The Student Pilot Desk
ACS practice quizzes, a nav log that does the wind math, and the small calculators you reach for during cross-country planning. Study aids, built for the kitchen table.
For study only. This page is not a substitute for training from an authorized flight instructor (CFI) or for official FAA sources, and nothing here is for real navigation or flight planning. Regulations change; check the current eCFR, AIM and your aircraft's POH, and get an official weather briefing before every flight.
VFR cross-country nav log.
Enter true course, winds aloft, TAS, variation and deviation for each leg. The log works out wind correction angle, headings, groundspeed, time and fuel. Print it, or print a blank one to fill in by hand.
| From | To | Alt | TC | Wind°T | Kt | TAS | WCA | TH | Var | MH | Dev | CH | Dist | GS | ETE | GPH | Fuel | ETA | ATA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals | – | – | – | ||||||||||||||||
How it works: WCA = asin(wind speed × sin(wind direction − TC) ÷ TAS); GS = TAS × cos(WCA) − wind speed × cos(wind direction − TC); TH = TC + WCA; MH = TH + west variation (or − east); CH = MH ± deviation. Winds aloft forecasts are referenced to true north, so use them directly with true course.
| From | To | Alt | TC | Wind | TAS | WCA | TH | Var | MH | Dev | CH | Dist | GS | ETE | ETA | ATA | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals | |||||||||||||||||
WCA = asin(Ws·sin(WD−TC)/TAS) · GS = TAS·cos(WCA) − Ws·cos(WD−TC) · TH = TC + WCA · MH = TH + W var / − E var · CH = MH ± dev. Study aid only; not a substitute for instruction or official sources.
The flight bag helpers.
Private Pilot ACS quizzes.
85 original questions grouped by Area of Operation in the Private Pilot Airplane ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C). The ACS replaced the old Practical Test Standards (PTS) for this certificate. Open an area to start.
Area I · Tasks A–BPilot Qualifications & Airworthiness13 questions
Area I · Task CWeather Information12 questions
Area I · Tasks D–ECross-Country Planning & Airspace12 questions
Area I · Tasks F–HPerformance, Systems & Human Factors12 questions
Areas II–IIIPreflight Procedures & Airport Operations12 questions
Area VINavigation12 questions
Areas IX & XIEmergency & Night Operations12 questions
All areasMixed 20, random20 questions
Solo to checkride checklist.
A high-level map of the endorsements and experience in 14 CFR 61.87, 61.93 and 61.103–61.109 for an airplane single-engine private certificate. Your instructor decides when you're ready; AC 61-65 has the sample endorsement wording. Ticks are saved in this browser only.
Before your first solo
Solo cross-country
Private pilot checkride (airplane single-engine)
Official resources.
The primary sources behind every answer on this page. All free.
Private Pilot Airplane ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C)
The standard your knowledge test, oral and checkride are built on. PDF.
All Airman Certification Standards
FAA index of current ACS and their effective dates.
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
Aerodynamics, systems, weather, navigation, aeromedical.
Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH)
How each maneuver is flown, plus emergencies and night.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
Airspace, airport ops, ATC procedures, weather services.
14 CFR Part 61 (certification)
Student, private and currency rules. Always current on eCFR.
14 CFR Part 91 (operating rules)
Weather minimums, fuel, equipment, right-of-way.
Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD)
Runways, frequencies, pattern info and remarks for every public airport.
VFR Raster Charts (sectionals)
Free current sectional and terminal area charts.
Aeronautical Chart Users' Guide
What every chart symbol means.
AC 61-65 (endorsements)
Sample wording for every instructor endorsement.
Flight Service: 1800wxbrief.com
Official briefings and flight plans, or call 1-800-WX-BRIEF.
Aviation Weather Center
METARs, TAFs, GFA, AIRMETs and SIGMETs.
FAASTeam (FAASafety.gov)
Free safety courses and seminars.
Signed off for your first solo? Mark it with something from the CrosswindBay shop.