The FAA Knowledge (written) and Practical (flight) Tests

 knowledge test

Before you're allowed to take the Practical (Flight) Test, you must have passed the FAA knowledge (written) test within the past 24 calendar months {go here for some background). The test is administered using a computer at an FAA designated test site. The article Notes on the Knowledge Test is designed to help you to prepare for this test.

The FAA is required, by the Freedom of Information Act, to publish all possible knowledge test questions. They are not required to, and do not, release the answers. However, there are several commercial outlets (see the above mentioned online article) that do provide the answers.

FAA knowledge test databases
  • Private Pilot
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Flight/Ground Instructor
  • Subject Matter Knowledge Codes

    • Practical Test Documents

    When a flight instructor determines that a student is ready and qualified for his or her pilot license, FAA form 8710-1 is filled out and signed by the instructor. This authorizes the student to take the "practical test" with an FAA designated pilot examiner. The pilot examiner uses a "Practical Test Standard" - which is a document describing all the things that the applicant may be tested on and the pass/fail criteria.

    Please read So, You're Ready for the Practical Test. Now What? to help you prepare for this important milestone in your soaring career.

    The following documents are essential resources for passing the knowledge and/or practical tests.

    Other FAA Documents

  • Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)
  • Aviation Learning Center
  • Glider Flying Handbook
  •       corrections to the GFH
     

    • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)

  • part 61 (pilot certification)
  • part 91 (general operating and flight rules)

    • Other Non FAA Documents

  • American Standard Soaring Signals
  • Ten Ways to Fail a Practical Test (and how to pass one)

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    Useful Links

    Take sample FAA knowledge tests online.
  • http://www.webexams.com (my favorite)
  • http://www.exams4pilots.org/

    • For better or for worse, the FAA glider knowledge test still has VOR and ADF questions on it. For those gilder pilots who have never used a VOR, ADF, HSI, or RMI, here's a pretty slick simulator that will give you a good feel for their capabilities. The simulator was written by Tim Carlson.

  • Electronic Navigation Simulator

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    Where To Get Your Student Pilot License

    The FAA has gotten on the web - big time. The first thing you need to do is register at the Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) web site. