ATP PTS Materials

FAA-S-8081-5D Airline Transport Pilot and/or Type Rating Practical Test Standards
FOREWORD Index
The Airline Transport Pilot and/or Type Rating Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the standards for Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating practical tests for airplanes. FAA inspectors, designated pilot examiners, and check airmen (referred to as examiners throughout the remaining PTS) shall conduct practical tests in compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find these standards helpful in practical test preparation.

RECORD OF CHANGES Index

FAA-S-8081-5D

Change 1: 02/07/01

Reason: To correct omissions and errors in the original.

V. AREA OF OPERATION: INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES

TASK C: PRECISION INSTRUMENT APPROACHES

TASK E: CIRCLING APPROACH

INTRODUCTION Index
The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed this Practical Test Standard (PTS) to be used by examiners when conducting airman practical tests (knowledge of the equipment and flight tasks). Instructors are expected to use this PTS when preparing applicants for practical tests.

This publication sets forth the practical test requirements for the airline transport pilot certificate in airplanes or the addition of an aircraft type rating in airplanes.

This publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Comments regarding this publication should be sent to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Flight Standards Service
Operations Support Branch, AFS-630
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125

PRACTICAL TEST STANDARD CONCEPT Index
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) specify the areas in which knowledge and skills must be demonstrated by the applicant before the issuance of an airline transport pilot certificate or type rating in airplanes . The FAR’s provide the flexibility to permit the FAA to publish practical test standards containing areas of knowledge and skill identified for specific TASKS (procedure and maneuver) in which pilot competency (proficiency) must be demonstrated. The FAA will add, delete, or revise TASKS and their related knowledge and skills whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of safety. Adherence to provisions of the regulations and the PTS is mandatory for the evaluation of pilot applicants. For some aircraft types, provisions of FAA Flight Standardization Board (FSB) Reports may specify details as to how the FAR’s and this PTS apply to certain maneuvers, TASKS, procedures or knowledge areas. Airmen certification credits applicable to FAR 121 and 135 operators may be permitted in accordance with SFAR 58, AC 120-53, and FSB Reports.

The REFERENCE identifies the publication(s) that describe(s) the TASK. Descriptions of TASKS are not included in the standards because this information can be found in the listed references, as amended. Publications other than those listed may be used for references if their content conveys substantially the same meaning as the referenced publications. This PTS is based on the following references.

FAR Part 61 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors
FAR Part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
SFAR 58 Advanced Qualification Program
AC 00-6 Aviation Weather
AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services
AC 61-13 Basic Helicopter Handbook
AC 61-21 Flight Training Handbook
AC 61-27 Instrument Flying Handbook
AC 61-84 Role of Preflight Preparation
AC 120-28 Criteria for Approval of Category III Landing Weather Minima
AC 120-29 Criteria for Approving Category I and Category II Landing Minima for FAR 121 Operators
AC 120-40 Airplane Simulator Qualification
AC 120-45 Airplane Flight Training Device Qualification
AC 120-46 Use of Advanced Training Devices (Airplane Only)
AC 120-51 Crew Resource Management Training
AC 120-53 Crew Qualification and Pilot Type Rating Requirements for Transport Category Aircraft Operated Under FAR Part 121
AC 120-54 Advanced Qualification Program
AC 120-63 Helicopter Simulator Qualification
FSB Reports Flight Standardization Board Reports
AIM Airman's Information Manual
Pertinent Pilot Operating Handbooks and Flight Manuals
En Route Low and High Altitude Charts
SID Standard Instrument Departure
STAR Standard Terminal Arrivals
AFD Airport Facility Directory
FDC NOTAM National Flight Data Center Notices to Airmen
IAP Instrument Approach Procedure

Note: The latest revision of these references should be used.
The Objective lists, in sequence, the important ELEMENTS that must be satisfactorily performed to demonstrate competency in a TASK. The Objective includes:

1. specifically what the applicant should be able to do;

2. the conditions under which the TASK is to be performed; and

3. the minimum acceptable standards of performance.

This practical test standard (PTS) is a directive designed to provide instructions, guidance, and requirements for use by examiners while evaluating pilot applicants.

Information considered directive in nature is described in this practical test standard in terms such as "shall" and "must," and means that the actions are mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms such as "should" or "may," and indicate actions that are desirable, permissive, or not mandatory and provide for flexibility.

