Aeronautical Knowledge

The Aeronautical Knowledge section provides basic knowledge that is essential for pilots. It introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. Below posts are useful to beginning pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.

Introduction To Flying

• History of Flight
• History of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• The Role of the FAA
• Aircraft Classifications and Ultralight Vehicles
• Pilot Certifications
• Selecting a Flight School
• The Student Pilot
• Becoming a Pilot
• Knowledge and Skill Tests

Aeronautical Decision-Making

• Aeronautical-Decision Making
• History of Aeronautical-Decision Making
• Risk Management
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Single-Pilot Resource Management
• Hazard and Risk
• Human Factors
• Human Behavior
• The Decision-Making Process
• Decision-Making in a Dynamic Environment
• Situational Awareness
• Automation

Aircraft Construction

• Aircraft Construction
• Aircraft Design, Certification, and Airworthiness
• Lift and Basic Aerodynamics
• Major Components and Subcomponents
• Types of Aircraft Construction
• Instrumentation: Moving into the Future

Principles of Flight

• Principles of Flight
• Structure of the Atmosphere
• Theories in the Production of Lift
• Airfoil Design
• Airfoil Design and A Third Dimension

Aerodynamics of Flight

• Aerodynamics of Flight
• Forces Acting on the Aircraft
• Wingtip Vortices
• Ground Effect
• Axes of an Aircraft
• Moment and Moment Arm
• Aircraft Design Characteristics
• Effect of Wing Planform
• Aerodynamic Forces in Flight Maneuvers
• Stalls
• Angle of Attack Indicators
• Basic Propeller Principles
• Load Factors
• Weight and Balance
• High Speed Flight

Flight Control

• Flight Control Introduction
• Flight Control Systems
• Autopilot

Aircraft Systems

• Aircraft Systems
• Powerplant
• Propeller
• Induction and Carburetor Systems
• Fuel Injection Systems
• Superchargers and Turbosuperchargers
• Ignition System
• Oil Systems
• Engine Cooling Systems
• Exhaust Systems
• Starting System
• Combustion
• Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)
• Turbine Engines
• Fuel Systems
• Refueling Procedures
• Heating System
• Electrical System
• Hydraulic Systems
• Pressurized Aircraft
• Oxygen Systems
• Anti-Ice and Deice Systems

Flight Instruments

• Flight Instruments
• Pitot-Static Flight Instruments (Part 1)
• Pitot-Static Flight Instruments (Part 2)
• Electronic Flight Display (EFD)
• Gyroscopic Flight Instruments
• Angle of Attack Indicators
• Compass Systems
• Outside Air Temperature (OAT) Gauge

Flight Manuals and Other Documents

• Flight Manuals and Other Documents
• Airplane Flight Manuals (AFM)
• Aircraft Documents
• Aircraft Inspections
• Minimum Equipment Lists (MEL) and Operations With Inoperative Equipment
• Preventive Maintenance
• Airworthiness Directives (ADs) and Aircraft Owner/Operator Responsibilities

Weight and Balance

• Weight and Balance
• Weight Control
• Balance, Stability, and Center of Gravity
• Determining Loaded Weight and CG

Aircraft Performance

• Aircraft Performance
• Structure of the Atmosphere and Atmospheric Pressure
• Pressure Altitude and Density Altitude
• Performance
• Takeoff and Landing Performance
• Performance Speeds
• Performance Charts

Weather Theory

• Weather Theory
• Atmosphere
• Coriolis Force
• Measurement of Atmosphere Pressure
• Altitude and Atmospheric Pressure, Flight and the Human Body
• Wind and Currents
• Atmospheric Stability
• Air Masses
• Fronts

Aviation Weather Services

• Aviation Weather Services
• Observations
• Service Outlets
• Weather Briefings
• Aviation Weather Reports
• Aviation Forecasts
• Weather Charts
• ATC Radar Weather Displays
• Electronic Flight Displays (EFD) /Multi-Function Display (MFD) Weather
• Pilot Responsibility

Airport Operations

• Airport Operations
• Airport Categories
• Sources for Airport Data
• Airport Markings and Signs
• Airport Lighting
• Wind Direction Indicators
• Traffic Patterns
• Radio Communications
• Air Traffic Control (ATC) Services
• Wake Turbulence
• Collision Avoidance
• Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS)

Airspace

• Airspace
• Controlled Airspace and Uncontrolled Airspace
• Special Use Airspace
• Other Airspace Areas
• Air Traffic Control and the National Airspace System

Navigation

• Navigation
• Aeronautical Charts
• Latitude and Longitude (Meridians and Parallels)
• Effect of Wind
• Basic Calculations
• Pilotage
• Dead Reckoning
• Flight Planning
• Charting the Course
• Filing a VFR Flight Plan
• Ground-Based Navigation (Part 1)
• Ground-Based Navigation (Part 2)
• Lost Procedures and Flight Diversion

Aeromedical Factors

• Obtaining a Medical Certificate
• Health and Physiological Factors Affecting Pilot Performance
• Vision in Flight