Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
The Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH), FAA-H-8083-3C, is a free PDF published by the Federal Aviation Administration covering practical flight maneuvers and techniques. It includes ground operations, basic flight maneuvers, slow flight, stalls, spins, takeoffs, landings, night operations, emergency procedures, and transition to complex and high-performance aircraft. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
While the PHAK teaches you the theory, the Airplane Flying Handbook teaches you how to fly. It is the FAA's definitive guide to piloting technique. From your first taxi to advanced commercial maneuvers, the AFH explains the "how and why" behind every maneuver your instructor will demonstrate. DPEs reference the AFH when evaluating whether your technique meets FAA standards, making it essential preparation for any practical test. The AFH is especially valuable for understanding the aerodynamics behind maneuvers—knowing why you use right rudder during a power-on stall, for example, not just that you should.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Chapter 1: Introduction to Flight Training
Overview of flight training, role of the instructor, and flight standards.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Flight Training
Overview of flight training, role of the instructor, and flight standards.
Key Topics
2Chapter 2: Ground Operations
Preflight inspection, engine starting, taxiing, and before-takeoff checks.
Chapter 2: Ground Operations
Preflight inspection, engine starting, taxiing, and before-takeoff checks.
Key Topics
3Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers
Straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents. The four fundamentals.
Chapter 3: Basic Flight Maneuvers
Straight-and-level flight, turns, climbs, and descents. The four fundamentals.
Key Topics
4Chapter 4: Maintaining Aircraft Control: Upset Prevention and Recovery
Slow flight, stall prevention, and recovering from unusual attitudes.
Chapter 4: Maintaining Aircraft Control: Upset Prevention and Recovery
Slow flight, stall prevention, and recovering from unusual attitudes.
Key Topics
5Chapter 5: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
Normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field takeoff procedures.
Chapter 5: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs
Normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field takeoff procedures.
Key Topics
6Chapter 6: Ground Reference Maneuvers
Rectangular course, S-turns, and turns around a point.
Chapter 6: Ground Reference Maneuvers
Rectangular course, S-turns, and turns around a point.
Key Topics
7Chapter 7: Airport Traffic Patterns
Traffic pattern procedures, entry methods, and pattern operations.
Chapter 7: Airport Traffic Patterns
Traffic pattern procedures, entry methods, and pattern operations.
Key Topics
8Chapter 8: Approaches and Landings
Normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field approach and landing techniques.
Chapter 8: Approaches and Landings
Normal, crosswind, short-field, and soft-field approach and landing techniques.
Key Topics
9Chapter 9: Performance Maneuvers
Steep turns, steep spiral, chandelles, and lazy eights.
Chapter 9: Performance Maneuvers
Steep turns, steep spiral, chandelles, and lazy eights.
Key Topics
10Chapter 10: Night Operations
Night vision, night flying techniques, and night emergency procedures.
Chapter 10: Night Operations
Night vision, night flying techniques, and night emergency procedures.
Key Topics
11Chapter 11: Transition to Complex Airplanes
Retractable gear, constant-speed propellers, and high-performance operations.
Chapter 11: Transition to Complex Airplanes
Retractable gear, constant-speed propellers, and high-performance operations.
Key Topics
12Chapter 12: Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
Multiengine aerodynamics, engine-out procedures, and Vmc.
Chapter 12: Transition to Multiengine Airplanes
Multiengine aerodynamics, engine-out procedures, and Vmc.
Key Topics
13Chapter 13: Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
Tailwheel ground handling, takeoff, and landing techniques.
Chapter 13: Transition to Tailwheel Airplanes
Tailwheel ground handling, takeoff, and landing techniques.
Key Topics
14Chapter 14: Transition to Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
Turboprop systems, operations, and considerations.
Chapter 14: Transition to Turbopropeller-Powered Airplanes
Turboprop systems, operations, and considerations.
Key Topics
15Chapter 15: Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
Jet aerodynamics, high-altitude operations, and swept-wing considerations.
Chapter 15: Transition to Jet-Powered Airplanes
Jet aerodynamics, high-altitude operations, and swept-wing considerations.
Key Topics
16Chapter 16: Emergency Procedures
Engine failures, systems failures, forced landings, and emergency decision-making.
Chapter 16: Emergency Procedures
Engine failures, systems failures, forced landings, and emergency decision-making.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- Read the chapter on each maneuver before your instructor demonstrates it. You will learn faster in the airplane when you already understand the procedure.
- Pay special attention to the "Common Errors" sections at the end of each maneuver description. These are the exact mistakes DPEs watch for on checkrides.
- Practice chair-flying maneuvers at home using the AFH procedures. Visualize the sight picture, control inputs, and power settings.
- For checkride prep, study Chapters 4-8 intensively. Takeoffs, landings, slow flight, and stalls make up the majority of the practical test.
- Use the AFH alongside the ACS. The ACS tells you the standards; the AFH tells you how to meet them.
- Review Chapter 16 (Emergency Procedures) thoroughly. Every checkride includes simulated emergencies, and the DPE expects you to follow FAA-recommended procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Airplane Flying Handbook free?
Yes, the AFH is a free PDF published by the FAA. You can download it directly from FAA.gov at no cost.
What is the difference between the AFH and the PHAK?
The PHAK covers aeronautical knowledge and theory (aerodynamics, weather, navigation, airspace). The AFH covers practical flying techniques and maneuvers (how to perform takeoffs, landings, stalls, steep turns, and emergency procedures). Both are essential for pilot training.
What edition of the AFH is current?
The current edition is FAA-H-8083-3C, published in 2021. Always verify you have the latest version from FAA.gov.
Do commercial pilots need the AFH?
Yes. The AFH covers commercial-level maneuvers in Chapter 9, including chandelles, lazy eights, and steep spirals. It also covers complex and multiengine transitions that are part of the Commercial Pilot certificate.
Can I use the AFH for my CFI checkride?
Absolutely. CFI applicants must be able to teach every maneuver in the AFH. The AFH describes the FAA-standard technique for each maneuver, which is what the DPE expects you to teach and demonstrate during the CFI practical test.
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-H-8083-3C
- Last Updated
- 2021
- Pages
- 364
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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