Airman Testing Community Advisory

The Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA) is produced by the General Aviation and Commercial Division, Training and Certification Group, Testing Standards Section (TSS), which is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) office responsible for practical test and airman certification standards, certification testing programs, and supporting reference materials. The purpose of this advisory is to provide an additional channel for change management communications to our stakeholders and to support correlation of training and testing for an effective certification process.

Stakeholder Communications

You are encouraged to submit questions and comments regarding our products and services by emailing us at: TestingStandardsComments@faa.gov. (This email address replaces the previous afs630comments@faa.gov email address.)

Please continue to email comments related to Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Airman Certification Standards (ACS) to acsptsinquiries@faa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The latest version of the Testing Standards Section Frequently Asked Questions document is available at this link: Frequently Asked Questions.

Standards

Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS)

FAA-S-8081-29A, Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS for Airplane Category, Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane, and Glider Category; FAA-S-8081-30A, Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS for Lighter-Than-Air Category; and FAA-S-8081-31A, Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS for Powered Parachute Category and Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft Category are in the process of being revised to harmonize with Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificate (MOSAIC) and will be posted to our website as soon as possible after October 22, 2025.

It is the expectation that Evaluators, Instructors, and Applicants comply with changes to Title 14 CFR chapter 1, subchapter D, part 61, effective October 22, 2025, regardless of the Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS version being used.

Evaluators, instructors, and applicants can continue to use FAA-S-8081-29A, FAA-S-8081-30A, and FAA-S-8081-31A until the updated versions, FAA-S-8081-29B, FAA-S-8081-30B, and FAA-S-8081-31B, become effective. However, they must replace any outdated standards and information in the "A" versions with the most current standards and information from the new rule, which takes effect on October 22, 2025.

Reference Materials

The TSS continually evaluates our internal processes for developing, revising, and maintaining reference materials to ensure programmatic efficiencies and increased agility in keeping pace with advancements in aviation safety and technologies.

FAA-H-8083-4, Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook

The FAA determined that FAA-H-8083-4, Helicopter Instructor’s Handbook, published in 2012, is no longer necessary. The content of this handbook is entirely redundant, as the same concepts are already contained in FAA-H-8083-21B, Helicopter Flying Handbook, published in 2019. FAA-H-8083-21B is the primary source used by certified flight instructors (CFI) and students for teaching and learning helicopter ground and flight concepts.

Three Airman Knowledge Test Questions (AKTQ) currently reference FAA-H-8083-4. One question was revised and assigned a different reference, and two questions were unchanged, with the FAA-H-8083-4 reference replaced by another valid reference. These changes took effect on April 27, 2026, as part of the quarterly cycle update.

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)

Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) Communications

DMEs interested in contributing real-world maintenance expertise to improve the practical test should contact the TSS Airworthiness Team at 9-AVS-Mechanic-Test-Generator@faa.gov. Your input as an active DME is invaluable in helping improve the quality, relevance, and effectiveness of Aviation Mechanic practical tests, and your participation directly supports the continued advancement and integrity of the certification process. We will review the submitted projects once the current Aviation Mechanic Powerplant project review is complete. Thank you for your willingness to contribute your time and expertise to this important initiative.

Practical Test Banks Updates

o Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) - Changes activated April 20, 2026.

o Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) - Tentatively scheduled for activation in July 2026.

o Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (AMP) - Review in progress.

Guidance Update: AM.I.L.S1 – Malfunction or Defect Report

For project AM.I.L.S1, the intent is to evaluate the applicant’s ability to accurately complete a Malfunction or Defect Report. Although the preferred method of submission is through the electronic Service Difficulty Reporting (SDR) System site, the online system should not be used for this project unless tied to an actual discrepancy. Instead, DMEs should have applicants complete a fillable PDF or printed copy of Form FAA 8010-4, Malfunction or Defect Report. Guidance for properly completing the Form 8010-4 can be found in the SDRS Field Instructions (pages 7-11) and AC 20-109B, Service Difficulty Reporting System (Air Operator/Air Agency/General Aviation/Unmanned Aircraft Systems).

Minimum Tools and Equipment List (MTEL) Updates

When revisions to the MTEL require DMEs to obtain new or additional tools, equipment, or materials, prior notification will be distributed to Designees through this advisory and the Designee Management System (DMS). The current MTEL can be found in FAA Order 8900.1, Volume 5, Chapter 5, Section 11. DMEs may provide MTEL feedback to 9-AWA-AFS-300-Correspondence@faa.gov.

DMEs should obtain the following additional tools, equipment, or materials to comply with the upcoming MTEL revisions. Each item lists a target date for inclusion in the MTEL.

Airman Knowledge Testing

Airman knowledge tests play a crucial role in the certification process for airmen, ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS).

To uphold the integrity and quality of these knowledge tests, a rigorous review process for the questions is essential. Two primary approaches are used in reviewing test questions:

Analyzing Performance Statistics: FAA Subject Matter Experts (SME) collaborate closely with the test development team at PSI Services, LLC, the vendor for the FAA's Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) Contract, to evaluate each question's performance. Questions not meeting established performance benchmarks are flagged for internal review, ensuring the questions remain equitable and challenging for all test takers.

Examining Candidate Comments: While taking a knowledge test, candidates can provide feedback on questions they perceive as having potential issues. Such feedback offers firsthand insights and is routinely reviewed by FAA SMEs to determine if modifications are warranted.

When a question is selected for review, it undergoes a comprehensive analysis. This includes checking for spelling and grammatical correctness, clarity, consistency in terminology, structural integrity, and proper formatting. The review also ensures alignment with FAA regulations, testing and airman certification standards, and FAA reference materials.

