Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C)
Chapter 1: Introduction to Flight Training
Introduction
The overall purpose of primary and intermediate flight training, as outlined in this handbook, is the acquisition and honing of basic
airmanship skills. [Figure 1-1] Airmanship is a broad term that includes a sound knowledge of and experience with the principles of
flight; the knowledge, experience, and ability to operate an aircraft with competence and precision both on the ground and in the air;
and the application of sound judgment that results in optimal operational safety and efficiency. [Figure 1-2] Learning to fly an
aircraft has often been compared to learning to drive an automobile. This analogy is misleading. Since aircraft operate in a three-
dimensional environment, they require a depth of knowledge and type of motor skill development that is more sensitive to this
situation, such as:
⦁ Coordination–the ability to use the hands and feet together subconsciously and in the proper relationship
to produce desired results in the airplane.
⦁ Timing–the application of muscular coordination at the proper instant to make flight, and all maneuvers, a
constant, smooth process.
⦁ Control touch–the ability to sense the action of the airplane and knowledge to determine its probable
actions immediately regarding attitude and speed variations by sensing the varying pressures and resistance
of the control surfaces transmitted through the flight controls.
⦁ Speed sense–the ability to sense and react to reasonable variations of airspeed.
Figure 1-1. Primary and intermediate flight training teaches basic airmanship skills and creates a good foundation for learners.
An accomplished pilot demonstrates the knowledge and ability to:
⦁ Assess a situation quickly and accurately and determine the correct procedure to be followed under the
existing circumstance.
⦁ Predict the probable results of a given set of circumstances or of a proposed procedure.
⦁ Exercise care and due regard for safety.
⦁ Accurately gauge the performance of the aircraft.
⦁ Recognize personal limitations and limitations of the aircraft and avoid exceeding them.
⦁ I
dentify, assess, and mitigate risk on an ongoing basis.
Figure 1-2. Good airmansh ip skills include sound knowledg e of the principles of flight and the ability to opera te an airplane with
competence and precision.
The development of airmanship skills depends upon effort and dedication on the part of both the learner and the flight instructor,
beginning with the very first training flight where proper habit formation begins with the learner being introduced to good operating
practices.
Every airplane has its own particular flight characteristics. The purpose of primary and intermediate flight training, however, is not to
learn how to fly a particular make and model airplane. The purpose of flight training is to develop the knowledge, experience, skills,
and safe habits that establish a foundation and are transferable to any airplane. The pilot who has acquired necessary skills during
training, and develops these skills by flying training-type airplanes with precision and safe flying habits, is able to easily transition to
more complex and higher performance airplanes. Also note that the goal of flight training is a safe and competent pilot; passing
required practical tests for pilot certification is only incidental to this goal.
Role of the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is empowered by the U.S. Congress to promote aviation safety by prescribing safety
standards for civil aviation. Standards are established for the certification of airmen and aircraft, as well as outlining operating rules.
This is accomplished through the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), formerly referred to as Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).
Title 14 of the CFR (14 CFR) is titled Aeronautics and Space with Chapter 1 dedicated to the FAA. Subchapters are broken down by
category with numbered parts detailing specific information. [Figure 1-3] For ease of reference and since the parts are numerical, the
abbreviated pattern 14 CFR part ___ is used (e.g., 14 CFR part 91).
This guidance is not legally binding in its own right and will not be relied upon by the FAA as a separate basis for affirmative
enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with the guidance is voluntary only and nonconformity will not affect
rights and obligations under existing statutes and regulations.
While the various subchapters and parts of 14 CFR provide general to specific guidance regarding aviation operations within the
U.S., the topic of aircraft certification and airworthiness is spread through several interconnected parts of 14 CFR.
Figure 1-3. Title 14 CFR, Chapter 1, Aeronautics and Space and subchapters.
⦁ 14 CFR part 21 prescribes procedural requirements for issuing airworthiness certificates and
airworthiness approvals for aircraft and aircraft parts. A standard airworthiness certificate, FAA Form
8100-2 [Figure 1-4], is required to be displayed in the aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR part 91,
section 91.203(b). It is issued for aircraft type certificated in the normal, utility, acrobatic, commuter or
transport category, and for manned free balloons. A standard airworthiness certificate remains valid as long
as the aircraft meets its approved type design, is in a condition for safe operation and maintenance, and
preventative maintenance and alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91.
⦁ 14 CFR part 39 is the authority for the FAA to issue Airworthiness Directives (ADs) when an unsafe
condition exists in a product, aircraft, or part, and the condition is likely to exist or develop in other
products of the same type design.
⦁ 14 CFR part 43 prescribes rules governing the maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and
alteration of any aircraft having a U.S. airworthiness certificate. It also applies to the airframe,
aircraft engines, propellers, appliances, and component parts of such aircraft.
