Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (Federal Aviation Administration) Read online

  First published in 2016

  First Skyhorse Publishing edition 2017

  All rights to any and all materials in copyright owned by the publisher are strictly reserved by the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to Skyhorse Publishing, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

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  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

  Cover design by Federal Aviation Administration

  Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-2606-2

  Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-2618-5

  Printed in China

  Preface

  The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. This handbook introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. Except for the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to civil aviation, most of the knowledge areas applicable to pilot certification are presented. This handbook is useful to beginning pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.

  Occasionally the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).

  It is essential for persons using this handbook to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). The AIM is available online at www.faa.gov. The current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing material and learning statements for all airman certificates and ratings can be obtained from www.faa.gov.

  This handbook supersedes FAA-H-8083-25A, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, dated 2008.

  This handbook is available for download, in PDF format, from www.faa.gov.

  This handbook is published by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

  Comments regarding this publication should be sent, in email form, to the following address:

  [email protected]

  John S. Duncan

  Director, Flight Standards Service

  Acknowledgments

  The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge was produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the assistance of Safety Research Corporation of America. The FAA wishes to acknowledge the following contributors:

  Mrs. Nancy A. Wright for providing imagery of a de Haviland DH-4 inaugural air mail flight (Chapter 1)

  The Raab Collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for images of the first pilot license (Chapter 1)

  Sandy Kenyon and Rod Magner (magicair.com) for photo of 1929 TravelAir 4000 (Chapter 1)

  Dr. Pat Veillette for information used on decision-making (Chapter 2)

  Adventure Seaplanes for photos of a ski and float training plane (Chapter 3)

  Jack Davis, Stearman Restorers Asociation, for photo of a 1941 PT-17 Army Air Corps trainer (Chapter 3)

  Michael J. Hoke, Abaris Training Resources, Inc., for images and information about composite aircraft (Chapter 3)

  Colin Cutler, Boldmethod, for images and content on the topic of ground effect (Chapter 5)

  Mark R. Korin, Alpha Systems, for images of AOA disaplys (Chapter 5)

  M. van Leeuwen (www.zap16.com) for image of Piaggio P-180 (Chapter 6)

  Greg Richter, Blue Mountain Avionics, for autopilot information and imagery (Chapter 6)

  Mountain High E&S Company for various images provided regarding oxygen systems (Chapter 7)

  Jeff Callahan, Aerox, for image of MSK-AS Silicone Mask without Microphone (Chapter 7)

  Nonin Medical, Inc. for image of Onyx pulse oximeter (Chapter 7)

  Pilotfriend.com for photo of a TKS Weeping Wing (Chapter 7)

  Chelton Flight Systems for image of FlightLogic (Chapter 8)

  Avidyne Corporation for image of the Entegra (Chapter 8)

  Teledyne Controls for image of an air data computer (Chapter 8)

  Watson Industries, Inc. (www.watson-gyro.com) for image of Attitude and Heading Reference system (Chapter 8)

  Engineering Arresting Systems Corporation (www.esco.zodiacaerospace.com) for EMAS imagery and EMASMAX technical digrams (Chapter 14)

  Caasey Rose and Jose Roggeveen (burningholesinthesky.wordpress.com) for flight checklist image (Chapter 14)

  Tim Murnahan for images of EMAS at Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia, and EMAS arrested aircraft (Chapter 14)

  Cessna Aircraft Company, Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, Eclipse Aviation Corporation, Garmin Ltd., The Boeing Company for images provided and used throughout the Handbook.

  Additional appreciation is extended to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the AOPA Air Safety Foundation, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) for their technical support and input.

  Disclaimer: Information in Chapter 14 pertaining to Runway Incursion Avoidance was created using FAA orders, documents, and Advisory Circulars that were current at the date of publication. Users should not assume that all references are current and should check often for reference updates.