USE OF THE PRACTICAL TEST STANDARDS Index
These TASKS apply to the applicant who seeks an airline transport pilot certificate; the addition of a category, class, or type rating on that certificate; and to the applicant who holds a private or commercial pilot certificate and is seeking the addition of a type rating on that certificate.

With certain exceptions, some described by NOTES, all TASKS in each part are required. However, when a particular ELEMENT is not appropriate to the aircraft or its equipment, that ELEMENT, at the discretion of the examiner, may be omitted. Examples of ELEMENT exceptions are high altitude weather phenomena, integrated flight systems for aircraft not so equipped, operation of landing gear in fixed gear aircraft, multiengine tasks in single-engine aircraft, or other situations where the aircraft operation is not compatible with the requirement of the ELEMENT.

It is not intended that the examiner follow the precise order in which the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS appear in the PTS. The examiner may change the sequence or combine TASKS with similar Objectives to conserve time. Examiners must develop a written plan of action that includes the order and combination of TASKS to be demonstrated by the applicant in a manner that results in an efficient and valid test. Although TASKS with similar Objectives may be combined to conserve time, the Objectives of all TASKS must be demonstrated and evaluated at some time during the practical test. It is of utmost importance that the examiner accurately evaluate the applicant's ability to perform safely as a pilot in the National Airspace System. The examiner may act as air traffic control (ATC) while conducting the practical test.

Examiners shall place special emphasis upon areas of aircraft operations considered critical to flight safety. Among these are positive aircraft control, positive exchange of the flight controls procedure (who is flying the aircraft), collision avoidance, wake turbulence avoidance, use of available automation, communication management, crew resource management, and other areas deemed appropriate to any phase of the practical test. Although these areas may not be specifically addressed under each TASK, they are essential to flight safety and will be critically evaluated during the practical test. In all instances, the applicant's actions will relate to the complete situation. The examiner’s role regarding ATC, crew resource management, and the duties and responsibilities of the examiner through all phases of the practical test must be explained to and understood by the applicant.

METRIC CONVERSION INITIATIVE Index
To assist the pilots in understanding and using the metric measurement system, the PTS refer to the metric equivalent of various altitudes throughout. The inclusion of meters is intended to familiarize pilots with its use. The metric altimeter is arranged in 10 meter increments; therefore, when converting from feet to meters, the exact conversion, being too exact for practical purposes, is rounded to the nearest 10 meter increment.

EXAMINER RESPONSIBILITY Index
The examiner who conducts the practical test is responsible for determining that the applicant meets the standards outlined in the Objective of each TASK within the AREAS OF OPERATION, in the PTS. The examiner shall meet this responsibility by determining that the applicant's knowledge and skill meets the Objective in all required TASKS.

Each part of this practical test standard has AREAS OF OPERATION divided into two sections. The first section is conducted on the ground to determine the applicant’s knowledge of the aircraft equipment, performance and limitations. The second section consists of nine AREAS OF OPERATION; the first of which is conducted on the ground and the remaining eight are considered to be inflight. All nine AREAS OF OPERATION in the second section test the applicant’s skill and knowledge.

The equipment examination must be closely coordinated and related to the flight portion of the practical test but must not be given during the flight portion of the practical test. The equipment examination should be administered prior (it may be the same day) to the flight portion of the practical test. The examiner may accept written evidence of the equipment exam if the exam is approved by the Administrator and administered by an individual authorized by the Administrator. The examiner shall use whatever means deemed suitable to determine that the applicant's equipment knowledge meets standard.

The AREAS OF OPERATION in Section 2 contain TASKS which include both "knowledge" and "skill" ELEMENTS. The examiner shall ask the applicant to perform the skill ELEMENTS. Knowledge ELEMENTS not evident in the demonstrated skills may be tested by questioning, at anytime, during the flight event. Questioning in flight should be used judiciously so that safety is not jeopardized. Questions may be deferred until after the flight test is completed.

For aircraft requiring only one pilot, the examiner may not assist the applicant in the management of the aircraft, radio communications, tuning and identifying navigational equipment, and using navigation charts. If the examiner, other than an FAA Inspector, is qualified and current in the specific make and model aircraft, that is certified for two or more crewmembers, he or she may occupy a duty position. If the examiner occupies a duty position on an aircraft that requires two or more crewmembers, the examiner must fulfill the duties of that position. Moreover, when occupying a required duty position, the examiner shall perform crew resource management functions as briefed and requested by the applicant.

SAFETY of FLIGHT shall be the prime consideration at all times. The examiner, applicant, and crew shall be constantly alert for other traffic.

CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CRM) Index
CRM "¼ refers to the effective use of all available resources; human resources, hardware, and information." Human resources "¼ includes all other groups routinely working with the cockpit crew (or pilot) who are involved in decisions that are required to operate a flight safely. These groups include, but are not limited to: dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance personnel, and air traffic controllers." CRM is not a single TASK. CRM is a set of skill competencies which must be evident in all TASKS in this PTS as applied to the single pilot or the multicrew operation. CRM competencies, grouped into three clusters of observable behavior, are:

1. COMMUNICATIONS PROCESSES AND DECISIONS

a. Briefing

b. Inquiry/Advocacy/Assertiveness

c. Self-Critique

d. Communication with available personnel resources

e. Decision making

2. BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE OF A FLIGHT TEAM

a. Leadership/Followership

b. Interpersonal Relationships

3. WORKLOAD MANAGEMENT AND SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

a. Preparation/Planning

b. Vigilance

c. Workload Distribution

d. Distraction Avoidance

e. Wake Turbulence Avoidance

CRM deficiencies almost always contribute to the unsatisfactory performance of a TASK. Therefore, the competencies provide an extremely valuable vocabulary for debriefing. For debriefing purposes, an amplified list of these competencies, expressed as behavioral markers, may be found in AC 120-51, as amended. These markers consider the use of various levels of automation in flight management systems.

The standards for each CRM competency as generally stated and applied are subjective. Conversely, some of the competencies may be found objectively stated as required operational procedures for one or more TASKS. Examples of the latter include briefings, radio calls, and instrument approach callouts. Whether subjective or objective, application of CRM competencies are dependent upon the composition of the crew.

HOW THE EXAMINER APPLIES CRM Index
Examiners are required to exercise proper CRM competencies in conducting tests as well as expecting the same from applicants.

Pass/Fail judgments based solely on CRM issues must be carefully chosen since they may be entirely subjective. Those Pass/Fail judgments which are not subjective apply to CRM-related procedures in FAA-approved operations manuals that must be accomplished, such as briefings to other crewmembers. In such cases, the operator (or the aircraft manufacturer) specifies what should be briefed and when the briefings should occur. The examiner may judge objectively whether the briefing requirement was or was not met. In those cases where the operator (or aircraft manufacturer) has not specified a briefing, the examiner shall require the applicant to brief the appropriate items from the following note. The examiner may then judge objectively whether the briefing requirement was or was not met.

NOTE: The majority of aviation accidents and incidents are due to resource management failures by the pilot/crew; fewer are due to technical failures. Each applicant shall give a crew briefing before each takeoff/departure and approach/landing. If the operator or aircraft manufacturer has not specified a briefing, the briefing shall cover the appropriate items, such as runway, SID/STAR/IAP, power settings, speeds, abnormals or emergency prior to or after V₁, emergency return intentions, missed approach procedures, FAF, altitude at FAF, initial rate of descent, DH/MDA, time to missed approach, and what is expected of the other crewmembers during the takeoff/SID and approach/landing. If the first takeoff/departure and approach/landing briefings are satisfactory, the examiner may allow the applicant to brief only the changes, during the remainder of the flight.

PRACTICAL TEST PREREQUISITES: AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT Index
An applicant for the original issuance of an airline transport pilot certificate – airplane or helicopter – is required (prior to the practical test) by FAR Part 61 to have:

1. passed the appropriate Airline Transport Pilot knowledge test within 24 months before the date of the practical test,

2. received the applicable instruction and aeronautical experience prescribed in FAR Part 61, and

3. a first-class medical certificate issued within the past 6 months.

NOTE: The 24-month limitation does not apply if—

1. The applicant—

a. within the period ending 24 calendar months after the month in which the applicant passed the first of any required knowledge tests, was employed by a U.S. air carrier or commercial operator operating either under Part 121 or a commuter air carrier under Part 135 (as defined in Part 298 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations) and is employed by such a certificate holder at the time of the flight test;
b. has completed initial training, and if appropriate, transition or upgrade training; and

c. meets the recurrent training requirements of the applicable Part; or

2. within the period ending 24 calendar months after the month in which the applicant passed the first of any required knowledge tests, the applicant participated as a pilot in a pilot training program of a U.S. scheduled military air transportation service and is currently participating in that program.

PRACTICAL TEST PREREQUISITES: TYPE RATING Index
An applicant for a type rating in an airplane or helicopter is required by FAR Part 61 to have:

1. the applicable experience, and

2. an appropriate and valid medical certificate.

