FAA-H-8083-27 - Student Pilot Guide - 1999

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda

FAA-H-8083-27 Student Pilot Guide (1999) explains how prospective student pilots can pursue FAA Student, Recreational, and Private Pilot Certificates. It outlines the FAA’s role in aviation safety through the Code of Federal Regulations, describes Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO’s), and points readers to procedures and resources for contacting local offices. It also previews key study and testing topics including knowledge tests, study materials, study habits, and practical test standards.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages30

Reading Time1 h 16 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Role of the FAA

Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO’s)

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Flight School

The Role of the Instructor

What Flight Training Covers

Instructor and Student Relationship

Medical Requirements

Knowledge Tests

Knowledge Test Guides Available

Preparing to Study for the Knowledge Test

Study Materials

Suggested Study Materials

How to Obtain Study Materials

How to Study for the Knowledge Test

Study Habits

When to Take the Knowledge Test

Where to Take the Knowledge Test

What the Knowledge Test Items are Like

Practical Test Standards

Most Frequently Asked Questions

FAA-H-8083-27 STUDENT PILOT GUIDE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION STUDENT PILOT GUIDE 1999 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION Flight Standards Service FOREWORD The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) invites you to join the ranks of general aviation pilots. General aviation includes all civil aviation activities except those associated with airlines. This publication is intended to serve as a guide for prospective student pilots and for those already engaged in flight training. This guide presents in a “how to go about it” fashion, general procedures for obtaining FAA Student, Recreational, and Private Pilot Certificates. There are many references to FAA Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO’s), and through the FSDO’s, contact is maintained between the FAA and the general aviation public. The FAA inspectors at your local FSDO are professionally trained, and are prepared to advise and assist you toward reaching your goal as a pilot. FAA-H-8083-27 supersedes AC 61-12M, Student Pilot Guide, dated 7/27/94. For an explanation of why this guide was taken out of the AC system, refer to AC 60-29, Renumbering of Airman Training and Testing Publications. Comments regarding this publication should be directed to the Federal Aviation Administration, Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0082. We urge you to visit your local FSDO, and feel free to ask for advice on any matters relating to general aviation. Welcome to aviation. L. Nicholas Lacey Director, Flight Standards Service CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Role of the FAA .................................................................... 1 Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO’s) .............................. 1 Most Frequently Asked Questions* .......................................... 1 Choosing a Flight School .......................................................... 2 The Role of the Instructor ........................................................ 3 What Flight Training Covers ..................................................... 3 Instructor and Student Relationship .......................................... 4 Medical Requirements ............................................................. 4 Knowledge Tests ..................................................................... 5 Knowledge Test Guides Available ............................................ 5 Preparing to Study for the Knowledge Test .............................. 6 Study Materials ........................................................................ 6 Suggested Study Materials ....................................................... 6 How to Obtain Study Materials ................................................ 7 How to Study for the Knowledge Test ..................................... 8 Study Habits ............................................................................ 8 When to Take the Knowledge Test .......................................... 9 Where to Take the Knowledge Test ......................................... 9 What the Knowledge Test Items are Like ................................ 9 Practical Test Standards ......................................................... 10 MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS* General ................................................................................ 1 1 Student Pilot Flight Training .......................................... 1 2 Student Pilot Requirements: Medical and Student Pilot Certificates ................................................. 1 5 The Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Tests ................................................................ 1 9 Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Practical Tests .... 2 2 *Based on Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. v INTRODUCTION Before you begin flight training, it

FAQs

What is the purpose of the FAA Student Pilot Guide (FAA-H-8083-27)?

It serves as a guide for prospective student pilots and people already engaged in flight training, explaining general procedures for obtaining FAA pilot certificates.

How does the FAA oversee pilot certification and safety standards?

Congress empowered the FAA to foster aviation safety by prescribing safety standards for civil aviation through the Code of Federal Regulations, including 14 CFR part 61 for pilot certification.

What role do Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO’s) play for student pilots?

FSDO’s and international field offices provide information and services to the aviation community, and local inspectors are prepared to advise and assist pilots toward their goals.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Grenda

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