study Material to help you pass your written exam
The Airplane
Aircraft Configurations
Aircraft Structures
The Basic Airframe Components and Control Surfaces
Aerodynamics
Aircraft Stability
Aircraft Instruments
Pitot-Static System
Gyroscopic Instruments
The 6 Pack "T" Arrangement and Scan
The Magnetic Compass
Radios
Communication Radios
Navigation Radios (VOR, ILS/LOC, DME, GPS, NDB/ADF, Transponder)
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
Engines and Engine Operation
Engine Designations
The Four Cycles (“Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow”)
Engine Power Control
Engine Temperature
Ignition Systems and Electrical Systems
Carburetors and Fuel/Air Mixture Control
Engine Starting
Operating the Engine
Ground Operations
Fuels and Fuel Practices
Securing the Aircraft
Hand Signals
Airports
Runway Orientation and Markings, Taxiways
Airport Signs
Airport Lighting
The Traffic Pattern
Wind Indicators
Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
Wake Turbulence
Collision Avoidance
Airspace
General Airspace (Class A, B, C, D, E, and G)
Required Radio Communication and Weather Minimum Summary
Special Use Airspace
Air Traffic Control (ATC)
ATC Facilities
Transponder Codes and Operation
ATC Advisories (traffic alerts)
Light Gun Signals
Radio Phraseology
Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO)
General Flight Procedures
Federal Aviation Regulations (Title 14 C.F.R)
Some of the FAR’s that are applicable to Private Pilot
Airplane Performance
V Speeds
Take Off Distance
Landing Distance
Airspeed Calibration
Stall Speed
Wind Components and Cross Wind Capability
Maximum Rate of Climb
Climb and Cruise Performance
Range and Endurance Profile
Weight and Balance
Empty Weight and Empty CG
Weights, Moments, and Moment Arms
Center of Gravity Envelopes
Standard Weights and Sample Problems
Aeromedical Factors
Fitness for Flight
Effects of Altitude
Hyper Ventilation and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
In flight Illusions
Illusions Leading to Landing Errors
In Flight Vision and Proper Scanning
Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM) and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
Hazard and Risk
Aeronautical Decision Making
Risk Management
Situational Awareness
Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT)
Automation Management
Aviation Weather Theory
The Atmosphere
Convection
Coriolis
Pressure
Sea Breeze and Land Breeze
Atmospheric Stability
Temperature Inversion
Change of State (Evaporation, Condensation, Sublimation, Deposition)
Humidity, Dew Point, Frost, Temperature
Clouds (Stratus, Cumulus, Cirrus, Nimbus)
Ice Pellets and Hail
Air masses and Fronts
Thunderstorms
Turbulence
Wind Shear
Microburst
Icing
Aviation Weather Services
Weather Briefings (Abbreviated, Standard, Outlook)
Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)
Pilot Reports (PIREP)
Area Forecast (FA)
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
Aviation Weather Advisories
En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS/Flight Watch)
Wind and Temperature aloft Forecast (FB)
Wind and Temperature aloft Chard (FD)
Weather Depiction Chart
RADAR Summary and RADR Weather Reports
Significant Weather Prognostic Charts
Navigation Charts and Publications
Sectional Charts
Airport/Facility Directory (AFD)
Navigation Systems
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
Automatic Direction Finder (ADF)
Radio Magnetic Indicator (RMI)
Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR)
Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI)
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Localizer and Glide slope (ILS)
Cross Country Flight Planning
VFR Flight Plan
Pre-flight planning (route, altitude, airspace, weather, etc)
The E6B Flight Computer
Determining Route, Altitude, Courses and Headings, and Time Enroute
Aircraft Pre-Flight Inspection
Proper Taxi Technique (Quartering Winds)
Example Flight and Corresponding Planning
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