VSL Aviation
VSL ACE Guide - FAA Reference System for Pilots
VSL ACE Guide - FAA Reference System for Pilots
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VSL ACE Guide Version 6.8 – FAA Reference System for Pilots
The ACE Guide helps pilots prepare for FAA checkrides by linking each Airman Certification Standards (ACS) topic directly to the FAA handbooks, regulations, and advisory circulars that examiners expect applicants to understand.
Used by thousands of pilots preparing for FAA checkrides.
The guide compiles FAA source documents into a single hyperlinked reference system so pilots can quickly move between ACS standards, FAA explanations, and the supporting regulations.
Format: Digital PDF optimized for tablets and electronic flight bags (EFBs)
Includes free lifetime updates whenever FAA handbooks, ACS documents, or regulations change.
Stay ahead in your aviation training with the VSL ACE Guide, meticulously organized to provide fast access to the FAA references pilots rely on during training and certification.
The guide includes the most current Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS) for:
• Private Pilot
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot
• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Instrument Instructor (CFII)
ACE Guide – Quick Overview
What it is
An all-in-one FAA reference tool that compiles FAA handbooks, ACS/PTS documents, advisory circulars, and legal interpretations for fixed-wing aircraft into a single hyperlinked system.
What problem it solves
Pilots often have to search through multiple FAA documents when preparing for a checkride or researching regulations.
The ACE Guide connects those documents together with hyperlinks and cross-references so pilots can move between standards, explanations, and regulations quickly.
How it works
Topics in the Airman Certification Standards are connected to the supporting FAA handbook material, advisory circulars, and relevant FAR/AIM references.
This allows pilots to navigate FAA source material much faster than flipping through separate documents.
What is included
• FAA handbooks
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
• legacy Practical Test Standards (PTS) where still relevant
• advisory circulars related to fixed-wing operations
• FAA legal interpretations
• cross-references to the current FAR and AIM
Checkride use
The ACE Guide contains FAA source material that pilots are already permitted to reference.
It can be used during a checkride in the same way a printed FAR/AIM or FAA handbook can be used.
Who it is for
• pilots preparing for FAA checkrides
• flight instructors teaching FAA subject areas
• pilots who want faster access to FAA reference material
Author
Created by Seth Lake, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, airline pilot, and flight instructor.
ACE Guide – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACE Guide?
The ACE Guide is an all-in-one FAA reference tool designed for pilots preparing for checkrides and for everyday flight training.
It compiles FAA source documents for fixed-wing aircraft into a single organized system that can be navigated quickly using hyperlinks and cross-references.
The guide contains FAA handbooks, Airman Certification Standards (ACS), legacy Practical Test Standards (PTS), relevant Advisory Circulars, and selected FAA legal interpretations.
How does the ACE Guide work?
The ACE Guide uses a system of hyperlinks that allows pilots to move quickly between FAA documents and related topics.
For example, a topic in the ACS can link directly to supporting material in FAA handbooks, Advisory Circulars, or the FAR/AIM. This allows pilots to move between standards, explanations, and regulations in seconds.
What FAA material is included?
The ACE Guide contains a large collection of FAA source material relevant to fixed-wing aircraft, including:
• FAA handbooks such as the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and Airplane Flying Handbook
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
• Legacy Practical Test Standards (PTS) where still applicable
• Selected Advisory Circulars
• FAA legal interpretations
• Cross-references to the current FAR and AIM
All material is organized so pilots can quickly locate supporting references.
Is the ACE Guide legal to use during a checkride?
Yes.
The ACE Guide is composed entirely of FAA source material. Since the content is FAA reference data that pilots are already permitted to use, the guide can be used during a checkride in the same way a printed FAR/AIM or FAA handbook can be used.
How is the ACE Guide different from a normal study guide?
Most study guides summarize FAA material or present memorization-style questions.
The ACE Guide works more like a tabbed FAR/AIM system that brings together FAA source documents and connects them with hyperlinks. Instead of summarizing the information, the guide helps pilots quickly navigate the original FAA references.
Can the ACE Guide help me prepare for my FAA checkride?
Yes.
Many pilots use the ACE Guide while preparing for their checkride because it allows them to quickly move between ACS standards, FAA handbook explanations, and the supporting regulations.