⦁ 14 CFR part 45 identifies the requirements for the identification of aircraft, engines, propellers, certain
replacement and modification parts, and the nationality and registration marking required on U.S.-
registered aircraft.
⦁ 14 CFR part 91 outlines aircraft certifications and equipment requirements for the operation of aircraft in
U.S. airspace. It also prescribes rules governing maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations. Also
ound in 14 CFR part 91 is the requirement to maintain records of maintenance, preventive maintenance,
and alterations, as well as records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved
inspections.
Figure 1-4. FAA Form 8100-2, Standard Airworthiness Certificate.
While 14 CFR part 91, section 91.205 outlines the minimum equipment required for flight, the Airplane Flight Manual/Pilot’s
Operating Handbook (AFM/POH) lists the equipment required for the airplane to be airworthy. The equipment list found in the
AFM/POH is developed during the airplane certification process. This list identifies those items that are required for airworthiness,
optional equipment installed in addition to the required equipment, and any supplemental items or appliances.
Figure 1-5 shows an example of some of the required equipment, standard or supplemental (not required but commonly found in the
aircraft) and optional equipment for an aircraft. The equipment list, originally issued by the manufacturer, is maintained by the Type
Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS). An aircraft and its installed components and parts must conform to the original Type Certificate or
approved altered conditions to meet the definition of airworthy in accordance with 14 CFR part 3.5.
Certification requirements for pilots, medical certificate requirements, and operating rules are found in the following parts:
⦁ 14 CFR part 61 pertains to the certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. It
prescribes the eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency training, and testing requirements for
each type of pilot certificate issued.
⦁ 14 CFR part 67 prescribes the medical standards and certification procedures for issuing medical
certificates for airmen and for remaining eligible for a medical certificate.
⦁ 14 CFR part 68 contains requirements for operating certain small aircraft without a medical certificate.
⦁ 14 CFR part 91 contains general operating and flight rules. The section is broad in scope and
rovides general guidance in the areas of general flight rules, visual flight rules (VFR), instrument
flight rules (IFR), and as previously discussed aircraft maintenance, and preventive maintenance and
alterations.
Figure 1-5. Example of some of the required standard or supplemental and optional equipment for an aircraft.
Flight Standards Service
The FAA’s Flight Standards Service (FS) sets aviation standards for airmen and aircraft operations in the United States and for
American airmen and aircraft around the world. Flight Standards is organized into four functional offices: Office of Safety Standards,
Air Carrier Safety Assurance, General Aviation Safety Assurance, and Foundational Business.
The primary interface between FS and the general aviation community/general public is the local Flight Standards District Office
(FSDO). The FSDOs are responsible for the certification and surveillance of certain air carriers, air operators, flight scho ols/training
centers, airmen (pilots, flight instructors, mechanics and other certificate holders). FSDO inspectors also handle general aviation
accident investigation at the request of, or in cooperation with, the National Transportation Safety Board.
Each FSDO is staffed by Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) whose specialties include operations, maintenance, and avionics. General
Aviation ASIs are highly qualified and experienced aviators. Once accepted for the position, an inspector will satisfactorily complete
indoctrination training conducted at the FAA Academy. The indoctrination training coursework for a General Aviation Operation s
Inspector, which is oriented to the tasks to be performed by an ASI in the general aviation environment, includes classroom and flight
training on pilot certification activities. Thereafter, the inspector will complete recurrent training on a regular basis. Among other
duties, the ASI is responsible for administering FAA practical tests for pilot and flight instructor certificates and associated ratings.
Questions concerning pilot certification and/or requests for other aviation information or services should be directed to the FSDO.
For specific FSDO locations and telephone numbers, refer to www.faa.gov.
Role of the Pilot Examiner
Pilot and flight instructor certificates are issued by the FAA upon satisfactory completion of required knowledge and practical tests.
The administration of practical tests is an FAA responsibility that may occur at the FSDO level. However, in order to satisfy the
public need for pilot testing and certification services, the FAA delegates certain responsibilities, as the need arises, to private
individuals who are not FAA employees. A Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is a private citizen who is designated as a
representative of the FAA Administrator to perform specific (but limited) pilot certification tasks on behalf of the FAA and may
charge a reasonable fee for doing so. Generally, a DPE’s authority is limited to accepting applications and conducting practical tests
leading to the issuance of specific pilot certificates and/or ratings. A DPE operates under the direct supervision of the FSDO that
holds the examiner’s designation file. A FSDO inspector is assigned to monitor the DPE’s certification activities.
The FAA selects highly qualified individuals to be DPEs. These individuals have good industry reputations for professionalism, high
integrity, a demonstrated willingness to serve the public, and adhere to FAA policies and procedures in certification matters. A DPE
is expected to administer practical tests with the same degree of professionalism, using the same methods, procedures, and standards
as an FAA ASI. Note that a DPE is not an FAA ASI. A DPE cannot initiate enforcement action, investigate accidents, or perform
surveillance activities on behalf of the FAA. However, the majority of FAA practical tests at the recreational, private, and commercial
pilot level are administered by DPEs.
