Aeronautical Information Manual
The Aeronautical Information Manual — the FAA's official guide to flight information and ATC procedures in the National Airspace System.
About this document
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is the FAA's official guide to basic flight information and air traffic control procedures. It explains how to operate in the National Airspace System: airspace, air-navigation aids, airport operations and lighting, ATC clearances and communications, arrival and departure procedures, emergency procedures, and the meaning of the many phraseology and safety-of-flight items pilots use daily.
The AIM is not regulatory, but it is the authoritative explanation of procedures and is heavily referenced on knowledge tests. It is updated regularly; always consult the current online edition.
Read it online
This reference is published by the FAA as a continuously-updated web resource rather than a single PDF, so we link you to the official current version.
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Take a free practice test →AIM is an official FAA publication in the public domain. We host a copy so you can read it in-browser; always confirm you are reading the current edition on faa.gov. The description above is an original summary and is a study aid, not a substitute for the document or the regulations.