Free · Always Current
The POHs for our airplanes, the FAA rubrics you'll be graded against, and the handbooks that actually get read. All free.
5 items
Aircraft POHs
5 items
Airman Certification Standards
2 items
CFI Checkride Standards
10 items
FAA Handbooks
2 items
AIM & Charts
5 PDFs hosted here · 19 FAA links · Updated September 2026
One handbook per airplane, straight from the manufacturer. Limitations, systems, procedures, performance. If you fly with us, download the one that matches what's on the schedule.
1971–72 Skyhawk. What most primary students see first at Riverside.
2.8 MB
1977–80 Skyhawk. This one gets flown the most across both airports.
14 MB
Older Continental O-300 engine. Numbers are not the same as later 172s, so check before you plan.
1.1 MB
Retractable, constant-speed prop. The complex airplane for commercial students at Riverside.
1.5 MB
Twin, counter-rotating props. Multi-engine and MEI candidates live in this book.
6.4 MB
The rubric the DPE uses on your checkride. Read the ACS for whatever rating you're going for. Read it again the week of the ride.
Airplane, single and multi-engine.
FAA.gov
External ↗
Airplane.
FAA.gov
External ↗
Airplane, single and multi-engine.
FAA.gov
External ↗
Airline Transport Pilot practical and type ratings.
FAA.gov
External ↗
Small drone knowledge exam.
FAA.gov
External ↗
As of May 2024 the initial CFI and MEI use the ACS (FAA-S-ACS-25). CFII is still on the older PTS. Grab the one that matches your ride.
Free FAA reference books. Every student needs the PHAK and the Airplane Flying Handbook. Instrument students add IFH and IPH. Everyone benefits from the Weather and Risk Management books.
FAA-H-8083-3. How to fly the airplane. Read the chapter that lines up with tomorrow’s lesson.
FAA.gov
External ↗
FAA-H-8083-25. Aerodynamics, weather, regs, navigation, decision-making. Written-exam bible.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-28. Replaced the old AC 00-6 / AC 00-45 weather stuff. One volume now.
FAA.gov
External ↗
How to actually read METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, prog charts, radar, satellite.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-1. Running the CG, hitting max gross, loading the airplane right.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-6. Glass, GPS, FMS, integrated flight decks.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-15B. Scan, techniques, approaches. Where instrument students start.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-16B. IFR in the system: clearances, departures, en-route, approaches.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-2. PAVE, IMSAFE, the 5 Ps. Expect ADM questions on every checkride.
FAA.gov
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FAA-H-8083-9. CFI candidates only. Learning theory, lesson planning, FOI.
FAA.gov
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Day-to-day reference material. Keep both bookmarked.
A note on FAA links
FAA docs move around and get replaced. If a link 404s, google "[doc name] FAA" or start at faa.gov/training_testing. Tell us so we can fix it.
Drop your contact — we'll help you find the right doc, or answer the question directly.
