VSL ACE Guide Version 6.9 – FAA Reference System for Pilots

The ACE Guide is a streamlined FAA reference system designed to help pilots prepare for checkrides by connecting the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) directly to the FAA handbooks, regulations, and guidance material examiners expect applicants to understand.

Used by thousands of pilots preparing for FAA checkrides.

What’s New in Version 6.9

• Expanded cross-linking to the CFI ACS for better instructor-level navigation
• Added visual watermarks to FAA handbook pages for faster orientation and reference tracking
• Continued refinement of internal hyperlink structure for quicker navigation between sources

Format

Digital PDF optimized for tablets and electronic flight bags (EFBs)

Includes free lifetime updates when FAA materials change

What It Is

An all-in-one FAA reference tool that compiles:

• FAA handbooks
• Airman Certification Standards (ACS)
• Legacy Practical Test Standards (PTS) where applicable
• Advisory Circulars
• FAA legal interpretations
• FAR/AIM cross-references

All organized into a single, fully hyperlinked system.

What Problem It Solves

Preparing for a checkride often requires jumping between multiple FAA documents.

The ACE Guide connects those documents together so you can move between standards, explanations, and regulations in seconds instead of searching across separate PDFs.

How It Works

Each ACS task is linked directly to:

• Supporting FAA handbook material
• Relevant advisory circulars
• Applicable FAR/AIM references

This creates a fast, logical flow from standard → explanation → regulation.

Checkride Use

The ACE Guide contains FAA source material only.

It can be used during a checkride the same way as a FAR/AIM or FAA handbook.

Who It’s For

• Pilots preparing for FAA checkrides
• Flight instructors teaching ACS-based material
• Pilots who want faster access to FAA references

Why It’s Different

Most study guides summarize FAA material.

The ACE Guide does not.

It functions like a digitally tabbed FAR/AIM system, allowing you to quickly access the original FAA source material instead of relying on summaries.

What’s Included

A comprehensive library of FAA reference material for fixed-wing pilots, including:

• Core FAA handbooks (PHAK, AFH, IFH, IPH, Risk Management, Weather, etc.)
• Current ACS documents (Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI)
• Legacy PTS where still relevant
• Advisory Circulars
• FAA legal interpretations
• FAR/AIM cross-references

All integrated into a single navigation system.

Free Lifetime Updates

You’ll receive a new download link anytime the guide is updated.

No subscriptions. No recurring fees.

Created By

Seth Lake
FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
Airline Pilot
Flight Instructor

Why the ACE Guide Exists

As a DPE, quickly finding the correct FAA reference during a checkride is critical.

Managing dozens of separate PDFs was inefficient, so the ACE Guide was built to connect everything into one system.

What started as a personal tool is now used by thousands of pilots preparing for checkrides.

Bottom Line

The ACE Guide gives you:

• Faster access to FAA references
• Direct alignment with ACS standards
• A practical system you can use during training and on checkride day

VSL ACE Guide Version 6.9 – Now Available

Stay current. Stay organized. Move faster through FAA material.

Download the latest version and receive all future updates at no additional cost.