Practical Test Standards Are Being Replaced With Airman Certification Standards For Private Pilot-Airplane And Instrument Rating

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. In June of this year, private pilots being tested for an airplane rating, and instrument rating applicants will be tested under a new system.

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 defines 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.

As the system stands with the current PTS, certain knowledge requirements and the demonstration of aeronautical decision-making skills are delineated in the Introduction of the PTS rather than in the individual areas of operation. This means the practical test evaluator (a.k.a. flight examiner) must “weave” these topics into the examination without clear guidance as to how, when, or where.

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 new ACS concept will also be applied to the knowledge examination by asking questions that are more realistic and relevant to current and “real world” aircraft operation.

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