YouTube Instagram TikTok Discord Email Spotify Facebook RSS
Version 6.8 — Current as of Dec 3, 2025

VSL ACE Guide

Aviation Certification & Education Reference System

The all-in-one FAA reference tool that compiles handbooks, ACS standards, advisory circulars, and regulations into a single hyperlinked system—so you can navigate FAA source material in seconds, not minutes.

VSL ACE Guide on tablet

Digital PDF • Optimized for tablets & EFBs • Free lifetime updates

What Is the ACE Guide?

Your FAA Reference Library—Connected

Pilots often have to search through multiple FAA documents when preparing for a checkride or researching regulations. The ACE Guide solves that problem by connecting those documents together with hyperlinks and cross-references so you can move between standards, explanations, and regulations quickly.

FAA Handbooks

PHAK, Airplane Flying Handbook, Instrument Flying Handbook, and more—all in one place with the latest 2025 addenda.

ACS & PTS Standards

Private, Instrument, Commercial, ATP, CFI, and CFII standards hyperlinked to supporting FAA material.

Hyperlinked Navigation

Jump from an ACS topic to the relevant handbook section, advisory circular, or regulation in seconds.

Legal Interpretations

27 common FAA legal interpretations included, plus cross-references to the current FAR and AIM.

Free Lifetime Updates

When FAA handbooks or ACS documents change, you receive the updated guide at no additional cost.

Checkride Legal

Contains only FAA source material—use it during your checkride just like a FAR/AIM or FAA handbook.

Certificates Supported

From Private Pilot through ATP and CFI

What's Included

FAA Handbooks, ACS Documents, Advisory Circulars & More

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 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 – Flight Review and IPC Guidance

AC 91-92 – Pilot's Guide to a Preflight Briefing

AC 61-65K – Certification: Pilots and 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 6.8 AC 61-65K updated • AFH, PHAK, and Weight & Balance Addenda added (MOSAIC Updates)

See It in Action

Watch how pilots use the ACE Guide

ACE Guide Overview

See how the hyperlinked system connects ACS standards to FAA references.

Checkride Prep with the ACE Guide

How to use the guide to prepare for your FAA oral exam.

More Videos on YouTube

What Pilots Are Saying

Real feedback from the pilot community

Reddit review of the VSL ACE Guide
r/flying • Reddit

Discussion on using the VSL ACE Guide for checkride preparation.

View on Reddit →
Reddit discussion about VSL Guide on checkride
r/flying • Reddit

Pilot shares their experience bringing the VSL Guide to their checkride.

View on Reddit →
Reddit checkride prep discussion mentioning ACE Guide
r/flying • Reddit

Checkride prep discussion with recommendations for the ACE Guide.

View on Reddit →

See more verified reviews and ratings on the Shop app.

Read Reviews on Shop

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the ACE Guide during my checkride?

Yes. The ACE Guide is composed entirely of 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.

How is this 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, it helps you quickly navigate the original FAA references.

What format is the ACE Guide?

The ACE Guide is a digital PDF optimized for tablets and electronic flight bags (EFBs). It works great on iPads, Android tablets, and any PDF reader that supports hyperlinks.

How do I get updates?

When a new version is released, you'll receive an email notification with a fresh download link at no additional cost. Simply enter your email at checkout and agree to receive update notifications. We only send emails when new versions are released.

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.

Ready to Streamline Your Training?

Join thousands of pilots who use the ACE Guide to prepare for FAA checkrides.

Digital download • Free lifetime updates • Checkride legal

Questions?

We're happy to help.

Contact Form

Text: (479)-422-3940

Email: contact@vsl.aero