FAA Airplane Flying Handbook: ASA FAA-H-8083-3A

The Airplane Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual to introduce basic pilot skills and knowledge that are essential for piloting airplanes. It provides information on transition to other airplanes and the operation of various airplane systems. It is developed by the Flight Standards Service, Airman Testing Standards Branch, in cooperation with various aviation educators and industry.


This handbook is developed to assist student pilots learning to fly airplanes. It is also beneficial to pilots who wish to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, those pilots preparing for additional certificates or ratings, and flight instructors engaged in the instruction of both student and certificated pilots. It introduces the future pilot to the realm of flight and provides information and guidance in the performance of procedures and maneuvers required for pilot certification. Topics such as navigation and communication, meteorology, use of flight information publications, regulations, and aeronautical decision making are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.


This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the FAA. There are different ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in the explanations of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept of flying airplanes. The discussion and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles. 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).


This book contains the following chapters:


Chapter 1. Introduction to Flight Training

Chapter 2. Ground Operations

Chapter 3. Basic Flight Maneuvers

Chapter 4. Slow Flight, Stalls, and Spins

Chapter 5. Takeoffs and Departures

Chapter 6. Ground Reference Maneuvers

Chapter 7. Airport Traffic Patterns

Chapter 8. Approaches and Landings

Chapter 9. Performance Maneuvers

Chapter 10. Night Operations

Chapter 11. Transition to Complex Airplanes

Chapter 12. Transition to Multiengine Airplanes

Chapter 13. Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes

Chapter 14. Transition to Turbopropeller Airplanes

Chapter 15. Transition to Jet Powered Airplanes

Chapter 16. Emergency Procedures