FAA and Pilot Certification Resources

These are resources I regularly point applicants, instructors, and flight schools toward when preparing for certification, practical tests, and continued aviation learning.

FAA & Regulatory

IACRA — File your FAA airman certification application.

Airman Certification Standards — Official ACS documents by certificate and rating.

Practical Test Standards — PTS documents for certificates and ratings not yet transitioned to the ACS.

Code of Federal Regulations Title 14 — Federal aviation regulations (FARs).

FAA Advisory Circulars — Official guidance material referenced throughout training and testing.

FAA Learning Center — Sample knowledge test questions, figures, and testing resources.

TFRs and NOTAMs — Check current flight restrictions before you fly.

FAASafety — FAA safety courses, seminars, and notices.

Aviation Education

SkyVector — Free VFR/IFR chart planning tool, useful for cross-country planning and filing a VFR flight plan.

Boldmethod — Articles, quizzes, and flight training tips.

Avweb — Aviation news, reviews, and training content.

Sporty's Learn to Fly — Flight training resources and guidance widely used by CFIs.

Professional Organizations

Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) — Resources and mentorship for flight instructors.

National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) — CFI mentoring, education, and professional development.

AOPA— Pilot resources, advocacy, and flight planning tools.

EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) — Community, education, and events for pilots and aircraft builders.

NBAA — Resources for business and corporate aviation professionals.

Looking for more on practical test preparation? Visit Prepare for Your Test or read From the Examiner's Chair for articles on scenario-based training and aeronautical decision-making.