Resources for Student Pilots
Flying Skills
Important Topic Briefs
Interactive Courses and Quizzes
Flight Planning Tools
Additional Resources
More Questions?
Whether you are interested in learning to fly for recreation, business or as a career, AOPA will help speed your understanding of flight and your flight-training experience. As you transition from student to pilot, we will continue to provide you with many other relevant resources and tools that will help you advance toward your aviation goals and stay proficient. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of resources that you will find useful for training in the air or on the ground.
Most of the resources on this page are accessible to members and six-month student trial members. Sign up now for a free six-month membership or if you are a previous trial member, join today to take advantage of AOPA’s special student membership rate. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference, as we will continue to periodically update it. Good luck and safe piloting!
Flying Skills
The FAA's I'M SAFE Checklist
(FT, 10/95 Learning Experiences) This self-assessment may save your life.
Overcoming the Fear of Stalls and Spins
Insight from a student pilot’s journal.
When the Winds Blow
Windy? Read this first.
Your Cross-country Solo
Prepare with The Aeronautical Chart User's Guide.
Know Before You Go
(FT 7/05 To go, or no?)
Relevant factors to consider before flying.
Mastering Takeoffs and Landings
A safety advisor to sharpen your knowledge and skills.
Important Topic Briefs
Five Major Phases of Flight Training
Explore each phase of training.
A New Pilot's Guide to ATC Communication (FT, 2/97 Learning the Right Words)
This article breaks in all down for you.
Customizing Your Checklist (FT, 9/05 Making a list; checking it twice)
Helpful design guidelines.
Learning Plateaus (FT, 6/03 Features Sophmore slump)
How to overcome this common occurrence.
Pilot’s Guide to Medical Certification
Prepare ahead to avoid surprises during your exam.
Find an AME
Search the FAA database to find an AME.
Preparing for Your Checkride
Review the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards.
The Student's Glossary of General Aviation
Use this to help make sense of it all.
Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques
Basic procedures when communicating with ATC.
Lost Logbook
What you need to know and do.
Facing Your Fears (FT, 9/95 From the Editor)
Don’t let anxiety impede your progress.
Medical Certification FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Airman Knowledge Tests
Useful links to help you prepare.
Interactive Courses and Quizzes
Online Education from the Air Safety Institute
TurboMedical©
Airport taxi diagrams
TurboMedical©
Use this tool to avoid surprises at the AME’s office.
Runway Safety Flash Cards
Learn about runway signage and markings.
Flight Planning Tools
AOPA's FlyQ Web Flight Planner
Plan your flights with this easy to use online application (AOPA membership required - sign up for 6 months free!)
Forms and Phone Numbers
Downloadable forms and key phone numbers.
AOPA Online Airport Directory
Provides key airport data to help you prepare for your flight.
Virtual Flight Bag
A handy reference of online flight planning tools.
Additional Resources
AOPA’s Aviation Forums
A great way to learn from others.
AOPA Air Safety Foundation
Expand your knowledge, enhance your skills and challenge yourself through interactive courses, quizzes, publications and more.
Online Library
Flight training resources accessible 24/7.
Online Pilot Information Center
Access information frequently requested by pilots and students.
More Questions?
In case there’s something you weren’t able to find anywhere else on this Web site, AOPA's Aviation Services team of experts is ready to help you with aviation technical information on a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to flight training, pilot certification, airman medical certification, and FAA regulations and enforcement. These knowledgeable pilots and flight instructors can provide advice on aircraft operation, insurance, and other matters, or will gladly offer assistance with flight planning, international operations, and Customs procedures. If you're a member of AOPA, you can request help using any of the following methods.
Email: Ask a CFI
Phone: Call our Toll-free Pilot Support Hotline at 1-800-USA-AOPA (872-2672), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.