Library
The library is a great place to go when you need to do a little research. We've compiled an online library of flight training resources that you can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the comfort of your home or office. Access to most of this information is restricted to AOPA members, who also have access to the significant resources available in the members-only section of AOPA Online. Many of the documents referenced here are PDF files; click to view them, or right click to download. Visit our help page for the latest version of Adobe Reader.
Federal Aviation Regulations
Aeronautical Information Manual
AOPA Flight Training online archives
More information on all aspects of primary flight training are available in the AOPA Flight Training online archives. Search for an article by using subject keywords, or use the index to find articles for a specific month and year.
AOPA Pilot online archives
AOPA's Handbook for Pilots
Aeronautical Chart User's Guide
This publication, produced by the FAA's National Aeronautical Charting Office, is an expanded guide to the symbology used on both VFR and IFR charts.
Intercept procedures card
Today's security environment brings increased chances that you may be intercepted by a military aircraft. Would you know what to do? Download and print this handy guide from the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, and carry it with you whenever you fly.
Cloud chart
This chart, produced by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, includes photos as well as descriptions of the major cloud types to simplify identification. Also included is an explanation of how they might affect your flight.
FAA Practical Test Standards
These documents, prepared by the FAA, establish the standards to which applicants must perform during the practical test for a pilot certificate. Because these are the references that pilot examiners use, they're an excellent tool for students and flight instructors. Files are PDFs.
- Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airplane (Single engine land, multiengine land, single-engine sea, multiengine sea) FAA-S-8081-14A
- Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Rotorcraft, Helicopter, and Gyroplane FAA-S-8081-15
- Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Lighter-Than-Air FAA-S-8081-17
- Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for Glider FAA-S-8081-22
- Recreational Pilot Practical Test Standards for Airplane and Rotorcraft FAA-S-8081-3
Basic forms
These documents will be useful at some point in your flight training, preflight planning, or to efficiently obtain frequently requested services from the FAA. Files are PDFs.
- ASF Flight Planner
- FAA flight plan form
- FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application
- NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System reporting form
- FAA Application for Replacement of Lost, Destroyed, or Paper Airman Certificate(s) and Knowledge Test Report(s)
- FAA Form 8060-55, Change of Address Notification (Airmen Certificate Holder)
- FAA Request for Change of Airman Certificate Number