In addition, the applicant who is applying for an aircraft type rating to be added to an airline transport pilot or an aircraft type rating associated with an airline transport pilot certificate must have:

1. received and logged ground training from an authorized ground or flight instructor and flight training from an authorized flight instructor, on the approved AREAS OF OPERATION in this PTS that apply to the aircraft type rating sought; and

2. received a logbook endorsement from the instructor who conducted the training, certifying that the applicant completed all the training on the AREAS OF OPERATION in this PTS that apply to the aircraft type rating sought; or

3. if the applicant is an employee of a Part 121 or Part 135 certificate holder, the applicant may present a training record that shows the satisfactory completion of that certificate holder's approved pilot-in-command training program for the aircraft type rating sought, instead of the requirements of 1 and 2 above.

An applicant who holds the private pilot or limited commercial pilot certificate is required to have passed the appropriate instrument rating knowledge test since the beginning of the 24th month before the practical test is taken if the test is for the concurrent issuance of an instrument rating and an aircraft type rating.

If an applicant is taking a practical test for the issuance of a private or commercial pilot certificate with an airplane/helicopter rating, in an aircraft that requires a type rating, Private Pilot PTS or Commercial Pilot PTS, as appropriate to the certificate, should be used in conjunction with this guide. Also, the current Instrument Rating Practical Test Standard should be used in conjunction with this guide if the applicant is concurrently taking a practical test for the issuance of an instrument rating and a type rating. The TASKS that are in the Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot or Instrument Rating PTS’s (and not in this PTS) must be accomplished.


TYPE RATINGS LIMITED TO VFR Index
AIRPLANES:
Pilot applicants who wish to add a type rating, limited to VFR, to their certificate must take a practical test that includes the following items, as listed on pages 1-i and 1-ii in Part 1 of this document:

Section One: AREA OF OPERATION
PREFLIGHT PREPARATION
l. Equipment knowledge.
A. Equipment examination.
B. Performance and limitations.

Section Two: AREAS OF OPERATION
l. Preflight procedures.
A. Preflight inspection.
II. Ground operations.
A. Powerplant start.
B. Taxiing.
C. Pretakeoff checks.
III. Takeoff and departure maneuvers.
A. Normal and crosswind takeoff.
B. Powerplant failure.
C. Rejected takeoff.
IV. Inflight maneuvers.
A. Steep turns.
B. Approaches to stalls.
C. Powerplant failure—multiengine airplanes.
D. Powerplant failure—single-engine airplanes.
E. Specific flight characteristics.
V. Instrument procedures (Not applicable).
VI. Landings.
A. Normal and crosswind landings.
B. Landing with simulated powerplant failure—multiengine airplanes.
C. Rejected landing.
D. Landing with a zero or nonstandard flap setting.
VII. Normal and abnormal procedures.
VIII. Emergency procedures.
IX. Postflight procedures.
A. After-landing.
B. Parking and securing.

AIRCRAFT AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRACTICAL TEST Index
The applicant is required to provide an appropriate and airworthy aircraft for the practical test. Its operating limitations must not prohibit the TASKS required on the practical test. Flight instruments are those required for controlling the aircraft without outside references. The aircraft must have radio equipment for communications with air traffic control and the performance of instrument approach procedures.


USE OF FLIGHT SIMULATOR OR FLIGHT TRAINING DEVICE Index
In the AREA OF OPERATION labeled "Preflight Preparation," the TASKS are knowledge only. These TASKS do not require the use of a flight training device (FTD), flight simulator, or an aircraft to accomplish, but any of them may be used.
Each inflight maneuver or procedure must be performed by the pilot applicant in an FTD, flight simulator, or an aircraft. Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, as applicable, of this PTS should be consulted to identify the maneuvers or procedures that may be accomplished in an FTD or flight simulator. The level of FTD or flight simulator required for each maneuver or procedure will also be found in the appropriate appendix.

When accomplished in an aircraft, certain task elements may be accomplished through "simulated" actions in the interest of safety and practicality, but when accomplished in an FTD or flight simulator these same actions would not be "simulated." For example, when in an aircraft, a simulated engine fire may be addressed by retarding the throttle to idle, simulating the shutdown of the engine, simulating the discharge of the fire suppression agent, simulating the disconnection of associated electrics, hydraulics, pneumatics, etc. However, when the same emergency condition is addressed in an FTD or a flight simulator, all task elements must be accomplished as would be expected under actual circumstances. Similarly, safety of flight precautions taken in the aircraft for the accomplishment of a specific maneuver or procedure (such as limiting altitude in an approach to stall, setting maximum airspeed for an engine failure expected to result in a rejected takeoff, or limiting autorotative descents to power recoveries) need not be taken when an FTD or a flight simulator is used.

