📘14 CFR §61.105 – Aeronautical Knowledge (Private Pilot)
🚩 Overview
Before taking your Private Pilot knowledge test (FAA written exam), you must have a solid understanding of certain aeronautical knowledge areas as defined by the FAA.
✅ Knowledge Areas Required
You must receive and log ground training in these areas from an FAA-certified instructor:
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
Regulations relating to private pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations.
Accident Reporting (NTSB 830)
Procedures and responsibilities for reporting aircraft accidents and incidents.
Aerodynamics
Principles of flight, including lift, drag, thrust, and weight, along with flight maneuvers and stall/spin awareness.
Meteorology (Weather Theory)
Basic weather concepts, weather systems, fronts, hazardous weather conditions, and weather briefings.
Safe and Efficient Aircraft Operation
Collision avoidance, visual scanning techniques, wake turbulence awareness, and runway incursion avoidance.
Weight and Balance
Loading and calculating proper weight and balance for safe operation of the aircraft.
Aircraft Performance
Calculating aircraft performance, considering environmental factors, density altitude, and runway performance.
Navigation and Flight Planning
Navigation techniques, pilotage, dead reckoning, VFR charts, airspace, navigation aids, and flight-planning resources.
Aircraft Systems and Equipment
Operation and limitations of the aircraft’s systems, including engine, avionics, flight instruments, and emergency equipment.
Human Factors (Aeromedical Factors)
Understanding the physiological and psychological factors affecting pilots, including fatigue, stress, hypoxia, and aeromedical decision-making.
Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) and Risk Management
Risk management strategies, hazardous attitudes, and decision-making processes for safe flight operations.
Preflight Actions and Procedures
Procedures for obtaining weather briefings, preflight inspections, and preflight planning (NWKRAFT).
🛩️ Example Scenario
You’re preparing for your FAA written test. Ensure you receive ground instruction and review each knowledge area listed above with your instructor. Understanding these concepts thoroughly will greatly improve your chances of passing your written exam and make you a safer pilot.
📌 CFI Pro Tips
Structured Teaching: Follow these FAA knowledge areas as a structured syllabus for your ground lessons.
Real-World Connections: Always relate theoretical knowledge directly to practical flying scenarios to reinforce understanding and retention.
📚 Further Reading and Official References
14 CFR §61.105 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-E/section-61.105
FAA Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS): https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/media/private_airplane_acs.pdf
Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B): https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak
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