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.
Free study guide, no account needed
Chapter summaries, key terms, and quizzes for all 10 chapters
Check your understanding of each chapter of FAA-H-8083-9B with a revision quiz that explains every answer.
Open the CFI handbook study guideStudy This Document in One Loop
What is the Study Loop?A 30-60 minute scenario-first session that replaces hours of passive reading.
Scenario
Decision
Targeted Learning
Open only these sections of the AIH:
- Chapter 3 — The Learning Process (Laws of Learning, levels of learning, transfer)
- Chapter 5 — The Teaching Process (demonstration-performance, integrated flight instruction)
- Chapter 6 — Assessment (formal vs. informal, oral questioning, diagnostic assessment)
- Chapter 9 — Techniques of Flight Instruction (dealing with frustration, plateaus)
Debrief
Compare your Decision to what the handbook says:
- ?Laws of Learning involved: is this a Readiness issue (she's not ready), Exercise issue (not enough repetition), or Effect (negative associations forming)?
- ?Learning level: can she explain the flare (understanding) or does she just mimic your words (rote)? Diagnosis determines the fix.
- ?Are you correlating flare timing to sight picture + sound + feel, or just telling her when to pull? Which will transfer?
- ?The Frustration Plateau is normal. Do you know the teaching moves that break it, or are you just flying more landings and hoping?
Reinforcement
Turn your biggest miss into fast-recall rules:
- Laws of Learning: Readiness, Exercise, Effect, Primacy, Intensity, Recency. Diagnose WHICH law is being violated before picking a fix.
- Levels of Learning: Rote → Understanding → Application → Correlation. You can only teach one level above where the student is.
- Demonstration-Performance is the workhorse of flight instruction: Explain, Demonstrate, Practice, Critique.
What Order to Read the AIH
Don't read by chapter number. Work the four phases. Start with whichever you're weakest in.
Survival Thinking
“What can hurt me?”
- •Chapter 10 — Teaching Practical Risk Management (teaching ADM, not just pilot ADM)
- •Chapter 9 — Techniques for addressing student errors without destroying motivation
Interpretation
“What am I looking at?”
- •Chapter 3 — The Learning Process (theories, levels, transfer of learning)
- •Chapter 2 — Human Behavior (needs, defense mechanisms, student anxiety)
Prediction
“What will happen?”
- •Chapter 7 — Planning Instructional Activity (objectives, completion standards, scheduling)
- •Chapter 5 — The Teaching Process (how to deliver the lesson you planned)
Checkride Mode
“Can I explain it under pressure?”
- •Chapter 3 — Recite the Laws of Learning and levels of learning (FOI written is built on these)
- •Chapter 5 — Teach a maneuver using demonstration-performance with the DPE as your student
- •Chapter 6 — Differentiate formal, informal, and authentic assessment; explain when to use each
Chapter-by-Chapter Guide
What each section covers and the key topics to study
1Chapter 1: Risk Management and Single-Pilot Resource Management
Hazards, risk assessment, aeronautical decision-making, and single-pilot resource management.
Chapter 1: Risk Management and Single-Pilot Resource Management
Hazards, risk assessment, aeronautical decision-making, and single-pilot resource management.
Key Topics
2Chapter 2: Human Behavior
Human needs, defense mechanisms, learner emotional reactions, and the instructor and learner relationship.
Chapter 2: Human Behavior
Human needs, defense mechanisms, learner emotional reactions, and the instructor and learner relationship.
Key Topics
3Chapter 3: The Learning Process
Learning theory, perception and insight, domains and levels of learning, memory, and transfer of learning.
Chapter 3: The Learning Process
Learning theory, perception and insight, domains and levels of learning, memory, and transfer of learning.
Key Topics
4Chapter 4: Effective Communication
The basic elements of communication, barriers to it, and how to develop the skill.
Chapter 4: Effective Communication
The basic elements of communication, barriers to it, and how to develop the skill.
Key Topics
5Chapter 5: The Teaching Process
Preparing and presenting lessons, teaching methods, problem-based learning, and instructional aids.
Chapter 5: The Teaching Process
Preparing and presenting lessons, teaching methods, problem-based learning, and instructional aids.
Key Topics
6Chapter 6: Assessment
Why assessment matters, traditional and authentic assessment, oral questioning, and written tests.
Chapter 6: Assessment
Why assessment matters, traditional and authentic assessment, oral questioning, and written tests.
Key Topics
7Chapter 7: Planning Instructional Activity
Course development, training syllabi, blocks of learning, and lesson plans.
Chapter 7: Planning Instructional Activity
Course development, training syllabi, blocks of learning, and lesson plans.
Key Topics
8Chapter 8: Aviation Instructor Responsibilities and Professionalism
What instructors owe their learners, professionalism, safety practices, and continuing development.
Chapter 8: Aviation Instructor Responsibilities and Professionalism
What instructors owe their learners, professionalism, safety practices, and continuing development.
Key Topics
9Chapter 9: Techniques of Flight Instruction
Practical flight instruction techniques, obstacles to learning, and positive exchange of flight controls.
Chapter 9: Techniques of Flight Instruction
Practical flight instruction techniques, obstacles to learning, and positive exchange of flight controls.
Key Topics
10Chapter 10: Teaching Practical Risk Management during Flight Instruction
How to teach risk management as a working skill throughout flight training.
Chapter 10: Teaching Practical Risk Management during Flight Instruction
How to teach risk management as a working skill throughout flight training.
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 6 (Assessment). 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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