A curated collection of study tools, FAA references, weather resources, and training guides to help you progress through your certificates and ratings.
Talk to an InstructorOfficial FAA References
All of these publications are available free from the FAA. Your CFI will assign specific chapters as you progress through training.
The foundational reference for all pilot certificates. Covers aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather, airspace, and flight physiology. Required reading for your written exam.
Download Free (FAA.gov) →Covers flight maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, slow flight, stalls, ground reference maneuvers, and emergency procedures. Closely aligned with what your CFI will teach you in the aircraft.
Download Free (FAA.gov) →The ACS replaces the old Practical Test Standards and defines exactly what the DPE will test you on for your checkride. Study this to know the standards you must meet for every maneuver.
View ACS Documents (FAA.gov) →The primary reference for instrument rating students. Covers IFR procedures, approach charts, holds, navigation systems, and weather interpretation for flight in IMC.
Download Free (FAA.gov) →Pre-Flight Planning
Official FAA/NWS source for METARs, TAFs, PIREPs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, prog charts, and winds aloft. The authoritative source for legal weather briefings.
aviationweather.gov →File flight plans, get official weather briefings, and obtain NOTAMs. Every student pilot should be familiar with this system before solo cross-country flights.
1800wxbrief.com →AOPA offers free flight planning tools, route analysis, and TFR checking for AOPA members. Excellent for cross-country planning as a student.
AOPA Flight Tools →The legal authority for all things aviation. In Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 61 (Certification), 91 (Operations), and 141 (Schools) are most relevant to student pilots.
eCFR Title 14 →Sectional, terminal and airport diagram views for our home field. Worth studying before your first pattern work or solo.
KMKY on SkyVector →The nearest towered field, a short hop up the coast. Most CFTAR students fly here to build towered airport and radio experience.
KAPF on SkyVector →CFTAR Training Documents
These are the materials our instructors use day to day. Ask your CFI which ones apply to where you are in your training.
Our private pilot training syllabus, lesson by lesson. Your instructor works through this with you from first flight to checkride.
Download PDF (660 KB) →Maneuver reference covering entry, execution and recovery for the three you will practice most in the run up to solo.
Download PDF (116 KB) →The written test you complete before your first solo. Required by 14 CFR 61.87(b) and graded by your instructor.
Download DOCX (13 KB) →Aircraft specific questions to work through with your instructor ahead of the pre-solo exam.
Download DOCX (15 KB) →Train with CFTAR in Naples
Our instructors are happy to talk through training requirements, study plans, and what to expect on your first few lessons. No obligation.