Book excerpt: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, created by the Federal Aviation Administration, is the official reference manual for pilots at all levels. An indispensable and invaluable encyclopedia, it deals with all aspects of aeronautical information. Each chapter focuses on a different area that pilots are tested on in flight school and must need to know before they fly a plane on of their own. These topics include: aircraft structure principles of aerodynamics flight controls aircraft systems flight instruments and more Flight manuals and documentation are also covered, as is specialized information on such matters as weight and balance, aircraft performance, weather, navigation, airport operations, aeromedical factors, and decision-making while flying. An updated appendix, detailed index, and full glossary make this book easy to navigate and useful in quick reference situations.