PRIVATE PILOT PRACTICAL TEST
STANDARDS
FAA-S-8081-14A
PRIVATE PILOT Practical Test Standards for AIRPLANE (SEL, MEL, SES, MES)
August 2002
FAA-S-8081-14A U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation
Administration
PRIVATE PILOT Practical Test Standards for AIRPLANE (SEL, MEL, SES, MES)
August 2002
FLIGHT STANDARDS SERVICE Washington, DC 20591.
NOTE
Material in FAA-S-8081-14A will be effective August 1, 2002. All previous
editions of the Private Pilot—Airplane Practical Test Standards will be obsolete
as of this date..FAA-S-8081-14A
FOREWORD
The Private Pilot—Airplane Practical Test Standards (PTS) book has been
published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the
standards for private pilot certification practical tests for the airplane
category, single-engine land and sea; and multiengine land and sea classes. FAA
inspectors and designated pilot examiners shall conduct practical tests in
compliance with these standards. Flight instructors and applicants should find
these standards helpful during training and when preparing for the practical
test. /s/ 4/23/2002
Joseph K. Tintera, Manager Regulatory Support Division Flight Standards
Service.FAA-S-8081-14A i
INTRODUCTION
General Information
The Flight Standards Service of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has
developed this practical test book as the standard that shall be used by FAA
inspectors and designated pilot examiners when conducting private pilot—airplane
practical tests. Flight instructors are expected to use this book when preparing
applicants for practical tests. Applicants should be familiar with this book and
refer to these
standards during their training. Information considered directive in nature is
described in this practical
test book in terms, such as "shall" and "must" indicating the actions are
mandatory. Guidance information is described in terms, such as "should" and
"may" indicating the actions are desirable or permissive,
but not mandatory. The FAA gratefully acknowledges the valuable assistance
provided by many individuals and organizations throughout the aviation community
who contributed their time and talent in assisting with the revision of these
practical test standards. This practical test standard may be downloaded from
the Regulatory Support Division’s, AFS-600, web site at http://afs600.faa.gov.
Subsequent changes to this standard, in accordance with AC 60-27, Announcement
of Availability: Changes to Practical Test Standards, will also be available on
AFS-600’s web site and then later incorporated into a printed revision.
This publication can 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 Airman Testing Standards
Branch, AFS-630 P.O. Box 25082 Oklahoma City, OK 73125.FAA-S-8081-14A 2
Practical Test Standards Concept
Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61 specifies the AREAS
OF OPERATION in which knowledge and skill must be demonstrated by the applicant
before the issuance of a private pilot
certificate or rating. The CFRs provide the flexibility to permit the FAA to
publish practical test standards containing the AREAS OF OPERATION and specific
TASKs in which pilot competency shall be demonstrated. The FAA shall revise this
book whenever it is determined that changes are needed in the interest of
safety. Adherence to the provisions of the regulations and the practical test
standards is mandatory for the evaluation of private pilot applicants. Practical
Test Book Description
This test book contains the following Private Pilot—Airplane Practical Test
Standards: Section 1 Airplane—Single-Engine Land and Sea Section 2
Airplane—Multiengine Land and Sea The Private Pilot—Airplane Practical Test
Standards includes the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKs for the issuance of an
initial
private pilot certificate and for the addition of category ratings and/or class
ratings to that certificate.
Practical Test Standards Description
AREAS OF OPERATION are phases of the practical test arranged in a logical
sequence within each standard. They begin with Preflight Preparation and end
with Postflight Procedures. The examiner, however, may conduct the practical
test in any sequence that will result in a complete and efficient test; however,
the ground portion of the practical test shall be accomplished before the flight
portion. TASKs are titles of knowledge areas, flight procedures, or maneuvers
appropriate to an AREA OF OPERATION. The abbreviation(s) within parentheses
immediately following a TASK refer to the category and/or class aircraft
appropriate to that TASK. The meaning of each abbreviation is as follows.
ASEL Airplane—Single-Engine Land
AMEL Airplane—Multiengine Land
ASES Airplane—Single-Engine Sea
AMES Airplane—Multiengine Sea.FAA-S-8081-14A 3
NOTE: When administering a test based on sections 1 and 2 of this PTS, the TASKs
appropriate to the class airplane (ASEL, ASES, AMEL, or AMES) used for the test
shall be included in the plan of action. The
absence of a class indicates the TASK is for all classes. NOTE is used to
emphasize special considerations required in the AREA OF OPERATION or TASK.
