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AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual)
The FAA's official guide to basic flight information and ATC procedures for operating in the National Airspace System. Pilots use the AIM for practical guidance on topics such as airport lighting, weather services, and communications that complement the regulations in the FARs.
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- AIRMET (Airmen's Meteorological Information)An in-flight weather advisory for conditions that may affect aircraft operations but are less severe than SIGMET criteria, such as moderate icing or turbulence, mountain obscuration, or widespread IFR. Modern briefings commonly present these as G-AIRMETs (graphical AIRMETs).
- Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)The FAA handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) that covers flight maneuvers, takeoffs and landings, night operations, and other airplane flying techniques. Student pilots and instructors use it alongside the ACS as a primary reference for how to fly procedures correctly.
- Airport DiagramA detailed chart of an airport's runways, taxiways, holding positions, hot spots, and frequencies used for surface movement planning. Student pilots commonly consult the airport diagram in an EFB or Chart Supplement before copying ATIS and taxiing at an unfamiliar field.
- AirspaceDefined areas of the atmosphere designated by the FAA with specific rules and requirements for aircraft operations. U.S. airspace is classified into Classes A, B, C, D, E, and G, each with different visibility, cloud clearance, and communication requirements.