Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C: Pilot Flight Training Study Guide

by Federal Aviation Administration

This is the official FAA Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C. This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-3B, Airplane Flying Handbook, dated 2016.
Released in 2021. For use in 2023. Printed in Color. Full 8.5 x 11 inches.

The Airplane Flying Handbook is the official FAA source for learning to fly and for many of the test questions in the FAA Knowledge Exams for pilots.

The Airplane Flying Handbook provides basic knowledge that is essential for all pilots. It provides information on the transition to other airplanes and the operation of various airplane systems. This handbook is developed to assist student pilots in 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.

Table of
Chapter 1: Introduction to Flight Training
Chapter 2: Ground Operations
Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers
Chapter 4: Energy Mastering Altitude and Airspeed Control
Chapter 5: Maintaining Aircraft Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
Chapter 7: Ground Reference Maneuvers
Chapter 8: Airport Traffic Patterns
Chapter 9: Approaches and Landings
Chapter 10: Performance Maneuvers
Chapter 11: Night Operations
Chapter 12: Transition to Complex Airplanes
Chapter 13: Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
Chapter 14: Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
Chapter 15: Transition to Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
Chapter 16: Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
Chapter 17: Transition to Light Sport Airplanes (LSA)
Chapter 18: Emergency Procedures

Genres: Aviation, Reference, Nonfiction, Aeroplanes, Pilots, Textbooks

409 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Paul Marteney]

Not much of a plot

[Bob Fletcher · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a reference to look at on specific instruction. Convert to computer simulation flying

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Travis Fasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Phil Lambrechts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for pilots.

[brice ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth the money

Horrible copy, that I am unable to use. Not worth the money spent, just use the faa website for free.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story never really got off the ground 😅

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

the government puts out the worst flight books

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm learning how to fly and this is a good reference.

[Justin Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

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%.

[Alexey Efimik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some basics to get one through the PPL exam