Private Pilot Airplane Airman Certification Standards

This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document provides the aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and flight proficiency standards for private pilot certification in the airplane category, single-engine land and sea, and multi-engine land and sea classes (ASEL, ASES, AMEL, AMES). The FAA ACS comprise the testing standard for practical tests and proficiency checks for persons seeking or holding an airman certificate and/or rating. This book also includes the Airman Certification Standards Companion Guide for Pilots (FAA-G-ACS-2), with additional information relevant to applicants seeking FAA airman certification.

The goal of the airman certification process is to ensure the applicant possesses the knowledge, ability to manage risks, and skill consistent with the privileges of the certificate or rating being exercised, in order to act as pilot-in-command (PIC). The ACS is the guide for students, instructors, and evaluators to understand what applicants must know, consider, and do to pass the FAA Knowledge Exam and practical (checkride) and earn their pilot certificate or rating.