Role of the Flight Instructor
The flight instructor is the cornerstone of aviation safety. The FAA has adopted an operational training concept that places the full
responsibility for pilot training on the flight instructor. In this role, the instructor assumes the total responsibility for providing
training in all the knowledge areas and skills necessary for pilots to operate safely and competently in the National Airspace System
(NAS). This training includes airmanship skills, pilot judgment and decision-making, hazard identification, risk analysis, and good
operating practices. (See Risk Management Handbook, FAA-H-8083-2). [Figure 1-6]
Figure 1-6. The flight instructor is responsible for teaching and training.
A flight instructor normally meets broad flying experience requirements, passes rigid knowledge and practical tests, and demonstrates
the ability to apply recommended teaching techniques before being certificated.
A pilot training program is dependent on the quality of the ground and flight instruction given. A good flight instructor has a
thorough understanding of the learning process, knowledge of the fundamentals of instruction, and the ability to communicate
effectively with the learner.
A good flight instructor uses a syllabus and insists on correct techniques and procedures from the beginning of training so that the
learner will develop proper habit patterns. The syllabus should embody the “building block” method of instruction in which the
learner systematically progresses from the known to the unknown. The course of instruction should be laid out so that each ne w
maneuver embodies the principles involved in the performance of those previously undertaken. Consequently, through each new
subject introduced, the learner not only learns a new principle or technique, but also broadens their application of those previously
learned and has their deficiencies in the previous maneuvers emphasized and made obvious. [Figure 1-7]
Figure 1-7. Sample lesson plan for stall training and recovery procedures.
The flying habits of the flight instructor, both during flight instruction and as observed by learners when conducting other pilot
operations, have a vital effect on safety. Learners consider their flight instructor to be a paragon of flying proficiency whose flying
habits they, consciously or unconsciously, attempt to imitate. For this reason, a good flight instructor meticulously observes the safety
practices taught to the learners. Additionally, a good flight instructor carefully observes all regulations and recognized safety
practices during all flight operations.
A prospective pilot should know that there are other differences among flight instructors. Certain instructors who have performed at a
high level have earned a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate. This is not a requirement when looking for an instructor, but it is
indication of an active and successful instructor. Top notch instructors also participate in the Pilot Proficiency Awards Wings
Program (Wings program) to improve their proficiency and to serve as an example to learners who also benefit from program
participation.
Generally, an individual who enrolls in a pilot training program is prepared to commit considerable time, effort, and expense in
pursuit of a pilot certificate. A trainee may judge the effectiveness of the flight instructor and the overall success of the pilot training
program solely in terms of being able to pass the requisite FAA practical test. A good flight instructor is able to communicate that
evaluation through practical tests is a mere sampling of pilot ability that is compressed into a short period of time. The flight
instructor’s role is to train the “total” pilot.
Sources of Flight Training
The major sources of flight training in the United States include FAA-approved pilot schools and training centers, non-certificated
(14 CFR part 61) flying schools, and independent flight instructors. FAA-approved schools are those flight schools certificated by the
FAA as pilot schools under 14 CFR part 141. [Figure 1-8]
Figure 1-8. FAA Form 8000-4, Air Agency Certificate.
Application for part 141 certification is voluntary, and the school needs to meet specific requirements for personnel, equipment,
maintenance, and facilities. The school operates each course offering in accordance with an established curriculum that includes a
training course outline (TCO) approved by the FAA. Each TCO contains enrollment prerequisites, a detailed description of each
lesson including standards and objectives, expected accomplishments and standards for each stage of training, and a description of the
checks and tests used to measure each training course enrollee's accomplishments. An FAA-approved pilot school Air Agency
certificate expires and needs to be renewed every 2 years.
Renewal is contingent upon proof of continued high quality instruction and a minimum level of instructional activity. Training at an
FAA-certificated pilot school is structured and because of this structured environment, the graduates of these pilot schools are
allowed to meet the certification experience requirements of 14 CFR part 61 with less flight time. Many FAA-certificated pilot
schools have DPEs on staff to administer FAA practical tests. Some schools have been granted examining authority by the FAA. A
school with examining authority for a particular course(s) has the authority to recommend its graduates for pilot certificates or ratings
without further testing by the FAA. A list of FAA-certificated pilot schools and their training courses can be found at
https://av-info.faa.gov/pilotschool.asp.
FAA-approved training centers are certificated under 14 CFR part 142. Training centers, like certificated pilot schools, operate in a
structured environment with approved courses and curricula and stringent standards for personnel, equipment, facilities, operating
procedures, and record keeping. Training centers certificated under 14 CFR part 142, however, specialize in the use of flight
simulation (full flight simulators and flight training devices) in their training courses.