Gleim Aviation Books & Test Prep by Rating

Gleim Aviation Books, Test Prep and Online Courses for Every Rating

Gleim has been the workbook pilots reach for when they want to walk into the FAA knowledge test prepared. The lineup is organized around your rating, so the fastest way to choose is to match the book to where you are in training. Each knowledge test prep book pairs explanations with the actual question bank, and the deluxe kits bundle the test prep, an online ground school, and the supporting references into one set.

Use this to find your rating:

Student and private pilots: start with the Gleim Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep, or step up to the all-in-one Deluxe Private Pilot Kit. Browse the full private pilot training materials.
Instrument rating: the Gleim Instrument Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep covers the IFR written, and the Instrument Kit with Online Test Prep adds the online test prep. See all instrument rating materials.
Commercial pilots: the Gleim Commercial Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep anchors the commercial pilot materials.
CFI and instructors: pair the FOI Fundamentals of Instructing with the Flight and Ground Instructor test prep, shown with the rest of the CFI test preparation.

Heading for the airlines? The professional pilot materials include the ATP path. Every checkride also needs an oral exam guide, so add the matching ACS title from our ACS, PTS and oral exam guides, and keep a current Gleim FAR/AIM on the shelf. U.S. orders over $100 ship free.

Gleim aviation books and FAA test prep, organized by rating

Gleim is the test prep most pilots reach for when they want to walk into the FAA knowledge test fully prepared. The line is built rating by rating, so the fastest way to choose is to match the book to where you are in training. Every knowledge test prep book pairs plain-language explanations with the actual FAA question bank, and the deluxe kits bundle the test prep, an online ground school, and the supporting references into one set. Below is how the Gleim catalog breaks down and how to pick the right title for your checkride.

Find the right Gleim title for your rating

Your stage	Start here	Step up to
Sport pilot	Gleim Sport Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep	Gleim Pilot Handbook
Student and private	Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep	Deluxe Private Pilot Kit
Instrument rating	Instrument Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep	Instrument Oral Exam Guide & ACS
Commercial pilot	Commercial Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep	Gleim FAR/AIM
CFI and instructors	FOI Fundamentals of Instructing	Flight/Ground Instructor Test Prep
Remote (drone) pilot	Remote Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep	—

Types of Gleim training materials

FAA knowledge test prep books

The core of the Gleim line is the rating-specific knowledge test prep book. Each one reorganizes the full FAA question bank into study units, explains every answer, and tracks you toward an endorsement. Titles cover sport, private, instrument, commercial, flight and ground instructor, fundamentals of instructing, and remote (Part 107 drone) pilot.

Deluxe kits and pilot kits

Deluxe and pilot kits bundle the knowledge test prep with an online ground school and the supporting references, so a new student gets the whole study path in one box instead of buying titles piecemeal. The Deluxe Private Pilot Kit and the Private Pilot Kit with Online Test Prep are the common starting points.

Online ground school and add-on courses

Gleim online courses cover ground school for private, instrument, and flight/ground instructor, plus the multi-engine add-on rating, a communication course, and the FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) course for A&P mechanics. These are self-paced and pair with the printed test prep.

Oral exam guides, references, and the FAR/AIM

Every checkride includes an oral exam, so Gleim publishes ACS-aligned oral exam guides for private and instrument applicants. The Gleim Pilot Handbook, Aviation Weather & Weather Services, and the annually updated FAR/AIM round out the reference shelf.

How to choose the right Gleim materials

Start with your current rating goal and buy the matching knowledge test prep book first, since that is what gets you to the written. If you are at the beginning of training and want everything in one purchase, a deluxe or pilot kit is the better value because it adds the online ground school. Add the matching oral exam guide before your checkride, and keep a current-year FAR/AIM on hand because the regulations update annually. Mechanics and instructors should look at the IA course and the instructor test prep rather than the pilot titles.

If you are still assembling a full study library, browse the broader flight training materials and test preparation collections, or jump straight to your rating: private pilot, instrument rating, or commercial pilot materials.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

Aviation-only focus: we stock pilot training gear exclusively, so the catalog is curated for real checkride prep, not general bookstore stock.
Trusted for 25+ years: Pilot Mall has served student pilots, CFIs, and professional crews for over two decades.
Free U.S. shipping on orders over $100: bundle a kit and references and your order often ships free.
Expert guidance: our team are pilots who can help you match the right Gleim title to your rating and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Gleim book should I buy first?

Buy the knowledge test prep book that matches your current rating goal first, because it contains the full FAA question bank you will be tested on. A student pilot should start with the Gleim Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Test Prep, while a deluxe or pilot kit is the better first purchase if you want the online ground school included.

Are Gleim books up to date with current FAA standards?

Yes. Gleim test prep books are revised against the current FAA question bank and Airman Certification Standards, and the FAR/AIM is republished every year, so always buy the latest edition to study from current material.

Do Gleim books include practice exams?

Yes. Every Gleim knowledge test prep book reorganizes the actual FAA question bank into study units with answer explanations, and the kits add online practice tests through the Gleim ground school so you can rehearse before the real written.

What is the difference between a Gleim book and a Gleim kit?

A Gleim book is the standalone knowledge test prep for one rating, while a Gleim kit bundles that test prep with an online ground school and the supporting references. Kits cost more but give a new student the complete study path in a single purchase.

Does Gleim cover the oral exam and checkride?

Yes. Gleim publishes ACS-aligned oral exam guides for private and instrument applicants that prepare you for the examiner's questions on checkride day, and they are a recommended companion to the knowledge test prep book for your rating.