Tim Tucker’s Tip: Mastering the FAR/AIM for Student Success

Oct 23, 2025

Twenty-five years ago, Kenny Keller sat in a class taught by one of the most respected names in helicopter instruction — Tim Tucker, the legendary Robinson Helicopter Company Safety Course instructor. One piece of advice from that day stuck with him ever since:

“If you want to be a successful pilot — know your FAR/AIM and know it well.”

That single statement has proven true over decades of teaching. No matter how many ratings you’ve earned, how much flight time you’ve logged, or how sharp your maneuvers are — if you can’t find answers quickly and confidently in your FAR/AIM during a check-ride, you’ll stumble where it matters most.



The 5 Sections Every Pilot Should Highlight

Kenny still teaches this today: highlight the five key sections of your FAR/AIM and know exactly where to find them.
These aren’t just regulatory text blocks — they’re the blueprint of pilot success. Your examiner isn’t testing memory alone; they’re testing how resourceful you are under pressure.

If you can’t locate the correct regulation in seconds, you risk looking unprepared, even if you know the answer. A highlighter and a little discipline can make all the difference.


The Real-World Payoff

Over the years, Kenny has seen students who walked into a check-ride nervous but prepared — their FAR/AIM tagged, color-coded, and ready.
Then he’s seen others scramble through unmarked pages when the examiner asked something simple like, “Where do you find currency requirements?”

Guess who leaves with a temporary airman certificate — and who leaves with homework?

The takeaway? Don’t just own a FAR/AIM. Own what’s inside it.


Training in the Modern Era

The good news — technology is making it easier than ever.
With AskHogs.com, you now have Kenny’s 28 years of helicopter experience available 24/7. It’s the perfect companion to your FAR/AIM studies — a digital mentor that can answer questions instantly and reinforce what you’re reading.

Whether you’re preparing for your first check-ride or your CFI renewal, mastering the FAR/AIM — and understanding why each section matters — is what separates a good pilot from a great one.



🎓 Free Resources for Pilots:
📘 Download the Helicopter Maneuver Guide
🧭 AskHogs.com – Your 24/7 Helicopter Instructor