Introduction to Flying – FAA History, Regulations & Pilot Certification

Vocabulary flashcards covering historical milestones, FAA evolution, regulations, publications, pilot certifications, and key aviation safety terms from the lecture notes.

Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

FAA publication that provides basic and advanced aeronautical information for student and certificated pilots.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Ornithopter

16th-century sketch of a human-powered, bird-wing flying machine illustrating early attempts at heavier-than-air flight.

Sir George Cayley

19th-century British inventor known as the “Father of Aerial Navigation”; identified fundamental lift/drag principles and built the first successful glider.

The Flyer

Wilbur and Orville Wright’s powered biplane that achieved the first controlled, sustained flight on 17 Dec 1903 at Kitty Hawk.

Air Commerce Act of 1926

U.S. law that established federal regulation of aviation, including pilot licensing, aircraft certification, and airway development.

Aeronautics Branch

Early Department of Commerce organization (1926-1934) charged with overseeing civil aviation; later became the Bureau of Air Commerce.

Bureau of Air Commerce

Renamed Aeronautics Branch (1934); expanded oversight and founded the first government-operated air traffic control centers.

Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938

Legislation that created the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA) for safety and economic regulation of airlines.

Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA)

Independent agency formed in 1938 to regulate airline routes, fares, pilot and aircraft certification, and ATC services.

Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)

Agency responsible for safety rulemaking, accident investigation, and airline economics until abolished in 1984.

Federal Aviation Act of 1958

Law that created the Federal Aviation Agency (now Administration) and gave it complete control over civil-military airspace and ATC.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

U.S. agency within the DOT that regulates civil aviation, certifies pilots and aircraft, and manages the National Airspace System.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Cabinet department established in 1966 to coordinate national transportation policy, including the FAA.

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Independent agency created in 1967 to investigate U.S. transportation accidents, including aviation.

Airline Deregulation Act of 1978

Law that removed federal control over airline fares, routes, and market entry, leading to free-market competition.

PATCO Strike (1981)

Illegal walkout by air traffic controllers that led to mass firings and long-term changes in ATC staffing and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 14

Compilation of federal aviation regulations covering pilot certification, aircraft maintenance, airspace rules, etc.

14 CFR Part 61

Regulation specifying certification, privileges, and training requirements for pilots, instructors, and ground instructors.

14 CFR Part 91

General operating and flight rules for all civil aircraft, including VFR and IFR procedures.

14 CFR Part 43

Regulation governing aircraft maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations.

Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)

Local FAA field office that provides certification, inspection, enforcement, and accident investigation services.

Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI)

FAA employee who enforces regulations, conducts inspections, and administers practical tests for airmen and operators.

FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam)

FAA program using outreach, education, and partnerships to reduce General Aviation accidents.

Safety Program Airmen Notification System (SPANS)

Online system that advertises FAA safety seminars and events to airmen.

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Official FAA guide to basic flight information and ATC procedures in the National Airspace System.

Advisory Circular (AC)

Non-regulatory FAA publication that provides guidance, methods, or information for complying with regulations.

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)

Time-critical notice containing temporary aeronautical information essential to safe flight.

NOTAM (D)

Distance-disseminated NOTAM covering navigation facilities, airports, runways, lights, and other local hazards.

FDC NOTAM

Regulatory NOTAM issued by the Flight Data Center concerning chart changes, procedures, or temporary flight restrictions.

Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)

Airspace restriction published by FDC NOTAM to protect persons or property or provide special security.

Pilot Operating Handbook (POH)

FAA-approved aircraft flight manual specific to a make, model, and serial-number aircraft.

Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

FAA document that integrates knowledge, risk management, and skill elements used to evaluate pilot applicants.

Practical Test Standards (PTS)

Legacy FAA documents outlining task and performance requirements for pilot practical tests; being replaced by ACS.

Airman Knowledge Test

Computer-based multiple-choice written exam that evaluates required aeronautical knowledge for a certificate or rating.

Sport Pilot Certificate

Entry-level pilot certificate allowing day VFR flight in light-sport aircraft with driver’s-license medical eligibility.

Recreational Pilot Certificate

Certificate permitting flight within 50 NM of departure airport in simple aircraft carrying no more than one passenger.

Private Pilot Certificate

Most common certificate; allows PIC privileges for noncommercial flying and passenger carriage under VFR/IFR (with rating).

Commercial Pilot Certificate

Certificate that authorizes a pilot to be compensated for flying and requires training in complex or turbine aircraft.

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

Highest pilot certificate; required for airline PICs/SICs; minimum 1,500 flight hours (or restricted alternatives).

Complex Aircraft

Airplane with retractable landing gear, controllable-pitch propeller, and movable flaps; used for commercial pilot training.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Pilot authorized under Part 61 to provide flight and ground instruction and endorse applicants for knowledge and practical tests.

Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

Private individual delegated by the FAA to conduct practical tests and issue pilot certificates for a fee.

Student Pilot Certificate

Credential that permits a trainee, once endorsed, to fly solo during flight training; issued as a plastic card with no expiry.

14 CFR Part 141 Flight School

FAA-certificated school with an approved syllabus and stricter oversight, allowing reduced minimum flight hours for certificates.

14 CFR Part 142 Training Center

FAA-approved flight academy specializing in simulator-based training for airlines and commercial operators.

Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)

FAA online portal used to process pilot certificate applications electronically.

Airworthiness Certificate

FAA document affirming an aircraft meets safety standards and is in a condition for safe operation.

Airway Beacon

Rotating light tower used in the 1920s–30s to mark transcontinental airmail routes for night navigation.

Transcontinental Air Mail Route

Early coast-to-coast airmail network (New York–San Francisco) with 13 intermediate stops established in the 1920s.