FAA Glider Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-13B
In December 2024 the FAA published a new edition FAA-H-8083-13B Glider Flying Handbook. This replaces the FAA-H-8083-13A Glider Flying Handbook that was published in October 2013.
The FAA’s Glider Flying Handbook introduces the basic pilot skills and knowledge essential for piloting gliders. Beneficial for student pilots just beginning their glider endeavors as well as pilots preparing for additional certificates or wanting to improve their flying proficiency, it is also a valuable tool for flight instructors engaged in teaching glider pilots of all skill levels.
The Glider Flying Handbook is designed as a technical manual for applicants who are preparing for glider category rating and for currently certificated glider pilots who wish to improve their knowledge. Certificated flight instructors will find this handbook a valuable training aid, since detailed coverage of aeronautical decision-making, components and systems, aerodynamics, flight instruments, performance limitations, ground operations, flight maneuvers, traffic patterns, emergencies, soaring weather, soaring techniques, and cross-country flight is included. Topics such as radio navigation and communication, use of flight information publications, and regulations are available in other Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publications.
As the official FAA source for learning to fly gliders, the Glider Flying Handbook is the basis for many of the test questions on the FAA Knowledge Exams for pilots. Complete with chapter summaries and illustrated throughout with detailed, full-color drawings and photographs, it also includes a glossary and index.
FAA Balloon Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-11B
The FAA Balloon Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-11B was published in December 2024 and replaces the FAA Balloon Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-11A which was originally published in 2008.
This handbook is the official FAA source for learning to fly balloons and for many of the test questions on the FAA Knowledge Exams for pilots. Complete with chapter summaries and illustrated throughout with detailed, full-color drawings and photographs, the handbook also includes a glossary of balloon-related terms.
This FAA Balloon Flying Handbook introduces the basic pilot knowledge and skills that are essential for piloting balloons. It introduces pilots to the broad spectrum of knowledge that will be needed as they progress in their pilot training. This handbook is for student pilots, as well as those pursuing more advanced pilot certificates.
Student pilots learning to fly balloons, certificated pilots preparing for additional balloon ratings or who desire to improve their flying proficiency and aeronautical knowledge, and commercial balloon pilots teaching balloon students how to fly should find this handbook helpful. This book introduces the prospective pilot to the realm of balloon flight and provides information and guidance to all balloon pilots in the performance of various balloon maneuvers and procedures.
This handbook conforms to pilot training and certification concepts established by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA). There are different ways of teaching, as well as performing flight procedures and maneuvers, and many variations in the explanations of aerodynamic theories and principles. This handbook adopts a selective method and concept to flying balloons. The discussions and explanations reflect the most commonly used practices and principles. Occasionally, the word “must” or similar language is used where the desired action is deemed critical. The use of such language is not intended to add to, interpret, or relieve a duty imposed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). It is essential for persons using this handbook also to become familiar with and apply the pertinent parts of 14 CFR and the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM). Performance standards for demonstrating competence required for pilot certification are prescribed in the appropriate balloon practical test standard.