It’s almost 2017! Wait, what? Well that’s the way it feels here at ASA Headquarters. As I write this the entire ASA Team is preparing for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year, and that means lots of new and updated training material is coming your way soon! Some of our 2017 products are already shipping and will continue to do so over the next couple of months. Other new products are in development as well, and as always, the FAA is making changes, posting updates, and releasing new information that may affect your aviation training. So, how are you as a busy student pilot going to keep up with it all? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below are some great ASA resources for student pilots. You may not need them all, but there are surely some that can help you stay in-the-know and be prepared when it comes to that upcoming knowledge test or checkride.
Learn to Fly Blog email notifications—If this is your first time here, or the subscription sign-up box on the right-hand side of this page just hasn’t caught your eye, consider signing up to receive an email when a new Learn to Fly Blog post is made.
FAR/AIM Updates—The ASA FAR/AIM Series contains the most complete and up-to-date information available. With regulatory changes occurring frequently (these can happen at any time), ASA offers a free email Update subscription service. As a subscriber to this service, you will receive update notices automatically when a regulatory or procedural change is released by the FAA. Click here to subscribe.
FAA Knowledge Exam Updates—ASA provides free updates to question databases (approximately 3 times a year). The files found on this page are for use with the current and preceding year Test Prep books and Fast-Track manuals. The most recent updated took place earlier this month. The next update is expected in October 2016. Click here to subscribe to the database(s) that apply to you.
FAA Test Standard Updates—This page shows the current editions (part numbers), effective dates, and updates for the Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Airman Certification Standards for both pilots and maintenance technicians. There is no subscription for this, but you can use this online resource to check for updates prior to your checkride. Your DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) will expect you to know the current standards at the time of your test. Visit this page and bookmark it for future reference.
Textbook Updates—This online resource contains updates to textbooks published by ASA and the FAA. Sometimes an update does not warrant a new edition, or new printing of the book. In these cases we publish (when necessary) an update or addendum to the most current printing of the book. Check here on occasion to see if there are any updates to ASA books you might have in your library.
ENROUTE—Your all-in-one resource. This monthly newsletter provides information on the newest products from ASA, as well as changes and updates to all of the resources mentioned above including updates to existing ASA products and textbooks, Federal Aviation Regulation updates, changes to the Practical Test Standards and Airman Certification Standards, updates to FAA Knowledge Exams, the latest posts from right here at the Learn to Fly Blog, training tips, links to resources and social media outlets, and much more–all in one place! Click here to subscribe.
As an aviator, it is important that you know as much as you can about current events and changes affecting not only yourself but everyone you share the sky with. Let ASA and the Learn to Fly Blog help you as you pursue your dream of flight.