The FAA is committed to keeping the public informed about significant updates to knowledge testing. While the specifics of active test questions remain confidential, the FAA will continue to provide knowledge test updates through this advisory. These updates will include information on new test developments, changes to or removal of test content, terminology updates, and advancements in test modernization.

PSI’s Test Taker Portal Transition

PSI is transitioning its certification exams to PSI’s Test Taker Portal. This modernization centers on an “airman applicants first” approach with enhanced technology, streamlined digital processes, improved reliability, and a fully paperless experience, while FAA exam content, standards, oversight, and security remain unchanged.

Additional details, including support resources and updates on the Fall 2026 implementation target, will follow in future ATCA editions. In the interim, you may contact faachangequestions@psionline.com for additional information.

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Knowledge Tests

The FAA’s ACTS Contract requires PSI to assess FAA airman knowledge tests to ensure they are in accordance with current standards for educational and psychological testing. In collaboration with the FAA and partners in the aviation industry, PSI has initiated the preliminary stages of the assessment for the AMT knowledge tests. This process does not change test question content, and all questions will continue to align with the applicable ACS codes and references. The AMT knowledge tests assessment is anticipated to be completed later this year.

PSI has created a new resource page for mechanic testing applicants: FAA Aircraft Mechanic Applicants (AMT) | PSI Exams.

Graphics Conversion Project Update

In partnership with PSI, the FAA is upgrading its airman knowledge testing system by incorporating images directly into test questions, eliminating the need for printed test supplements. This initiative is designed to provide candidates with a more integrated and modern testing experience. FAA SMEs review each test question with an embedded image to ensure its accuracy. After these questions are implemented, PSI’s test development team and FAA SMEs closely monitor their performance to verify they meet intended standards.

Beginning October 27, 2026, the Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) test and the Unmanned Aircraft General-Small (UAG) test will feature questions with images not included in the test supplements (see examples below). This update enhances the test by incorporating clearer, up-to-date images from the latest Sectional Charts, Instrument Approach Charts, and Low Altitude Enroute Charts. The images are sourced from the following FAA materials:

Once an image is embedded into a test question, it becomes an integral part of that question. Consequently, the specific images used in active test questions cannot be previewed, as doing so would compromise the integrity of the exam.

Applicants preparing for FAA exams are encouraged to regularly visit the PSI True Talent site to access sample test questions and become familiar with the new format.

The following exams feature questions with embedded images:

Effective April 2026, the following exams will feature questions with embedded images:

Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) Samples

Refer to the figure below to answer the question.

Image from Test Supplement

Image from Low Enroute Chart (L-11

_____________________________________________________________________________________

When flying a northbound IFR flight on V21, what is the minimum crossing altitude at DUBOIS (DBS) VORTAC?

A. 7,500 feet.

B. 8,600 feet.✔

C. 11,100 feet.

Refer to the image below to answer the question.

Source: IFR Enroute Low Altitude, L-12; Dated 7 Aug 2025 to 2 Oct 2025 __________________________________________________________________________________

What is indicated by the flag at RENAE intersection?

A. The Minimum Reception Altitude is 13,000 feet MSL. ✔

B. The OROCA altitude is 10,700 feet MSL when south bound.

C. The Minimum Turning Altitude is 2,700 feet AGL.

Refer to the image below to answer the question.

SOURCE: IFR Enroute Low Altitude-U.S. L-11; Dated 7 Aug 2025 to 2 Oct 2025 __________________________________________________________________________________

What is indicated by IR313/IR300 in the figure?

A. An IFR Military Training Route.✔

B. A low altitude Victor airway.

C. A WAAS enabled airway.

Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Samples

Refer to the image below to answer the question.

Sectional: Washington, dated 12 JUN 2025 to 7 AUG 2025 _____________________________________________________________________________________

What type of airspace is associated with MILLVILLE MUNI (MIV) and is ATC authorization required to operate a small UA there?

A. Class E that is associated with an airport surface area, authorization is required. ✔

B. Class G that is associated with an operating control tower, authorization is required.

C. Class B that is under the associated Class D airspace, authorization is not required.

Refer to the image below to answer the question.

Sectional: Las Vegas, dated 12 Jun 2025 to 7 Aug 2025 _____________________________________________________________________________________

If GRAND CANYON NTL PARK (GCN) control tower is not in operation, which frequency should be used as a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to monitor airport traffic?

A. 119.0✔

B. 124.3

C. 122.95

Candidate Information Bulletins (CIB)

CIBs contain valuable information for test candidates, including information on examination registration and scheduling procedures, reporting to the examination site, test authorization and reauthorization requirements, and test content specifications.

Below are links to exams with available CIBs. This list will be updated as PSI and the FAA finalize evaluations of additional exams.

Learning Statement Codes

The current version of the Learning Statement Reference Guide for Airman Knowledge Testing is available at this link: Learning Statement Codes.

ACS Codes

Of the 91 FAA airman knowledge tests offered, 33 now have ACS codes displayed on the corresponding Airman Knowledge Test Reports (AKTR). The light blue shading of the test code indicates these tests in the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix.

Matrix

The latest version of the Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix is available at this link: FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix.

Statistics

Airman Knowledge Tests Statistics

The CY 2025, Airman Knowledge Test Statistics, and Test Volume Chart are available at this link: Airman Knowledge Test Statistics.

Frequently Missed Knowledge Test ACS Codes

The Frequently Missed Knowledge Test ACS Codes Report is located on the Airman Knowledge Test Statistics Webpage. This report is based on data contained in the Safety Performance and Analysis System (SPAS) for the specified timeframe, includes data for ACS codes administered at least 100 times, and displays ACS Codes missed more than 70% of the time on specific knowledge tests.