The Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) certification process includes both a written knowledge exam and a practical (checkride) test, which require extensive preparation and study.
We've compiled a list of recommended study materials, summarized in a practical checklist you can copy, and use to structure your own test preparation from start to finish.
✅ 1. Complete a Structured Ground School Course
Depth: Complete it in full.
Goal: Build a solid understanding of the material and be fully prepared for the written exam.
Your flight school will likely offer their own ground school or have a recommended online program that covers the required knowledge areas and prepares you for the FAA written exam — start there, and use it as the backbone of your study plan.
For example, ATP Flight School has its own in-person ground school program, where you attend structured classroom sessions led by instructors who walk you through the required knowledge areas and prepare you for the FAA written exam and checkride.
- King Schools Private Pilot Course
- Sporty’s Private Pilot Course
- Gleim Private Pilot Course
These allow you to study on your time from the covenience of your home. Some ATP students choose to purchase these and get a head start on their studying.
Whichever ground school format you choose, it should serve as the foundation of your study plan. Work through every lesson, complete every quiz, and don’t advance until you’re consistently scoring 85–90% on full-length practice tests.
✅ 2. Read the FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
Depth: Moderate to deep
The PHAK is published by the FAA and is completely free. You can download it here.
This serves as your conceptual foundation and represents the core theory behind your flight training. Prioritize:
- Aerodynamics (stalls, load factor, drag types)
- Aircraft systems (engine, electrical, pitot-static)
- Weather theory (fronts, fog, stability)
- Airspace
- Performance & density altitude
- Aeromedical factors
Tip: use the ACS to know which sections to prioritize.
If you understand this book, you won’t just memorize answers but instead think like a pilot. It's a good ida to start the PHAK in parallel with ground school, not after it.
If you’re a checklist person like we are, consider adding a line item for each chapter that includes: (1) reading the chapter in full, and (2) identifying the key concepts and turning them into flashcards — or, if you use Sapienza, adding those pre-created cards directly into your practice set for ongoing review.
✅ 3. Read the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
Depth: Moderate to deep
This connects theory to actual flying. Focus on:
- Traffic patterns
- Stalls & slow flight
- Landings & go-arounds
- Crosswind technique
- Takeoff procedures
Even though this is “flight” content, it reinforces written test knowledge.
Tip: use the ACS to know which sections to prioritize.
You can access the AFH here.
✅ 4. Understand Title 14 CFR (FARs)
Depth
: Know part 61 and part 91 cold.
These can be accessed here. You don't need to memorize every single one, but you do need to know the following:
Part 61 — Certification
Private pilot eligibility
- Currency requirements
- Flight review (24 calendar months)
- 90-day passenger rule
Part 91 — Operating Rules
Required documents (AROW)
- Required equipment (91.205)
- Fuel requirements
- VFR weather minimums
- Right-of-way rules
- Minimum safe altitudes
- Alcohol rule (8 hours, no impairment)
You should also have basic awareness of Part 43 (maintenance) and Part 67 (medical standards).
✅ 5. Use the FAR/AIM Book (Selectively)
Depth:
use as a study reference
This book combines Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), commonly referred to as the FARs, with the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), which provides operational guidance. Rather than reading all 1,000+ pages cover to cover, most students use the FAR/AIM as a reference — looking up specific regulations as they arise during ground school, while studying the PHAK, or when reviewing the Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH).
✅ 6. Study the Private Pilot ACS
Depth: Strategic review
The ACS tells you exactly:
- What knowledge is testable
- What maneuvers must meet tolerances
- What risk management elements must be understood
Use it as a checklist as you study the other materials, and when prepping for the test.
✅ 7. Do Practice Tests
Take full-length practice exams until:
- You consistently score 85–90%
- You understand why each wrong answer was wrong
Do not rely on memorization alone.
✅ 8. Use Flashcards (Highly Recommended)
Create flashcards (or use Sapienza’s pre-created decks) to cover all key knowledge areas. If you’re using Sapienza’s cards, consider supplementing them with your own for topics you want to explore more deeply, areas you’re struggling with, or concepts that need extra reinforcement. Spaced repetition is exceptionally effective for retaining aviation knowledge over the long term.
The Real Goal
Remember that passing the PAR test is only the first step, and that the real goal is to build a deep, working understanding of the material.
Understanding the material deeply will:
- Make flight training smoother
- Reduce stress
- Improve safety
- Make your checkride easier
Invest the time to study deeply, and continue reviewing regularly!