Aviation Study Tools FAQs

If you are preparing for a checkride or building your study setup, start with the product that matches your current training stage. Most students begin with a Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM reference, then add oral exam guides, ACS materials, digital study guides, or bundles depending on what they already own.

Tabbing the FAR/AIM yourself may help you become more familiar with where certain sections are located, but placing a tab is not the same as learning the regulation. The real study value comes from reading the regulation, understanding how it applies, and reviewing it in context. A Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM saves the setup time so you can focus on the part that matters most: actually studying and applying the material.

A Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM is an ASA FAR/AIM that has already been organized with tabs to help pilots find commonly referenced regulations and AIM sections more quickly during study and training.

Yes. The tabs are only a navigation aid. They help you find important sections more efficiently, but they do not teach the content for you. You still need to read, understand, and apply the regulations and AIM guidance that apply to your training and operations.

The tabs are organized around regulations that are commonly emphasized during training and checkride preparation for each certificate or rating. We focus heavily on high-use material from Parts 61, 91, and the AIM, while avoiding unnecessary over-tabbing that can make the book harder to use. NorthstarVFR does not comprehensively tab every possible regulation that could be discussed, tested, or asked about. The goal is to make the FAR/AIM easier to navigate while keeping the layout clean and practical.

The tabs are color-coded by training area, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Instructor-focused material. Each Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM includes a short guide that explains the color-coding system in more detail. The guide is attached to each book inside the front cover.

A Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM saves time by reducing the amount of flipping, searching, and hand-labeling needed before you can begin using the book effectively. It also gives you durable, printed tabs instead of handwritten paper tabs that can be hard to read or easily damaged in a flight bag.

Choose the version that matches your current training path. Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI options are available, along with combo versions for pilots working through multiple certificates or ratings.

No. A tabbed FAR/AIM is a study and reference tool. Many student pilots are encouraged by instructors to organize and tab their own FAR/AIM so they can find important regulations more efficiently. The tabs do not replace knowing the material; they simply make the book easier to navigate.

No. ASA’s standard FAR/AIM does not include Parts 121 or 135. Those regulations are found in other reference materials, such as ASA’s FAR-FC. NorthstarVFR currently focuses on FAR/AIM products and does not currently offer a tabbed FAR-FC.

The tabs are organized around regulations that are commonly emphasized during training and checkride preparation for each certificate or rating. We focus heavily on high-use material from Parts 61, 91, and the AIM, while avoiding unnecessary over-tabbing that can make the book harder to use. NorthstarVFR does not comprehensively tab every possible regulation that could be discussed, tested, or asked about. The goal is to make the FAR/AIM easier to navigate while keeping the layout clean and practical.

The tabs are color-coded by training area, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Instructor-focused material. Each set of DIY tabs includes a short guide that explains the color-coding system in more detail.

Choose the version that matches your current training path. Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI options are available, along with combo versions for pilots working through multiple certificates or ratings.

DIY tabs are tab sets you install yourself. DIY stands for 'Do-It-Yourself'. A Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM arrives with the tabs already installed. DIY tabs are a good option if you already own a current FAR/AIM or prefer to tab the book yourself.

Yes. The DIY tab product lets you choose your certificate or rating tab set and then choose whether you want tabs only or tabs plus an untabbed FAR/AIM.

No. ASA’s standard FAR/AIM does not include Parts 121 or 135. Those regulations are found in other reference materials, such as ASA’s FAR-FC. NorthstarVFR currently focuses on FAR/AIM products and does not currently offer a tabbed FAR-FC.

Digital products are delivered through the digital download system connected to the store. After checkout, use the download/access information provided with your order. If you have trouble accessing a file, contact us with your order number and checkout email.

Choose the bundle that matches your current certificate, rating, or training path. Bundles are designed to group relevant study references and supplies together so you do not have to assemble each item individually.

Some flashcard products are sold in partnership with Checkride Study Guide. Fulfillment, exchanges, or returns for those products may be handled through the partner depending on the product and order details.

Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIMs are custom-prepared study references and must be returned in new, unused condition. The book must be returned in its original packaging, to include the protective foam border and shipping box. If the book has been used, damaged, written in, or materially altered after delivery, it may not qualify for return. Please review the full Return Policy for details.

Because many NorthstarVFR products are study materials, books, tabbed references, or digital products, return eligibility depends on the item and its condition. Please review our full Return Policy for the most complete information before starting a return or exchange.

NorthstarVFR offers free shipping on qualifying orders over the posted free-shipping threshold. Shipping options and rates are shown at checkout.

Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM orders typically ship within 3–7 business days. DIY FAR/AIM tab sets usually ship by USPS Ground Advantage. Rush and overnight shipping options may be available at checkout for an additional fee, depending on the product and destination.

Most orders are shipped from the Pacific Northwest. Once shipped, delivery time depends on the shipping method selected and your location. Standard USPS transit commonly takes a few business days, while rush or overnight options may be available at checkout when faster delivery is needed.

If a package is returned because the address was incomplete, incorrect, or undeliverable, contact us with your order number. A reshipment fee may apply before the order can be sent again.