New Certification Standards

The FAA and industry have spent the last three years preparing to replace the existing practical test standards (PTS). As a result, the new airman certification standards (ACS) will go into effect in 2016 for all airman certificates and ratings. This new system can potentially improve the general aviation safety record, but only if flight instructors, designated pilot examiners and FAA inspectors are prepared to teach, test and administer the new system.

Robert Wright

Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) are replacing the Practical Test Standards (PTS) in 2016 to better integrate knowledge and practical testing for airman certificates and ratings.
A primary goal of the ACS is to formally incorporate risk management into pilot training and practical tests, requiring applicants to demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks for each task.
This emphasis on risk management is crucial for improving general aviation safety, as ineffective risk management is a significant factor in many fatal accidents.
Successful implementation of the ACS hinges on adequately training flight instructors, examiners, and FAA inspectors to effectively teach and evaluate risk management concepts and techniques.

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We discussed the new standards in a July 2013 article, “The Coming Airman Certification Standards.” We noted the change could potentially “have a greater impact on the general aviation safety record than any regulatory change or new industry training practice in the last 75 years.” Let’s explore what’s coming and why it has potential for beneficial change.