Private Pilot Reading List
Reading list for the student pilot / private pilot
If you are just starting your training for your student pilot / private pilot license, focus initially on just the items marked with a ☆. After your first few lessons, we will discuss when you should add in the other items on this page to your active reading list.
Handbooks and the like (important fundamental reading)
☆ FAA-H-8083-25 - Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (aka PHAK)
☆ POH - Pilot's Operating Handbook appropriate for your training aircraft (generic versions: C172SP w/ Garmin G1000, C172SP w/ 6-pack, Diamond DA40 )
G1000 reading list - add this if you will be training in an aircraft with the G1000 or Cirrus Perspective avionics
Private Pilot - Airplane Airman Certification Standards (aka ACS)
Guides, Primers, Courses, Quizzes, Videos, and similar sources of specific information
☆ Pilot Supplies List - Supplies that you will need for your training
☆ Cessna C172SP Start Procedure - Useful if you are flying the C172SP
Pattern Guide - Flying the pattern for the beginning pilot
Radio Primer - Radio operations for the beginning pilot
Runway Safety - A Best Practices Guide to Operations and Communications
Radio Communication and ATC - Excellent set of resources by AOPA and the Air Safety Institute (you must be a member of AOPA for access)
Student Pilot Resources - Excellent set of resources by AOPA and the Air Safety Institute (you must be a member of AOPA for access)
Airspace Chart - Great one page graphic reference
Airspace Course - A course from the FAA Safety Team all about airspace
ASA Pilot References - Great condensed reference for all pilots (14 page PDF)
Flying Wisdom - A collection of rules of thumb, wisdom, etc. useful to all pilots
Recommended References
You should get these and refer to them when appropriate, but there is no need to read them cover to cover.