The FAA is often confusing and roundabout, but they should be commended for their great work at making sure resources are available online, for free, at the Regulatory and Guidance Library. As most FAA training publications are also advisory circulars, they can all be found in the library. This is a one-stop summary of everything I’ve found relevant to my training, from Private Pilot up to CFII.

Federal Aviation Regulations

Searchable, and including many regulations that didn’t make it into the basic FAR/AIM publications pilots purchase.

Aeronautical Information Manual and Air Traffic Control Order 7110.65R

Not searchable (except through google), but both have tables of contents. Some obscure information related to instrument flying is only listed in the 7110.

Aeronautical Information Publication

Contains a wide variety of information; I first turned to it while searching for specifics on radio frequencies for air-to-air communications. Includes a lot of definitions and clarifications from the FAR/AIM.

Airmen Practical Test Standards

Standards for instructors and pilots are available – also a good place to check if yours are up to date.

Handbooks and manuals:

H-8083-3A Airplane Flying Handbook

The starting place for any private pilot. Includes a lot of information on the basic maneuvers required for private and commercial ratings.

H-8083-9 Aviation Instructor’s Handbook

A lot of the information is common sense, but there’s also a lot of rote list memorization required for the written exam. It’s all in here.

H-8083-15 Instrument Flying Handbook

Not a great source for instrument details, but a good discussion on control-performance and primary-supporting methods. For better specifics, check out ASA’s The Pilot’s Manual: Instrument Flying, my favorite book for instrument training.

H-8083-25 Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

Instrument Procedures Handbook

Advisory circulars:

AC 00-6A Aviation Weather for Pilots and Flight Operations Personnel

It’s old (last revision: 1975) but it’s also an outstanding place to go for details on weather theory. Unfortunately, the copy online is poor quality and in black and white, but it’s a start.

AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Services

AC 60-22 Aeronautical Decision Making

AC 61-65E Certification: Pilots and Flight/Ground Instructors

AC 61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness Training

AC 61-91A Currency and Additional Qualification Requirements for Certificated Pilots

AC 61-134 CFIT

AC 90-94 GPS guidelines

AC 91-74 flight in icing