# Pilot Handbook — Calcs and Helpful References

> Aviation knowledge handbook with calculators and weight/balance data. (iPhone/iPad app by Calculated Industries.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-handbook/id346827608 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Calculated Industries](https://appshunter.io/developer/370406449)
- Category: Reference, Education
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 4.90/5 from 318 App Store ratings · 107 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.3 · 99 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2009-12-20
- Data updated: 2026-09-14
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-handbook/id346827608/reviews.md

## What is Pilot Handbook?

Pilot Handbook App presents the information from the The Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge in a format optimized for your iPhone/iPad.  As a bonus Pilot Handbook now includes 110 calculators for pilots and over 80 pages of Weight and Balance information.

The Pilot Handbook app is based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) premier pilot training manual titled Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge ( FAA-H8083-25A updated with October 2014 changes).  This app provides knowledge that is essential for pilots, student pilots, and instructors.

Many FAA Knowledge Exams' questions are taken directly from the information presented in these texts.

Pilot Handbook app includes information on:

* Introduction to flying
* Aircraft structure
* Principles of flight
* Aerodynamics of flight
* Flight controls
* Aircraft systems
* Flight instruments
* Flight manuals
* Weight and balance
* Aircraft performance
* Weather theory
* Weather reports, forecasts and charts
* Airport operations
* Airspace
* Navigation
* Aeromedical  factors
* Aeronautical decision-making

The app includes over 800 illustrations and images.  It also now includes over 110 aviation calculators integrated into the content and standalone.

Pilot Handbook is an encyclopedia of all aspects of aeronautical information.

## Key features

- Aeronautical knowledge content
- 110+ aviation calculators
- Weight and balance information
- 800+ illustrations
- FAA pilot training manual format
- Standalone calculators

## What do users think of Pilot Handbook?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy navigation
- 📚 Comprehensive and detailed aviation content
- 💰 Excellent value for the price
- 📖 Well-organized reference material
- 🎨 Clear illustrations and graphics
- 📱 Convenient mobile access to handbook
- 🔍 Useful search functionality
- ⏱️ Great for quick reference and review
- ✈️ Suitable for all pilot experience levels
- 📊 Includes calculators and conversion tools

**Cons**

- ⚠️ Content not updated to latest FAA standards
- 🐛 Trip planning calculators malfunction
- 🐛 Pages frequently stick and don't scroll
- 📱 Not optimized for newer device screens
- 🎨 Logo compass design error (aircraft banking issue)
- 🌙 No dark mode for night reading
- 🇺🇸 US-centric content, limited international applicability
- 🐛 App crashes and shutdowns
- 📄 Missing chapter numbers for cross-referencing

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Trip time calculator repeats descent time value instead of summing properly
- Fuel calculation based on incorrect trip time
- Pages stick and don't scroll down properly
- App crashes and shuts down unexpectedly
- Not optimized for iPhone X and newer devices with larger screens
- Logo compass design shows aircraft in impossible banking position

**Most requested features**

- Update content to FAA-8083-25C 2023 version
- Dark mode for night reading
- Chapter numbers for easier reference
- Text highlighting and underlining capability
- Text enlargement/zoom feature
- Better optimization for newer device screens (iPhone X+)
- Canadian version with cross-border regulatory references
- Dictionary facility for aviation terminology
- Improved menu navigation for calculators
- Page references to original FAA book

## Recent user reviews (10 of 107)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-handbook/id346827608/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Good idea, just don’t use calculators

*2025-06-10, version 4.1.4*

Seems like a good idea. More user friendly than using a PDF copy.

The trip planning calculators don’t work, however. The trip time doesn’t sum properly (it just repeats the descent time value) therefore fuel calculation is based on the few minutes of descent time, not the whole trip. This is worthless and pointless.

### 3/5 — Nice App - Needs Updated

*2025-01-15, version 4.1.4*

There are significant changes in the FAA-8083-25C 2023 version.

One of the value propositions for apps that wrap pdf content publicly available should not only be the features around the standard content (favorites, calculators, etc) but most importantly for the content to be up to date.

Right now it’s like having an old book.

### 5/5 — Very enjoyable

*2023-02-27, version 4.1.4*

I have taken lessons in the past but never got my private license, one day maybe I will, but I really enjoy flying and learning about it. I agree with the other reviewer, very informative and detailed, I have not come across any errors yet but if there are any it probably is minor and I would not hesitate to let developer know, but I am glad I got this app, it’s great reading when you have spare time. 👍 nice app.

### 5/5 — Information at your convenience

*2022-04-27, version 4.1.4*

As a student pilot this book covers topics a ground school usually doesn’t.
Very handy and helpful

### 5/5 — ...enjoyable

*2021-11-23, version 4.1.3*

...good long detailed reading...however, the compass of your logo appears broken...an aircraft cannot fly straight ahead while doing a left bank.....fix it...

### 5/5 — Great reference

*2021-10-10, version 4.1.3*

The presentation is easy to understand.

### 5/5 — Right on Point

*2021-02-15, version 4.1.2*

It serves exactly what a digital version of the pHAC needs to be.  Excellent app for the money and demand.

### 5/5 — Must have aviation flying

*2020-12-08, version 4.1.2*

Don’t miss out. This is my number one reference for flight instruction.

### 4/5 — Useful for studying

*2020-11-23, version 4.1.2*

Wish it had 2 features to get to 5⭐️: chapter numbers so I could reference other study guides easier, and dark mode for when reading at night!

### 5/5 — Excellent resource !

*2020-04-08, version 4.1.0*

Great information & free too. Thank you FAA.

## Frequently asked questions about Pilot Handbook

### What information does the Pilot Handbook app contain?

The app contains comprehensive aeronautical knowledge based on the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. It covers topics from the introduction to flying and aircraft structure to weather theory, navigation, and aeromedical factors, supported by over 800 illustrations.

### What are the key features of the Pilot Handbook app?

Key features include access to essential pilot training information, over 110 integrated and standalone aviation calculators, and more than 80 pages of detailed weight and balance information. The app also boasts over 800 illustrations to enhance understanding.

### Is the Pilot Handbook app free to use?

Yes, the Pilot Handbook app is available for free. It does not contain in-app purchases or advertisements, providing an uninterrupted learning experience.

### Who would benefit from using the Pilot Handbook app?

This app is ideal for pilots, student pilots, and aviation instructors who need a readily accessible and comprehensive resource for aeronautical knowledge. It's also useful for anyone preparing for FAA knowledge exams, as many questions are derived from the source material.

### What kind of calculators are included in the app?

The app includes over 110 aviation calculators designed for pilots. These calculators cover various aspects of flight and are integrated within the content as well as available as standalone tools for quick calculations.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.1.4 — 2021-12-01

Fix to share feature

### 4.1.3 — 2021-10-05

Under the cover revision

### 4.1.2 — 2020-07-10

* Added back button

### 4.1.1 — 2020-06-17

* Fixed minor problems with iOS13

### 4.1.0 — 2017-07-17

* Updated for compatibility with iOS 10 and above.
* Improved usability and sharing.

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All apps by Calculated Industries: https://appshunter.io/developer/370406449

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-14.*