✈️ AVTN 110 — AVIATION BASICS STUDY GUIDE
1. FAA — Federal Aviation Administration
What does the FAA do?
* Promotes aviation safety.
* Creates safety standards for civil aviation.
* Regulates pilots, aircraft, flight operations, and training.
Important terms
* FARs = Federal Aviation Regulations
* Rules for aviation.
* CFR = Code of Federal Regulations
* Collection of U.S. government rules.
* Title 14 = Aeronautics and Space
* Covers civil aviation.
Remember:
FAA = Safety + Rules
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2. 14 CFR
Title 14 — Aeronautics and Space
Important parts:
* Part 61 → Pilot certification
* Part 91 → General flight rules
* Part 135 → Commercial/corporate operations
* Part 141 → Flight schools with FAA-approved programs
Easy memory:
61 = Pilot
91 = Rules
135 = Corporate/Charter
141 = Flight School
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3. NOTAMs
NOTAM = Notice to Airmen
NOTAMs give pilots important, time-sensitive information.
Examples:
* Runway closed
* Taxiway closed
* Obstructions
* Airshows
* Special events
Remember:
NOTAM = Something important has changed.
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4. Pilot Certifications
Private Pilot
* Personal or recreational flying.
* Cannot normally accept payment for flying.
* Can command an aircraft under VFR.
VFR = Visual Flight Rules
Commercial Pilot
* Allows you to earn money for flying.
* Without an instrument rating, there are restrictions on flying for hire.
ATP — Airline Transport Pilot
* Highest level of pilot certificate.
* Needed to serve as PIC/SIC in airline operations.
* Generally requires 1,500 hours.
* Minimum age is 23.
PIC
Pilot in Command
SIC
Second in Command
Restricted ATP
* Can allow someone to serve as SIC at scheduled airlines.
* Based on certain education and flight-experience requirements.
* Minimum age is 21.
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5. Extra Pilot Ratings
Instrument Rating
Allows you to fly in a wider range of weather conditions using instruments.
IFR = Instrument Flight Rules
Commercial Rating
Allows you to receive compensation for flying.
MEI
Multi-Engine Instructor
Important for many flying jobs.
CFI
Certified Flight Instructor
Teaches people how to fly.
CFII
Certified Flight Instructor — Instrument
Teaches instrument flying.
Seaplane Rating
Allows you to fly seaplanes.
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6. Flight Instructor
What does a flight instructor do?
The instructor is responsible for training the student in the knowledge and skills needed to become a safe pilot.
A CFI must:
* Have enough flying experience.
* Pass knowledge tests.
* Pass practical tests.
* Demonstrate teaching ability.
Remember:
CFI = Teaches you to fly
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7. What Is a Flying Lesson Like?
1. Weather Check
Check weather to see if conditions are safe.
2. Instructor Briefing
Talk with your instructor about what you will practice.
3. Preflight Inspection
Use a checklist to inspect the airplane.
4. Flight
Practice old skills and learn new maneuvers.
5. After Flight
* Instructor evaluates the lesson.
* Logbook is filled out.
* Instructor endorses the logbook when needed.
Easy memory:
Weather → Brief → Inspect → Fly → Log
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8. Part 61 vs Part 141
Part 61
* More flexible.
* Often smaller/“mom & pop” flight schools.
* Certified instructors.
* Curriculum is not regulated by FAA in the same way as Part 141.
* Training is focused on meeting the required test standards.
* More personalized to each student.
Part 141
* Highly regulated by FAA.
* Has an approved curriculum.
* Flight AND ground training are regulated.
* More paperwork.
* Certified CFIs.
* Has a regulated maintenance program.
* Academic units can reduce the required flight hours for certain certificates.
* Can be eligible for GI Bill benefits.
Easy memory:
Part 61 = Flexible
Part 141 = Structured + FAA regulated
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9. Four Forces of Flight
There are 4 forces:
✈️ Thrust
Forward force
Produced by the:
* Propeller
* Powerplant/engine
🛑 Drag
Backward force
Caused by resistance/disruption of airflow around:
* Wings
* Fuselage
* Other aircraft parts
⬇️ Weight
Downward force
The combined load of the aircraft, including:
* Crew
* Fuel
* Cargo/baggage
⬆️ Lift
Upward force
Produced by air acting on the wing.
SUPER EASY:
Thrust → Forward
Drag → Backward
Lift → Up
Weight → Down
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10. Aviation Career Opportunities
Possible aviation careers/areas:
* ✈️ Airlines
* 🛫 Airports
* 🛩️ Flight Departments
* 🏢 Part 91 / Part 135 corporate flying
* 🚁 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
* 🚀 Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
* ⛽ Fixed Base Operators (FBOs)
* 🎖️ Military
* 👮 Law Enforcement
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11. NATO Phonetic Alphabet
You need to know these:
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