  Table of Contents

  Preface

  Acknowledgments

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Introduction To Flying

  Introduction

  History of Flight

  History of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

  Transcontinental Air Mail Route

  Federal Certification of Pilots and Mechanics

  The Federal Aviation Act of 1958

  Department of Transportation (DOT)

  ATC Automation

  The Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO) Strike

  The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978

  The Role of the FAA

  The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

  Primary Locations of the FAA

  Field Offices

  Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI)

  FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)

  Obtaining Assistance from the FAA

  Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

  Handbooks

  Advisory Circulars (ACs)

  Flight Publications

  Pilot and Aeronautical Information

  Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)

  Safety Program Airmen Notification System (SPANS)

  Aircraft Classifications and Ultralight Vehicles

  Pilot Certifications

  Privileges:

  Limitations:

  Recreational Pilot

  Privileges:

  Limitations:

  Private Pilot

  Commercial Pilot

  Airline Transport Pilot

  Selecting a Flight School

  How To Find a Reputable Flight Program
>
  How To Choose a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)

  The Student Pilot

  Basic Requirements

  Medical Certification Requirements

  Becoming a Pilot

  Knowledge and Skill Tests

  Knowledge Tests

  When To Take the Knowledge Test

  Practical Test

  When To Take the Practical Test

  Who Administers the FAA Practical Tests?

  Role of the Certificated Flight Instructor

  Role of the Designated Pilot Examiner

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 2

  Aeronautical Decision-Making

  Introduction

  History of ADM

  Risk Management

  Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Single-Pilot Resource Management

  Hazard and Risk

  Hazardous Attitudes and Antidotes

  Risk

  Assessing Risk

  Mitigating Risk

  The PAVE Checklist

  P = Pilot in Command (PIC)

  A = Aircraft

  V = EnVironment

  E = External Pressures

  Human Factors

  Human Behavior

  The Decision-Making Process

  Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM)

  The 5 Ps Check

  The Plan

  The Plane

  The Pilot

  The Passengers

  The Programming

  Perceive, Process, Perform (3P) Model

  PAVE Checklist: Identify Hazards and Personal Minimums

  CARE Checklist: Review Hazards and Evaluate Risks

  TEAM Checklist: Choose and Implement Risk Controls

  The DECIDE Model

  Detect (the Problem)

  Estimate (the Need To React)

  Choose (a Course of Action)

  Identify (Solutions)

  Do (the Necessary Actions)

  Evaluate (the Effect of the Action)

  Decision-Making in a Dynamic Environment

  Automatic Decision-Making

  Operational Pitfalls

  Stress Management

  Use of Resources

  Internal Resources

  External Resources

  Situational Awareness

  Obstacles to Maintaining Situational Awareness

  Workload Management

  Managing Risks

  Automation

  Results of the Study

  Equipment Use

  Autopilot Systems

  Familiarity

  Respect for Onboard Systems

  Getting Beyond Rote Workmanship

  Understand the Platform

  Managing Aircraft Automation

  Information Management

  Enhanced Situational Awareness

  Automation Management

  Risk Management

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 3

  Aircraft Construction

  Introduction

  Aircraft Design, Certification, and Airworthiness

  A Note About Light Sport Aircraft

  Lift and Basic Aerodynamics

  Major Components

  Fuselage

  Wings

  Empennage

  Landing Gear

  The Powerplant

  Subcomponents

  Types of Aircraft Construction

  Truss Structure

  Semimonocoque

  Composite Construction

  History

  Advantages of Composites

  Disadvantages of Composites

  Fluid Spills on Composites

  Lightning Strike Protection

  The Future of Composites

  Instrumentation: Moving into the Future

  Control Instruments

  Navigation Instruments

  Global Positioning System (GPS)

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 4

  Principles of Flight

  Introduction

  Structure of the Atmosphere

  Air is a Fluid

  Viscosity

  Friction

  Pressure

  Atmospheric Pressure

  Pressure Altitude

  Density Altitude

  Effect of Pressure on Density

  Effect of Temperature on Density

  Effect of Humidity (Moisture) on Density

  Theories in the Production of Lift

  Newton’s Basic Laws of Motion

  Bernoulli’s Principle of Differential Pressure

  Airfoil Design

  Low Pressure Above

  High Pressure Below

  Pressure Distribution

  Airfoil Behavior

  A Third Dimension

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 5

  Aerodynamics of Flight

  Forces Acting on the Aircraft

  Thrust

  Lift

  Lift/Drag Ratio

  Drag

  Parasite Drag

  Induced Drag

  Weight

  Wingtip Vortices

  Formation of Vortices

  Avoiding Wake Turbulence

  Ground Effect

  Axes of an Aircraft

  Moment and Moment Arm

  Aircraft Design Characteristics

  Stability

  Static Stability

  Dynamic Stability

  Longitudinal Stability (Pitching)

  Lateral Stability (Rolling)

  Directional Stability (Yawing)

