Plain English Meaning

A handbook from the FAA that tells pilots how to operate in U.S. airspace — what the rules look like in real flying, how to talk to controllers, and how to use the system safely.

Full Definition

An official FAA publication that provides pilots with the basic flight information and air traffic control procedures used in the U.S. National Airspace System. It explains how the system works in practice — including airspace, navigation aids, communications, flight procedures, wake turbulence, medical factors, and standard operating practices — and is updated periodically to reflect current rules and procedures.

Context Anchor

Pilots encounter the AIM during , , and when checking the standard way to handle , , or situations.