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

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The fundamental skills and essential information necessary for piloting airplanes are introduced in this beginning aviator's guide. Pilots wishing to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, flyers preparing for additional certificates or ratings, and flight instructors engaged in the instruction of both students and licensed pilots will benefit from the information in this pilot resource. The official FAA reference for the aviator-in-training, many test questions for the FAA Knowledge Exams for pilots come directly from this guide.

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

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Federal Aviation Administration

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5 stars
197 (46%)
4 stars
134 (31%)
3 stars
67 (15%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
1 star
11 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah.
173 reviews30 followers
June 23, 2019
Other suitable titles for this book include but are not limited to:
-The Private Pilot's Bible
-The Flight Textbook
-Learn how to Fly! (But Also Use An Instructor for learning the Physical Skill Portion Please)

This book is so comprehensive. I'm glad I picked it up before I started flight training, but I know it's also one of those books that I know I could/should come back to periodically for refreshers as well as to find answers to questions that will arise as I learn more about physical flight and figure out what the heck half of this meant. Basically, it's okay that some (half or more) doesn't quite make sense at first because it will all start to click once you combine this written knowledge with real-life flight training/skill acquirement. That being said, it is still the most thorough and yet easy-to-understand book on basic flight out there. Perfect for any aspiring private pilot or for those who just want the knowledge of a private pilot. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in aeronautics and/or aviation.
Profile Image for Kiri.
Author 1 book42 followers
August 14, 2020
This is a great book that covers *how* to fly. It complements, for example, the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, which is about aerodynamics, systems, weather, and planning (i.e., theory). The Airplane Flying Handbook covers the methods of flying, including starting, taxiing, level flight, turns, climbs, descends, slow flight, stalls, spins, etc. These are the topics you cover in flight lessons, and it's great to read the relevant section before and after such an lesson. But it's a book that I expect to come back to as a refresher as well. For a private pilot, you only need to read through Chapter 10. But there's additional content that I hope will help me out as I progress in the future - Chapter 13 on tailwheel planes, Chapter 11 on complex planes. And of course, Chapter 16 on emergency procedures is useful for everyone!
Profile Image for Bob  Fletcher.
9 reviews
November 3, 2024
More of a reference to look at on specific instruction. Convert to computer simulation flying
10 reviews
October 3, 2012
I am an aviation enthusiast and a member of the virtual aviation community. Real world references are always a gem and part of my library, even my electronic library.
107 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2022
I think this is an essential read for anyone who is going to be getting their license to fly, but even more important for the average person to understand what goes on in the cockpit of that jet liner that takes you across country.
1 review
November 5, 2020
Not worth the money

Horrible copy, that I am unable to use. Not worth the money spent, just use the faa website for free.
Profile Image for Amy.
76 reviews
April 30, 2021
Didn't read all of it, but it covers the necessary information with an explanation and graphics used by many other ground school information sources.
Profile Image for Drake.
48 reviews
May 3, 2025
Story never really got off the ground 😅
Profile Image for Daniel.
Author 3 books1,277 followers
December 13, 2007
the government puts out the worst flight books
7 reviews
May 19, 2008
I'm learning how to fly and this is a good reference.
Profile Image for Justin Anthony.
164 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2016
Between this book, the Sporty's iPhone Study Buddy Test Prep (FAA Private Pilot), and the Gliem online audio book and study, I was able to pass my FAA written exam on the first try with a 92%.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

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