Definition
A general category of FAA-published material that gives pilots the operational, regulatory, and safety information they need to plan and conduct flights. It includes items such as the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Advisory Circulars (ACs), Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs), the Chart Supplement, and other FAA publications that describe procedures, airspace, navigation, and airport data.
Plain English
The collection of official FAA materials pilots use to find out how to fly safely and legally — things like procedure manuals, airport guides, and current notices about changes or hazards.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA reference material, especially when the FAA points students to handbooks, manuals, charts, and other sources used during training and flight planning.
Derivation
Pilot comes from older words meaning a person who guides or steers. Aeronautical comes from Greek roots meaning air and sailor, so it points to navigating or operating in the air. Together, the phrase means information for the person guiding an aircraft through the air.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots are legally and practically responsible for knowing the rules, procedures, and current conditions affecting their flights. This category of information is the official source for that knowledge — using outdated or unofficial sources can lead to safety issues or violations.
Intuition Check
Do not read information here as casual advice or general background reading. In this FAA context, it means aviation reference material a pilot is expected to use for safe and legal flying.
Example Sentence 1
Before her cross-country flight, she reviewed the relevant pilot and aeronautical information, including current NOTAMs and the Chart Supplement entry for her destination.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots review pilot and aeronautical information before every flight to confirm regulations and procedures.