REFERENCE identifies the publication(s) that describe(s) the TASK. Descriptions
of TASKs are not included in these standards because this
information can be found in the current issue of the listed reference.
Publications other than those listed may be used for references if their content
conveys substantially the same meaning as the referenced
publications.
These practical test standards are based on the following references.
14 CFR part 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
14 CFR part 61 Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
14 CFR part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules
AC 00-6 Aviation Weather
AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services
AC 61-23/
FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
AC 61-65 Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors
AC 61-67 Stall and Spin Awareness Training.
AC 61-84 Role of Preflight Preparation
AC 90-48 Pilots’ Role in Collision Avoidance
AC 90-66 Recommended Standard Traffic Patterns and Practices for Aeronautical
Operations At Airports Without Operating Control Towers
AC 91-69 Seaplane Safety for FAR Part 91 Operations
AC 120-51 Crew Resource Management Training
FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-15 Instrument Flying Handbook
AIM Aeronautical Information Manual
AFD Airport Facility Directory
NOTAMs Notices to Airmen
Other Pilot Operating Handbook
FAA-Approved Flight Manual
Navigation Charts
Seaplane Supplement.FAA-S-8081-14A 4
The Objective lists the 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. conditions under which the TASK is to be performed; and
3. acceptable performance standards.
Use of the Practical Test Standards Book The FAA requires that all private pilot
practical tests be conducted in accordance with the appropriate private
practical test standards and the policies set forth in the INTRODUCTION.
Applicants shall be evaluated in ALL TASKS included in each AREA OF OPERATION of
the appropriate practical test standard, unless otherwise noted. An applicant,
who holds at least a private pilot certificate seeking an additional airplane
category rating and/or class rating at the private pilot level, shall be
evaluated in the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKS listed in the Additional Rating
Task Table. At the discretion of the examiner, an evaluation of the applicant’s
competence in the remaining AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKs may be conducted. If
the applicant holds two or more category or class ratings at least at the
private level, and the ratings table indicates differing required TASKS, the
"least restrictive" entry applies. For example, if "ALL" and "NONE" are
indicated for one AREA OF OPERATION, the "NONE"
entry applies. If "B" and "B, C" are indicated, the "B" entry applies. In
preparation for each practical test, the examiner shall develop a written "plan
of action." The "plan of action" shall include all TASKs in
each AREA OF OPERATION, unless noted otherwise. If the elements in one TASK have
already been evaluated in another TASK, they need not be repeated. For example,
the "plan of action" need not include
evaluating the applicant on complying with markings, signals, and clearances at
the end of the flight, if that element was sufficiently observed at the
beginning of the flight. Any TASK selected for evaluation during a practical
test shall be evaluated in its entirety. The examiner is not required to follow
the precise order in which the AREAS OF OPERATION and TASKs appear in this book.
The examiner may change the sequence or combine TASKs with similar Objectives to
have an orderly and efficient flow of the practical test. For example, Radio
Communications and ATC Light Signals may be combined with Traffic Patterns. The
examiner’s "plan of action" shall include the order and combination of TASKs to
be demonstrated by the
applicant in a manner that will result in an efficient and valid
test..FAA-S-8081-14A 5 The examiner is expected to use good judgment in the
performance of simulated emergency procedures. The use of the safest means for
simulation is expected. Consideration must be given to local conditions, both
meteorological and topographical, at the time of the test, as well as the
applicant’s workload, and the condition of the aircraft used. If the procedure
being evaluated would jeopardize safety, it is expected that
the applicant will simulate that portion of the maneuver. Special Emphasis Areas
Examiners shall place special emphasis upon areas of aircraft operations
considered critical to flight safety. Among these are:
1. positive aircraft control;
2. procedures for positive exchange of flight controls (who is flying the
airplane);
3. stall/spin awareness;
4. collision avoidance;
5. wake turbulence avoidance;
6. Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO);
7. runway incursion avoidance;
8. controlled flight into terrain (CFIT);
9. aeronautical decision making (ADM);
10. checklist usage; and
11. 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 evaluated during the practical test. In
all instances, the applicant’s actions will relate to the complete situation.
