2026 ASA Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM

If your current FAR/AIM is from a prior year or you want the IFR-focused tab layout, the Instrument Rating version is the better fit for instrument training.

Yes. This version is organized around sections commonly used by instrument students, including IFR-related regulations and AIM guidance.

Yes. It is especially useful when your course, instructor, or written-test prep references specific FAA regulations or AIM sections.

If you already completed Private Pilot and only need instrument guidance, choose Instrument Rating. If you are still in private training and plan to continue into instrument training soon, the combo may be the better long-term choice.

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.

50. That does not mean only 50 regulations are tabbed. Many tabs actually contain groups of regulations found nearby one another so as not to crowd the book.

The Commercial version is focused on the regulations and AIM sections commercial students are more likely to reference during training and checkride preparation.

If you only need the Commercial Pilot stage, choose Commercial. If you want one broader tabbed reference covering private, instrument, and commercial training, choose the full training combo.

Yes, especially if your current copy is outdated or not organized for commercial training. The FAR/AIM is updated annually, so many pilots prefer using the current edition during checkride prep.

No. This is an organized FAA reference book. It supports your training, but it does not replace ground instruction, the ACS, or a full commercial pilot study course.

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.

50 tabs. That does not mean only 50 regulations are tabbed. Many tabs actually contain groups of regulations found nearby one another so as not to crowd the book.

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.

This combo is best for students who want one FAR/AIM organized for both Private Pilot and Instrument Rating training.

Not necessarily. It includes more tabs than the Private Pilot version, but it can be useful if you already know instrument training is part of your near-term plan.

The main reason is continuity. If you expect to move into instrument training soon, the combo gives you a broader reference without buying a second tabbed FAR/AIM later.

Yes. The combo is organized to support both stages of training in one book.

No! The tabs are color coded by rating: Blue for private pilot (general) knowledge and red for instrument specifics.

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.

This version is best for career-track students or motivated pilots who expect to continue through private, instrument, and commercial training.

Yes. For non-instructor training, this is the broadest student-focused Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM option.

It may be more than you need if you are only focused on Private Pilot. But if you already know you will continue into Instrument and Commercial training, it can make sense. However, consider your training timeline. If you expect that getting from private through commercial will take over a year, it may be best to wait to get other training material beyond private pilot. The FAR/AIM is an annual release.

75. That does not mean only 75 regulations are tabbed. Many tabs actually contain groups of regulations found nearby one another so as not to crowd the book.

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.

No! The tabs are color coded by rating: Blue for private pilot (general) knowledge, red for instrument specifics, and gold for commercial.

It is primarily built for initial CFI preparation, but it can also be useful for active instructors who want a more organized FAR/AIM reference.

This version is organized with instructor applicants in mind, including commonly referenced instructor-related regulations and guidance.

If you are only preparing for initial CFI, choose CFI. If you plan to add CFII soon or want one broader instructor reference, choose the CFI + CFII combo.

Yes. It can help you quickly locate regulations and AIM sections that commonly come up while preparing lessons, endorsements, and checkride explanations.

This book contains CFI specific tabs as well as private/general pilot material to help you teach future private pilot students. No sport, instrument or commercial specific regs are included.

75. That does not mean only 75 regulations are tabbed. Many tabs actually contain groups of regulations found nearby one another so as not to crowd the book.

This combo is best for instructor applicants who plan to pursue both CFI and CFII, or instructors who want one broader reference for private, instrument and commercial student training.

Yes. The CFI + CFII combo is built to cover a broader instructor use case, including instrument-instructor preparation. This book also contains tabs for students studying private, instrument and commercial.

We highly recommend this combo version as it encompasses all material from private, instrument, commercial, CFI and CFII. Its meant to help you not only become a CFII but also to help you instruct all future students.

Yes. This is the most comprehensive instructor-focused Pre-Tabbed FAR/AIM option.

100 tabs. That does not mean only 100 regulations are tabbed. Many tabs actually contain groups of regulations found nearby one another so as not to crowd the book.

Each rating from private through CFII has its own color so you won't get confused.

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.