June 13– Based on collaboration with a diverse group of aviation industry experts, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching exciting improvements that will enable testing and training standards for pilots to keep pace with todays operating environment. Beginning June 15, theFAA will replace the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for the private pilot (airplane) certificate and the instrument (airplane) rating with the new corresponding Airman Certification Standards (ACS). Other certificates and ratings will transition in the future.
The ACS provide pilots, instructors and evaluators with a single-source set of clear, logical standards that tell them what they need to know, consider and do to qualify and pass both the knowledge and practical tests for airman certification and ratings.
The ACS improves the PTS by adding the aeronautical knowledge and risk management elements that support each PTS skill task. It also incorporates todays special emphasis items into the appropriate ACS task.
The FAA and industry worked together for five years to develop and prototype-test the ACS.
The Airman Certification Standards page has detailed information as well as Frequently Asked Questions. Pilots may contact the FAA at 9-AVS-ACS-Focus-Team@faa.govif they have additional questions.