It is important to understand that whether accomplished in an FTD, a flight simulator, or the aircraft, all tasks and task elements for each maneuver or procedure will have the same performance criteria applied equally for determination of overall satisfactory performance.

SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Index
The ability of an applicant to perform the required TASKS is based on:

1. executing TASKS within the aircraft's performance capabilities and limitations, including use of the aircraft's systems;

2. executing normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures and TASKS appropriate to the aircraft;

3. piloting the aircraft with smoothness and accuracy;

4. crew resource management;

5. applying aeronautical knowledge; and

6. showing mastery of the aircraft within the standards outlined in this PTS with the successful outcome of a TASK never in doubt.

UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Index
Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the TASK Objective, or failure to take prompt, corrective action when tolerances are exceeded, are indicative of unsatisfactory performance. The tolerances represent the performance expected in good flying conditions. Any action, or lack thereof, by the applicant which requires corrective intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight shall be disqualifying.

NOTE: It is vitally important that the applicant, safety pilot, and examiner use proper and effective scanning techniques to observe all other traffic in the area to ensure the area is clear before performing any maneuvers.

When, in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant's performance of any TASK is unsatisfactory, the associated AREA OF OPERATION is failed and therefore the practical test is failed. Examiners shall not repeat TASKS that have been attempted and failed. The examiner or applicant may discontinue the test at any time after the failure of a TASK which makes the applicant ineligible for the certificate or rating sought. The practical test will be continued only with the consent of the applicant. In such cases, it is usually better for the examiner to continue with the practical test to complete the other TASKS. If the examiner determines that the entire practical test must be repeated, the practical test should not be continued but should be terminated immediately. If the practical test is either continued or discontinued, the applicant is entitled to credit for those TASKS satisfactorily performed. However, during a retest and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be reevaluated including those previously passed. Whether the remaining parts of the practical test are continued or not after a failure, a notice of disapproval must be issued.

When the examiner determines that a TASK is incomplete, or the outcome uncertain, the examiner may require the applicant to repeat that TASK, or portions of that TASK. This provision has been made in the interest of fairness and does not mean that instruction or practice is permitted during the certification process. When practical, the remaining TASKS of the practical test phase should be completed before repeating the questionable TASK. If the second attempt to perform a questionable TASK is not clearly satisfactory, the examiner shall consider it unsatisfactory.

If the practical test must be terminated for unsatisfactory performance and there are other TASKS which have not been tested or still need to be repeated, a notice of disapproval shall be issued listing the specific TASKS which have not been successfully completed or tested.

Change 3 03/27/97
When a practical test is discontinued for reasons other than unsatisfactory performance (i.e., equipment failure, weather, air sickness), FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application, and, if applicable, AC Form 8080-2, Airman Written Test Report, should be returned to the applicant. The examiner at that time should prepare, sign, and issue a Letter of Discontinuance to the applicant. The Letter of Discontinuance should identify the portions of the practical test that were successfully completed.

RECORDING UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Index
This PTS uses the terms "AREA OF OPERATION" and "TASK" to denote areas in which competency must be demonstrated. When a disapproval notice is issued, the examiner must record the applicant's unsatisfactory performance in terms of AREA OF OPERATION and TASK appropriate to the practical test conducted.

Note: Under certain conditions, some TASKS specified in an operator’s approved flight training program may be waived. However, this TASK waiver only applies to pilots who are employed by a Part 121 certificate holder and who are seeking an airline transport pilot certificate with associated airplane class and type ratings. For specific TASK waiver authority, refer to FAR Section 61.157(c).

CONDITIONS OF FLIGHT Index
The following TASKS shall be accomplished under actual or simulated instrument conditions:

1. INSTRUMENT TAKEOFF (at or before reaching 100 feet above airport elevation)

2. INSTRUMENT DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL

3. STEEP TURNS

4. APPROACHES TO STALLS (airplanes only)

5. APPROACHES to DH or MDA (two precision, two nonprecision and circling*)

6. HOLDING

7. REJECTED LANDING (instrument conditions need not be simulated below 100 feet above the runway)

8. RECOVERY FROM UNUSUAL ATTITUDES (helicopters only)

*Airplanes only

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