Definition
The Aeronautical Information Manual is the FAA's official guide to basic flight information and air traffic control procedures used in the U.S. National Airspace System. It explains how the system works, what pilots are expected to do, and the procedures and phraseology used in flight operations.
Plain English
A handbook from the FAA that tells pilots how flying in the U.S. system works and what is expected of them when operating in it.
Context Anchor
Pilots encounter AIM references in FAA handbooks, training materials, practical test preparation, flight planning, and questions about standard procedures.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots rely on the AIM to understand legal requirements and standard practices that directly affect safety and compliance during flight.
Intuition Check
AIM does not mean pointing the airplane at something here. In FAA aviation use, AIM means the Aeronautical Information Manual.
Example Sentence 1
Before her cross-country flight, she reviewed the AIM section on radio communications to refresh her phraseology.
Example Sentence 2
During instrument training the instructor referred to the AIM section on lost communications procedures.