I can't believe...

Bonanzaman

Well-Known Member
I made it all the way through CMEL without ever cracking the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. I know that to many this is ridiculously obvious, but I'm just hoping to pass along this tip to at least one new pilot who is not aware and might happen by this thread.

Since I began my flight training I have been ordering Jeppessen part 61 kits, as well as ASA books and DVDs for each certificate or rating. Don't get me wrong, they are great products (I especially like ASA's Prepware), but I had no idea until recently beginning study for my CFI that I could get all of that information from FAA handbooks for no cost, either through the foreflight app(which does cost), or in PDF form on the FAA's website.

I like the layout and graphics, and maybe it's because this information is at this point just a more in depth review, but I feel like I have a much better grasp of the content covered after reading it in this handbook.

I know, I'm dumb. Hope this helps someone else who is currently as ignorant as I was.
 
It used to not be flashy graphics until they redid the PHAK manual in the early 2000s. I think around 2001-2002.
The FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook is a copy of Jeppesen's Instrument Procedures Guide.
 
You should go slap your flight instructor!

It used to not be flashy graphics until they redid the PHAK manual in the early 2000s. I think around 2001-2002.
The FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook is a copy of Jeppesen's Instrument Procedures Guide.

My instructor's copy on his bookshelf is from the 90s. He was surprised when I told him how much I liked it. Things have changed for the better it seems.
 
I know a couple DPEs that will ONLY accept information from actual FAA publications. So I spent most of my time with my head buried in the PHAK and the AFH. Both excellent sources.
 
While the phak is fantastic, I'm more annoyed that none of my instructors told me about everything explained for the professional pilot...
 
While the phak is fantastic, I'm more annoyed that none of my instructors told me about everything explained for the professional pilot...

It's alright, I have a copy and got 1/3 of the way through it, but before my next check ride I plan to read entirely the Airplane Flying Handbook and Aviation Weather. All of the info is there and the pages aren't quite as "busy" as Everything Explained For The Professional Pilot. EEFTP was also pretty pricey.
 
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