If your wanting to learn more about aviation and becoming a pilot it can be overwhelming sifting through the mass amounts of books, videos, computerized training programs, and other services for sale. Each usually claiming to be better than the rest, and to be the most effective way of learning. Some of these products are worth the money, but why not start with the free ones.

A good start is the authority on the subject – The FAA. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has published some fantastic materials that are simple and to the point (surprising for a government organization).

FAA Handbooks

The Airplane Flying Handbook is one of the many handbooks published by the FAA. These books are available for free in PDF format on the FAA website and printed versions can be purchases quite inexpensively at amazon.com.

Other great “must-have” FAA Handbooks are:

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
Instrument Flying Handbook
Instrument Procedures Handbook
Aviation Weather

The FAA website is not terribly easy to navigate or to quickly find information on, but it is a tremendous resource, and worth spending a bit of time learning to navigate. Here are some more things anyone in aviation should become very aware of.

The Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR)

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations contains “Aeronautics and Space” regulations. These regulations, commonly referred to as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) contain the laws governing aviation in the USA, these regulations are not something you want to sit down and read, but they are a must for anyone wanting to be involved in aviation.

Advisory Circulars (AC)

AC’s are FAA publications written to address various important subjects such as safety and interpretation of regulations. All of the Advisory Circulars are available for free on the FAA website. One starter that you must add to your collection is:
Aviation Weather Resources (Advisory Circular 45)

Practical Test Standards (PTS)

The PTS define how you will be tested to obtain your pilots certificate. The specific details are given of what maneuvers are required to be performed, how much altitude loss is acceptable, during these maneuvers, and so on.