Resources
A curated collection of trusted resources I recommend to support your flight training—whether you’re just starting out or working toward advanced certifications. These materials complement your in-aircraft instruction and help you build strong aeronautical knowledge, sound decision-making, and confident flying skills.
FAA Publications (Free & Official)
The FAA publishes industry-standard handbooks and certification documents that form the foundation of pilot training. These are free, authoritative, and highly recommended for every student pilot.
🔗 Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
The “WHY” behind flying covers the core theory every pilot needs to understand, including:
Aerodynamics and aircraft performance
Weather theory and interpretation
Aircraft systems
Human factors and aeronautical decision-making
This is a primary reference for understanding how an aircraft behaves.
🔗 Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
The “HOW” of flying, focused on practical flight training, including:
Flight maneuvers
Takeoffs, landings, and ground operations
Normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures
This handbook bridges ground knowledge and real-world flying skills.
Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
What you must know and demonstrate to earn your certificate. The ACS defines the exact standards for:
Knowledge
Risk management
Flight proficiency
You should treat these documents as your training roadmap.
Online Ground School
There are many online ground school options available. For students training in San Diego and across the U.S., King Schools is a highly regarded and widely used program.
King Schools provides:
Structured video-based lessons
Strong explanations of complex topics
Excellent preparation for FAA knowledge exams
This is the ground school I personally recommend and have used during my own training.
San Diego Flying Club: Plus One Flyers
The largest flying club in the world, based right here in San Diego.
Plus One Flyers offers:
A large, diverse fleet of aircraft
Access to multiple local airports
A strong safety and training culture
I am an authorized instructor for Plus One Flyers and provide:
New Member Checkout flights
Ongoing instruction and proficiency training
How to Use These Resources
Use FAA handbooks as your primary study references
Follow the ACS to guide your lesson preparation and checkride readiness
Pair online ground school with regular flight training for the best results
Reach out anytime if you’d like help choosing the right materials or building a study plan
If you have questions about any of these resources—or want personalized guidance—feel free to get in touch.