  Free Directional Oscillations (Dutch Roll)

  Spiral Instability

  Effect of Wing Planform

  Aerodynamic Forces in Flight Maneuvers

  Forces in Turns

  Forces in Climbs

  Forces in Descents

  Stalls

  Angle of Attack Indicators

  Basic Propeller Principles

  Torque and P-Factor

  Torque Reaction

  Corkscrew Effect

  Gyroscopic Action

  Asymmetric Loading (P-Factor)

  Load Factors

  Load Factors in Aircraft Design

  Load Factors in Steep Turns

  Load Factors and Stalling Speeds

  Load Factors and Flight Maneuvers

  Vg Diagram

  Rate of Turn

  Radius of Turn

  Weight and Balance

  Effect of Weight on Flight Performance

  Effect of Weight on Aircraft Structure

  Effect of Weight on Stability and Controllability

  Effect of Load Distribution

  High Speed Flight

  Subsonic Versus Supersonic Flow

  Speed Ranges

  Mach Number Versus Airspeed

  Boundary Layer

  Laminar Boundary Layer Flow

  Turbulent Boundary Layer Flow

  Boundary Layer Separation

  Shock Waves

  Sweepback

  Mach Buffet Boundaries

  High Speed Flight Controls

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 6

  Flight Controls

  Introduction

  Flight Control Systems

  Flight Controls

  Primary Flight Controls

  Elevator

  T-Tail

  Stabilator

  Canard

  Rudder

  V-Tail

  Secondary Flight Controls

  Flaps

  Leading Edge Devices

  Spoilers

  Trim Tabs

  Balance Tabs

  Servo Tabs

  Antiservo Tabs

  Ground Adjustable Tabs

  Adjustable Stabilizer

  Autopilot

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 7

  Aircraft Systems

  Introduction

  Powerplant

  Reciprocating Engines

  Propeller

  Fixe
d-Pitch Propeller

  Adjustable-Pitch Propeller

  Propeller Overspeed in Piston Engine Aircraft

  Induction Systems

  Carburetor Systems

  Mixture Control

  Carburetor Icing

  Carburetor Heat

  Carburetor Air Temperature Gauge

  Outside Air Temperature Gauge

  Fuel Injection Systems

  Superchargers and Turbosuperchargers

  Superchargers

  Turbosuperchargers

  System Operation

  High Altitude Performance

  Ignition System

  Oil Systems

  Engine Cooling Systems

  Exhaust Systems

  Starting System

  Combustion

  Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)

  Turbine Engines

  Types of Turbine Engines

  Turbojet

  Turboprop

  Turbofan

  Turboshaft

  Turbine Engine Instruments

  Engine Pressure Ratio (EPR)

  Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT)

  Torquemeter

  N1 Indicator

  N2 Indicator

  Turbine Engine Operational Considerations

  Engine Temperature Limitations

  Thrust Variations

  Foreign Object Damage (FOD)

  Turbine Engine Hot/Hung Start

  Compressor Stalls

  Flameout

  Performance Comparison

  Airframe Systems

  Fuel Systems

  Gravity-Feed System

  Fuel-Pump System

  Fuel Primer

  Fuel Tanks

  Fuel Gauges

  Fuel Selectors

  Fuel Strainers, Sumps, and Drains

  Fuel Grades

  Fuel Contamination

  Fuel System Icing

  Prevention Procedures

  Refueling Procedures

  Heating System

  Fuel Fired Heaters

  Exhaust Heating Systems

  Combustion Heater Systems

  Bleed Air Heating Systems

  Electrical System

  Hydraulic Systems

  Landing Gear

  Tricycle Landing Gear

  Tailwheel Landing Gear

  Fixed and Retractable Landing Gear

  Brakes

  Pressurized Aircraft

  Oxygen Systems

  Oxygen Masks

  Cannula

  Pressure-Demand Oxygen Systems

  Continuous-Flow Oxygen System

  Electrical Pulse-Demand Oxygen System

  Pulse Oximeters

  Servicing of Oxygen Systems

  Anti-Ice and Deice Systems

  Airfoil Anti-Ice and Deice

  Windscreen Anti-Ice

  Propeller Anti-Ice

  Other Anti-Ice and Deice Systems

  Chapter Summary

  Chapter 8

  Flight Instruments

  Introduction

  Pitot-Static Flight Instruments

  Impact Pressure Chamber and Lines