Study and reference
Aircraft Resources & Study Materials
Pilot's guides for the avionics, handbooks for the airplanes and the FAA's free study materials, all in one place.
Use these for study, not for flight. Manuals here are general references. Always use the approved Airplane Flight Manual / Pilot's Operating Handbook, supplements, equipment list and weight and balance records that are carried in the specific airplane you fly, and the current version of any avionics guide for the software installed. Third-party copies of old manuals are provided for study only.
These links cover the airplanes Jacob's students typically fly from Megahertz Sky Hub at KBFL, along with the FAA's free study materials. Every link was checked when this page was built, but publishers move files, so tell me if one breaks.
The airplanes at Megahertz Sky Hub
Equipment below is as listed on Megahertz's airplane rentals page and may change. Both airplanes are available to rent at Megahertz, at Meadows Field (KBFL) in Bakersfield. Photos of the airplanes are on that page too. Confirm rates, availability and equipment with the shop.
| Airplane | Avionics and equipment listed | Rate listed |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172N N6316D | GTN 650 GPS, Garmin GFC 500 autopilot, dual G5 electronic instruments, digital clock; 180 HP fuel-injected Lycoming engine | $172/hr wet |
| Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 N500KC | GFC 500 autopilot, GNS 430W GPS, ADS-B Out, JPI EDM engine data monitor, dual G5, Garmin GTX 345 transponder | $172/hr wet |
Fuel surcharges may apply per Megahertz. Rates are as listed on their website at the time this page was written; confirm directly.
Photos of the airplanes belong to Megahertz Sky Hub and are linked rather than copied here.
Cessna 172N N6316D
The Cessna 172N used for rental training is N6316D. You can look up its public registration record on the FAA Aircraft Registry (N6316D), which lists the make, model, year and registration status.
Weight and balance
Cessna 172N, serial 17272714.
| Item | Weight (lb) | Arm (in) | Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous empty weight / arm / moment (3/24/18) | 1469.33 | 38.06 | 55919.78 |
| Removed | |||
| Edo-Aire 4000B-12 directional gyro | −2.4 | 12.0 | −28.8 |
| Garmin GI-106A indicator | −1.5 | 14.0 | −21.0 |
| King KT76A transponder | −3.1 | 12.0 | −37.2 |
| Installed | |||
| Garmin G5 EFIS (HSI) | +1.0 | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B transponder | +3.1 | 12.0 | 37.2 |
| New totals (empty weight / empty CG / moment) | 1467.43 | 38.08 | 55883.98 |
New useful load: 1082.57 lb
Source: BluSky Avionics, LLC weight and balance sheet dated 7/23/21. Always use the current weight and balance in the airplane's own records and the approved flight manual for flight planning; equipment changes since then may change these numbers. The sheet states: “For all loading configurations, consult Weight & Balance Section of Aircraft Records.”
Note: Megahertz's listing mentions a 180 HP fuel-injected Lycoming, which differs from the original 172N powerplant, so performance and loading data in the original Cessna handbook may not apply. The airplane's approved flight manual supplements and W&B record take priority.
Avionics manuals and pilot's guides
Matched to the equipment Megahertz lists. Check the software version installed in your airplane; guides are written for a specific software release.
Garmin GTN 625/635/650 Pilot's Guide
Covers the GTN 650 GPS/NAV/COM in Megahertz's Cessna 172N. Part 190-01004-03, Rev. P (software 6.60 or later).
Open OfficialGarmin G5 & GFC 500 Pilot's Guide (certified aircraft)
One guide covering the G5 electronic flight instrument and the GFC 500 autopilot and flight director. Part 190-01112-12, Rev. L.
Open OfficialGarmin GNS 430W / 400W-series Pilot's Guide
For the GNS 430W GPS/NAV/COM in the Piper Cherokee. Part 190-00356-00, Rev. K.
Open OfficialGarmin GTX 335/345 Pilot's Guide
For the GTX 345 ADS-B transponder. Part 190-01499-00, Rev. G (software 2.65). Newer revisions may exist on Garmin's manuals page.
Open OfficialJ.P. Instruments (JPI) EDM manuals
Index of EDM pilot's guides. Which EDM model is installed in the Cherokee should be confirmed with the shop.
Open OfficialJPI EDM-700 / 800 / 711 Pilot's Guide
Direct PDF, Rev. X (2017). Use if the installed monitor is an EDM-700 or 800.
Open OfficialJPI EDM-730 / 830 Pilot's Guide
Direct PDF, Rev. F (2018). Use if the installed monitor is an EDM-730 or 830.
Open OfficialGarmin manuals search
Garmin's own manuals library. Search by product to find the latest revision of any guide above.
OpenAirplane handbooks (POH / AFM) and weight and balance
Study copies for learning the layout of the handbooks and how weight and balance works. The airplane's own approved AFM, supplements and W&B record always govern.
Cessna 172N Pilot's Operating Handbook (1978)
Full POH for the model 172N, hosted by a flight school. Study copy only.
Open Third-party copyCessna 172N POH Section 6: Weight & Balance
The sample forms, loading graph and CG envelope from a 172N POH. These are samples. Use your airplane's own W&B record.
Open Third-party copyCessna 172N loading graph and CG envelope
POH weight and balance pages for the 172N, useful for practicing calculations. Not specific to any airplane.
Open OfficialFAA Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
FAA-H-8083-1B. Explains weight and balance theory, includes a blank worksheet and worked examples.
Open Third-party copyPiper Cherokee 140 (PA-28-140) Pilot's Operating Manual
Piper part 761 555 (1973), for serial numbers 28-7425001 through 28-7625275. Check applicability to the airplane you fly.
Open OfficialPiper owner publications catalog
How to obtain official Piper manuals and what is and isn't a substitute for an approved AFM/POH.
OpenFAA handbooks and standards (free)
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK)
FAA-H-8083-25C. The core reference for the private pilot knowledge test. Start here.
Open OfficialAirplane Flying Handbook
Full book. Maneuvers, takeoffs and landings, emergencies and more.
Open OfficialInstrument Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-15B. For instrument rating, IPC and instrument currency.
Open OfficialInstrument Procedures Handbook
Approaches, departures and IFR operations. Landing page with download links.
Open OfficialAviation Weather Handbook
FAA-H-8083-28B. Modern weather reference for all pilots.
Open OfficialPrivate Pilot ACS (airplane)
The standards you'll be tested on for the private certificate.
Open OfficialInstrument Rating ACS (airplane)
Standards for the instrument rating practical test. Also the basis for an IPC.
Open OfficialCommercial Pilot ACS (airplane)
Standards for the commercial pilot practical test.
Open OfficialAll Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
The FAA's index of every ACS, including the current revisions.
Open Regulation14 CFR 61.56: Flight review
The regulation behind a flight review.
Open Regulation14 CFR 61.57: Recent flight experience, IPC
Currency requirements, including instrument currency and the IPC.
OpenQuestions about the airplane or your training?
Send a message and I'll point you in the right direction.