While going through the checklist for items the applicant needed to bring for the check ride, the CFI noted that the learner’s FAR/AIM was two years out of date. The CFI was the “finish up, polish up” CFI, and they had been using the electronic version, E-FAR/AIM, on his tablet. It was agreed that for the check ride the applicant needed to have a copy of his own. The applicant promptly bought one from the FBO, removed the plastic wrap, then took the book outside and proceeded to rub the book on the ground, making the new book look worn and well-used. When asked why he intentionally damaged the book, the applicant replied that he’d seen a video where an online ground school instructor claimed if the applicant’s FAR/AIM looked old and used the designated pilot examiner would be impressed. There was an awkward silence. No, Virginia, it’s not the look of the FAR/AIM that will impress the DPE—it is your ability to use it.
The FAR/AIM for the Private Pilot
The Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual (FAR/AIM) is a reference tool. It’s intimidating to look at, but the good news is that you don’t have to commit each individual entry to memory. You do, however, need to have a basic knowledge of the pertinent regulations and more importantly, know where and how to look things up just to be sure you have the correct information. This process begins with knowing what the chapters, parts, and sections hold.
