FAA Updates Knowledge Exam

As of next week, pilots taking the FAA knowledge exams for the private pilot certificate will no longer need to suffer through questions pertaining to outdated systems and procedures. A new question database, which is scheduled to become active on February 9, excludes questions that were deemed no longer pertinent.

Questions regarding NDB, Radar Summary Charts, En Route Flight Advisory Service (EFAS), Medevac and Transcribed Weather Broadcast (TWEB) are no more. Additionally, questions involving scalability, and aircraft performance and weather questions that involve multiple interpolations across several charts have been deleted.

The question database was updated as part of the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) developed by industry groups. The ACS provides recommendations to the FAA intended to align airmen certification standards, guidance and testing.

As the FAA implements the new testing standards developed by the ACS, there will be a mix of ACS codes and Learning Statement Codes (LSC) for the Private Pilot Knowledge Test. The ACS codes will supersede the LSC codes as the FAA implements questions that align with the ACS approach.

Get exclusive online content like this delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for our free enewsletter.

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest FLYING stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter
By entering your email, you agree to receive communications from FlyingMag.