Private Pilot—Airplane Practical Test Prerequisites
An applicant for the Private Pilot—Airplane Practical Test is required by
14 CFR part 61 to:
1. be at least 17 years of age;
2. be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If there
is a doubt, use AC 60-28, English Language Skill Standards;
3. have passed the appropriate private pilot knowledge test since the beginning
of the 24th month before the month in which he or she takes the practical test;
4. have satisfactorily accomplished the required training and obtained the
aeronautical experience prescribed;
5. possess at least a current third class medical certificate;
6. have an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the
applicant has received and logged training time within 60 days preceding the
date of application in preparation for the practical test, and is prepared for
the practical test; and
7. also have an endorsement certifying that the applicant has demonstrated
satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient
on the airman knowledge test..FAA-S-8081-14A 7
Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test
The private pilot—airplane applicant is required by 14 CFR section 61.45, to
provide an airworthy, certificated aircraft for use during the practical test.
This section further requires that the aircraft must:
1. be of U.S., foreign or military registry of the same category, class, and
type, if applicable, for the certificate and/or rating for which the applicant
is applying;
2. have fully functioning dual controls, except as provided for in 14 CFR
section 61.45(c) and (e); and
3. be capable of performing all AREAS OF OPERATION appropriate to the rating
sought and have no operating limitations, which prohibit its use in any of the
AREAS OF OPERATION, required for the practical test.
Flight Instructor Responsibility
An appropriately rated flight instructor is responsible for training the private
pilot applicant to acceptable standards in all subject matter areas, procedures,
and maneuvers included in the TASKs within each
AREA OF OPERATION in the appropriate private pilot practical test standard.
Because of the impact of their teaching activities in developing safe,
proficient pilots, flight instructors should exhibit a high level of
knowledge, skill, and the ability to impart that knowledge and skill to
students. Throughout the applicant's training, the flight instructor is
responsible for emphasizing the performance of effective visual scanning and
collision avoidance procedures.
Examiner 1 Responsibility
The examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determining that
the applicant meets the acceptable standards of knowledge and skill of each TASK
within the appropriate practical test
standard. Since there is no formal division between the "oral" and "skill"
portions of the practical test, this becomes an ongoing process throughout the
test. Oral questioning, to determine the applicant's
knowledge of TASKs and related safety factors, should be used judiciously at all
times, especially during the flight portion of the practical test. Examiner’s
shall test to the greatest extent practicable
1 The word "examiner" is used throughout the standards to denote either the FAA
inspector or FAA designated pilot examiner who conducts an official practical
test..FAA-S-8081-14A 8 the applicant’s correlative abilities rather than mere
rote enumeration of facts throughout the practical test. If 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, practice, or the repeating of an unsatisfactory task is permitted
during the certification process. When practical, the remaining TASKs of the
practical test phase should be completed before repeating the questionable TASK.
On multiengine practical tests where the failure of the most critical
engine after lift off is required, the examiner must give consideration to local
atmospheric conditions, terrain, and type of aircraft used. However the failure
of an engine shall not be simulated until attaining at least
V SSE /V YSE and at an altitude not lower than 200 feet AGL. During simulated
engine failures on multiengine practical tests the examiner shall set zero
thrust after the applicant has simulated
feathering the propeller. The examiner shall require the applicant to
demonstrate at least one landing with a simulated-feathered propeller with the
engine set to zero thrust. Throughout the flight portion of the practical test,
the examiner shall evaluate the applicant’s use of visual scanning and collision
avoidance procedures.
Satisfactory Performance
Satisfactory performance to meet the requirements for certification is based on
the applicant’s ability to safely:
1. perform the TASKs specified in the AREAS OF OPERATION for the certificate or
rating sought within the approved standards;
2. demonstrate mastery of the aircraft with the successful outcome of each TASK
performed never seriously in doubt;
3. demonstrate satisfactory proficiency and competency within the approved
standards;
4. demonstrate sound judgment; and
5. demonstrate single-pilot competence if the aircraft is type certificated for
single-pilot operations..FAA-S-8081-14A 9
Unsatisfactory Performance
The tolerances represent the performance expected in good flying conditions. If,
in the judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet the standards of
performance of any TASK performed, the
associated AREA OF OPERATION is failed and therefore, the practical test is
failed. The examiner or applicant may discontinue the test at any time when the
failure of an AREA OF OPERATION makes the applicant ineligible for the
certificate or rating sought. The test may be continued ONLY with the consent of
the applicant. If the test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled credit for
only those AREAS OF OPERATION and their associated TASKs satisfactorily
performed. However, during the
retest, and at the discretion of the examiner, any TASK may be re-evaluated,
including those previously passed. Typical areas of unsatisfactory performance
and grounds for disqualification are:
1. Any action or lack of action by the applicant that requires corrective
intervention by the examiner to maintain safe flight.