Instead of searching through multiple FAA documents, the ACE Guide connects the relevant references in one place.
What should I study for the FAA oral exam?
Most oral exam questions are based on three sources:
• the Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
• FAA handbooks
• the FAR/AIM
The ACE Guide organizes these sources so pilots can quickly locate the FAA references that support each ACS topic.
Who is the ACE Guide designed for?
The guide is commonly used by:
• pilots preparing for FAA checkrides
• flight instructors teaching FAA subject areas
• pilots who want a fast way to navigate FAA reference material
What certificates does the ACE Guide support?
The ACE Guide focuses on FAA knowledge areas for fixed-wing aircraft. It is useful for pilots preparing for:
• Private Pilot
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot
• Flight Instructor
Who created the ACE Guide?
The ACE Guide was created by Seth Lake, an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, airline pilot, and flight instructor.
It was developed to help pilots quickly find the FAA references that support ACS standards and common checkride topics.
Is the ACE Guide kept up to date?
Yes.
The ACE Guide is built using FAA source material and is periodically updated to reflect changes to FAA handbooks, ACS documents, regulations, and other references. You will receive an email with a fresh download link each time the guide is updated.
Where can I buy the ACE Guide?
The ACE Guide is available as a digital download here:
https://vslaviation.myshopify.com/products/vsl-ace-guide
Why I Created the ACE Guide
When I first became an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner in 2019, I was overwhelmed by the number of FAA documents I needed to not only understand, but also have immediate access to during a checkride.
As an examiner, being able to quickly reference the FAA source material is critical. It’s something my time as an Air Force evaluator pilot reinforced. Evaluators must always be able to point directly to the standard that supports a decision.
During checkrides, I often found myself opening and closing dozens of different PDF documents just to locate the right FAA reference.
To solve that problem, I started building a personal reference system that connected the Airman Certification Standards to the FAA handbooks, regulations, and advisory circulars that support them.
Over the past several years I have continued refining that system into what is now called the VSL Aviation Certification and Education (ACE) Guide.
What began as a tool to make my job easier as an examiner has grown into a resource used by thousands of pilots preparing for FAA checkrides.
What’s Included
The following FAA handbooks, guides, ACS documents, and advisory circulars are included in the VSL ACE Guide:
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (with 2025 Addendum)
Airplane Flying Handbook (with 2025 Addendum)
Instrument Flying Handbook
Instrument Procedures Handbook
Risk Management Handbook
FAA Weather Handbook
FAA Weight and Balance Handbook (with 2025 Addendum)
Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Handbook
Aviation Instructor’s Handbook
Basic Survival Skills Handbook
Plane Sense Handbook
Private Pilot Airplane ACS
Instrument Airplane ACS
Commercial Airplane ACS
Flight Instructor Airplane ACS
Flight Instructor Instrument PTS
27 Common Legal Interpretations
AC 91-67A – Minimum Equipment Requirements
AC 91-78 – Use of Electronic Flight Bags
AC 61-142 – Sharing Aircraft Operating Expenses
AC 90-66C – Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations
AC 61-98D – Guidance for the Flight Review and IPC
AC 91-92 – Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing
AC 61-65K – Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors
AC 61-67C – Stall and Spin Awareness Training
AC 120-76D – Authorization for Use of EFBs
AC 91-74B – Icing Conditions
AC 61-107B – High Altitude Operations
Garmin G1000 CFI Guide
Garmin GTN CFI Guide
Flying Light Twins Safely
IFR Decision Support Tool
Runway Safety Handbook
Night Flying Tips Handbook
New in Version 6.8
• AC 61-65K updated
• AFH, PHAK, and Weight & Balance Addenda added (MOSAIC Updates)
Free Lifetime Updates
With free updates for life, you’ll never be left behind.
When a new version of the guide is released, you’ll receive a notification and a new download link at no additional cost. Simply enter your email at checkout and agree to receive update notifications.
We only send updates when new versions are released.
VSL ACE Guide Version 6.8 – Now Available
Current as of December 3, 2025
Whether you're preparing for a checkride or refreshing your knowledge, the VSL ACE Guide ensures you have every FAA reference you need in one place.
Download Version 6.8 today and stay current with future updates at no additional cost.
