The Practical Test Standards Are Being Replaced With Airman Certification Standards

For many years pilots have used the practical test standards (PTS) for guiding them through testing for pilot certification. The PTS ultimately determines the level of training because of the requirement for new pilots, or pilots obtaining additional ratings, to comply with the standards. Very soon, something new will replace the PTS.

The following information was taken from the FAA Safety Briefing magazine that is available in a printed form or as an online publication. An article in the recent issue says that the FAA is now planning its transition to the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) framework for certification of pilots, starting with the Private Pilot Airplane, Commercial Pilot Airplane, and Instrument Rating Airplane, in the next 12 months.

Since September 2011, the FAA has been working closely with a diverse group of aviation community stakeholders convened to help the agency improve the testing/training standards, guidance, and test development/test management components of the airman certification process.

Participants have developed the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) framework as a way to improve airman training and testing. The ACS provides an integrated, holistic system that clearly aligns airman testing with certification standards and guidance.

Built on the existing PTS which explicitly define the performance metrics for each flight proficiency element listed in Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations, the ACS approach enhances the PTS by defining the specific elements, aeronautical knowledge, and risk management skills needed to support each Area of Operation and Task within the area.

The FAA says this new integrated format better serves the applicant, the instructor, and the evaluator. It will also enable the FAA to clearly align knowledge/skill performance standards, guidance, and test materials.

The article tells us the FAA continues to work with the industry group to refine the ACS and plan for its implementation. Current efforts involve FAA validation of the ACS documents, review of proposed updates to H-series handbooks, intensive review/revision of knowledge test questions, and support for industry efforts to prototype the ACS approach in selected locations.

FMI: www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/