Aviation Instructor's Handbook (AIH)
The Aviation Instructor's Handbook (AIH), FAA-H-8083-9B, is a free FAA publication covering the fundamentals of instruction, learning theory, effective teaching techniques, assessment methods, and risk management instruction. It is required reading for all flight instructor and ground instructor certificate applicants. Download it at no cost from FAA.gov.
Why This Document Matters
The AIH is often called the "CFI's bible." It covers not how to fly, but how to teach flying. Becoming a CFI requires mastery of educational psychology, learning theory, and teaching methodology—topics that are completely different from what you studied for your pilot certificates. The Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test is based entirely on this handbook. DPEs for the CFI practical test expect you to demonstrate the teaching principles described here, from lesson planning to assessment techniques to managing student frustration. If you are pursuing any instructor certificate, this is your most important study resource.
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Chapter 1: Human Behavior
Defense mechanisms, student motivation, and human needs in the learning environment.
Chapter 1: Human Behavior
Defense mechanisms, student motivation, and human needs in the learning environment.
Key Topics
2Chapter 2: The Learning Process
How people learn, types of learning, laws of learning, and memory.
Chapter 2: The Learning Process
How people learn, types of learning, laws of learning, and memory.
Key Topics
3Chapter 3: Effective Communication
Barriers to communication, listening skills, and questioning techniques.
Chapter 3: Effective Communication
Barriers to communication, listening skills, and questioning techniques.
Key Topics
4Chapter 4: The Teaching Process
Teaching methods, lesson planning, and course development.
Chapter 4: The Teaching Process
Teaching methods, lesson planning, and course development.
Key Topics
5Chapter 5: Assessment
Types of assessment, effective questions, and evaluating student performance.
Chapter 5: Assessment
Types of assessment, effective questions, and evaluating student performance.
Key Topics
6Chapter 6: Instructor Responsibilities and Professionalism
Professional standards, flight instructor responsibilities, and ethics.
Chapter 6: Instructor Responsibilities and Professionalism
Professional standards, flight instructor responsibilities, and ethics.
Key Topics
7Chapter 7: Risk Management
Teaching risk management, ADM, and single-pilot resource management.
Chapter 7: Risk Management
Teaching risk management, ADM, and single-pilot resource management.
Key Topics
Study Tips
- The FOI knowledge test is based on this handbook. Read every chapter carefully—the questions are conceptual, not rote memorization.
- Memorize the Laws of Learning (Readiness, Effect, Exercise, Primacy, Recency, Intensity) and be able to give examples of each.
- Understand the four levels of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application, and Correlation. DPEs will ask you to identify which level a student is at and how to advance them.
- Practice critiquing student performance using the techniques described in Chapter 5. The DPE will observe how you debrief and assess during the CFI checkride.
- For the CFI practical test, be prepared to teach any topic from any handbook. The AIH teaches you the how of teaching; the PHAK and AFH provide the what.
- Study the defense mechanisms (denial, compensation, projection, rationalization, reaction formation, fantasy, displacement) and be able to recognize them in students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aviation Instructor's Handbook free?
Yes, the AIH is a free PDF from FAA.gov.
What is the FOI knowledge test?
The Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) knowledge test is an FAA written exam required for all initial flight instructor and ground instructor certificates. It covers the learning process, teaching methods, assessment, and instructor responsibilities—all from the Aviation Instructor's Handbook.
Do I need the AIH if I am only getting a ground instructor certificate?
Yes. The FOI knowledge test is required for ground instructor certificates as well, and the AIH is the source material for that test.
What are the Laws of Learning?
The Laws of Learning are: Readiness (students learn best when ready to learn), Effect (learning is strengthened when associated with a pleasant feeling), Exercise (things most often repeated are best remembered), Primacy (first impressions are strong), Recency (things learned last are best remembered), and Intensity (vivid, dramatic experiences are more memorable).
Quick Facts
- Document ID
- FAA-H-8083-9B
- Last Updated
- 2020
- Cost
- Free
- Publisher
- FAA
Applies To
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Aviation Instructor's Handbook (FAA-H-8083-9B) is an official FAA publication available at FAA.gov
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