2. Failure to use proper and effective visual scanning techniques to clear the
area before and while performing maneuvers.
3. Consistently exceeding tolerances stated in the Objectives.
4. Failure to take prompt corrective action when tolerances are exceeded.
When a notice of disapproval is issued, the examiner shall record the
applicant’s unsatisfactory performance in terms of the AREA OF OPERATION and
specific TASK(s) not meeting the standard appropriate to the practical test
conducted. The AREA(s) OF OPERATION/TASK(s) not tested and the number of
practical test failures shall also be recorded. If the applicant fails the
practical test because of a special emphasis area, the Notice of Disapproval
shall indicate the associated TASK. i. e.: AREA OF OPERATION VIII,
Maneuvering During Slow Flight, failure to use proper collision avoidance
procedures..FAA-S-8081-14A 10
Crew Resource Management (CRM)
CRM refers to the effective use of all available resources: human resources,
hardware, and information. Human resources include all groups routinely working
with the cockpit crew or pilot who are involved
with decisions that are required to operate a flight safely. These groups
include, but are not limited to dispatchers, cabin crewmembers, maintenance
personnel, air traffic controllers, and weather services.
CRM is not a single TASK, but a set of competencies that must be evident in all
TASKs in this practical test standard as applied to either single pilot
operations or crew.
Applicant's Use of Checklists
Throughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an
appropriate checklist. Proper use is dependent on the specific TASK being
evaluated. The situation may be such that the use of the
checklist, while accomplishing elements of an Objective, would be either unsafe
or impractical, especially in a single-pilot operation. In this case, a review
of the checklist after the elements have been accomplished, would be
appropriate. Division of attention and proper visual scanning should be
considered when using a checklist.
Use of Distractions During Practical Tests
Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has
been distracted during critical phases of flight. To evaluate the applicant’s
ability to utilize proper control technique while dividing
attention both inside and/or outside the cockpit, the examiner shall cause
realistic distractions during the flight portion of the practical test to
evaluate the applicant’s ability to divide attention while maintaining
safe flight.
Positive Exchange of Flight Controls
During flight training, there must always be a clear understanding between
students and flight instructors of who has control of the aircraft. Prior to
flight, a briefing should be conducted that includes the procedure for the
exchange of flight controls. A positive three-step process in the exchange of
flight controls between pilots is a proven procedure and one that is strongly
recommended..FAA-S-8081-14A 11 When the instructor wishes the student to take
control of the aircraft, he or she will say, "You have the flight controls." The
student acknowledges immediately by saying, "I have the flight controls." The
flight instructor again says, "You have the flight controls." When control is
returned to the instructor, follow the same procedure. A visual check is
recommended to verify that the exchange has occurred. There should never by any
doubt as to who is flying the aircraft.
Metric Conversion Initiative
To assist pilots in understanding and using the metric measurement system, the
practical test standards 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 or even altitude as necessary..
PRACTICAL TEST CHECKLIST APPOINTMENT WITH EXAMINER:
EXAMINER’S NAME_____________________________
LOCATION ____________________________________
DATE/TIME ____________________________________
ACCEPTABLE AIRCRAFT
Aircraft Documents:
Airworthiness Certificate
Registration Certificate
Operating Limitations
Aircraft Maintenance Records:
Logbook Record of Airworthiness Inspections
and AD Compliance
Pilot’s Operating Handbook, FAA-Approved
Airplane Flight Manual
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
View-Limiting Device
Current Aeronautical Charts
Computer and Plotter
Flight Plan Form
Flight Logs
Current AIM, Airport Facility Directory, and Appropriate
Publications
PERSONAL RECORDS
Identification—Photo/Signature ID
Pilot Certificate
Current and Appropriate Medical Certificate
Completed FAA Form 8710-1, Airman Certificate and/or
Rating Application with Instructor’s Signature (If
applicable)
Computer Test Report
Pilot Logbook with appropriate Instructor Endorsements
FAA Form 8060-5, Notice of Disapproval (if applicable)
Approved School Graduation Certificate (if applicable)
Examiner’s Fee (if applicable).FAA-S-8081-14A 1-xi