General Aeronautical Knowledge
Core concepts every pilot shares — the foundations.
8 topics · grounded in the FAA handbooks · 4-module study path · ~16 min of reading
Study Path
A suggested reading order, sequenced like a textbook — start at Module 1 and work down. Each module builds on the last, mirroring how the FAA handbook presents the material.
Module 1: Aerodynamics & Principles of Flight
Introduces the fundamental forces and concepts that explain how an aircraft flies, laying the groundwork for all later topics.
3 articles · ~6 min
- 1.1The Four Forces of FlightLift, weight, thrust, and drag are the four forces acting on an airplane in flight. Understanding how they balance explains why an airplane climbs, descends, accelerates, or holds a steady speed.
- 1.2Angle of AttackAngle of attack is the angle between the wing’s chord line and the relative wind. It is the single most important factor in producing lift — and in causing a stall.
- 1.3Stalls and SpinsA stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and stops producing sufficient lift. A spin is an aggravated stall in which the airplane autorotates while descending.
Module 2: Flight Instruments
Covers how key instruments derive their readings from basic physical systems, building on aerodynamic concepts already learned.
1 article · ~2 min
Module 3: Weather Theory & Services
Explains atmospheric effects on performance and how to interpret weather reports, essential knowledge before discussing airspace rules.
2 articles · ~4 min
- 3.1Density AltitudeDensity altitude is pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature — it is the altitude the airplane “feels” aerodynamically. High density altitude degrades climb, takeoff, and engine performance.
- 3.2How to Read a METARA METAR is a coded surface weather observation that always follows the same order. Reading it left to right gives you wind, visibility, weather, sky cover, temperature, and pressure at a glance.
Module 4: Airspace & Regulations
Details the structure of airspace and the visual flight rules that govern operations within it, applying earlier weather and performance knowledge.
2 articles · ~4 min
- 4.1Airspace Classes (A–G)U.S. airspace is divided into controlled classes A, B, C, D, and E and uncontrolled Class G. Each class sets the rules for entry, equipment, and communication with air traffic control.
- 4.2VFR Weather MinimumsVisual flight rules require minimum flight visibility and specific distances from clouds. The exact figures depend on the class of airspace and whether you are flying by day or night.
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The same 8 articles, grouped by topic.
Aerodynamics(3)
The Four Forces of Flight
Lift, weight, thrust, and drag are the four forces acting on an airplane in flight. Understanding how they balance explains why an airplane climbs, descends, accelerates, or holds a steady speed.
Angle of Attack
Angle of attack is the angle between the wing’s chord line and the relative wind. It is the single most important factor in producing lift — and in causing a stall.
Stalls and Spins
A stall occurs when the wing exceeds its critical angle of attack and stops producing sufficient lift. A spin is an aggravated stall in which the airplane autorotates while descending.
Airspace(2)
Airspace Classes (A–G)
U.S. airspace is divided into controlled classes A, B, C, D, and E and uncontrolled Class G. Each class sets the rules for entry, equipment, and communication with air traffic control.
VFR Weather Minimums
Visual flight rules require minimum flight visibility and specific distances from clouds. The exact figures depend on the class of airspace and whether you are flying by day or night.
Weather(2)
How to Read a METAR
A METAR is a coded surface weather observation that always follows the same order. Reading it left to right gives you wind, visibility, weather, sky cover, temperature, and pressure at a glance.
Density Altitude
Density altitude is pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature — it is the altitude the airplane “feels” aerodynamically. High density altitude degrades climb, takeoff, and engine performance.
Explanations are original summaries grounded in the public-domain FAA handbooks and cite their source. They are study aids, not a substitute for the official handbooks or regulations.