Roadmap of the Aeronautical Information Manual
The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is an official guide to basic flight information and operating procedures. Where the FARs are either permissive or prohibitive, the AIM is simply a collection of official guidance, best-practices, and good information to have as a pilot. The AIM is organized into several chapters:
Navigation
Discusses ground-based, space-based, performance-based, and area navigation systems and operations
Lighting and Other Airport Visual Aids
Discusses various airport and approach lighting systems, airport markings, and navigation and obstacle lighting
Airspace
Discusses general airspace rules and operating considerations for controlled, uncontrolled, and special-use airspace.
Air Traffic Control
Discusses radio communications procedures, the different ATC services provided, ATC clearances, traffic separation, airport operations, and RVSM procedures
Air Traffic Procedures
Discusses how a pilot should conduct flight operations for each phase of flight: pre-flight, departure, en route, etc. Also discusses specific roles and responsibilities of pilots and controllers, and how national security and intercept procedures are carried out.
Emergency Procedures
Discusses what to do in an emergency as far as communication (and what to do when you can’t communicate), handling Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), etc.
Safety of Flight
Discusses various safety considerations, including weather, altimeter errors, wake turbulence, bird hazards, other flight hazards and safety, accident, and hazard reporting.
Medical Information
Discusses acute and chronic disqualifying medical conditions, the IMSAFE checklist, as well as flight physiology (hypoxia, ear block, illusions, etc.)
Charts and Publications
Discusses the various charting options available and how to obtain them
Helicopter Operations
Unmanned Aircraft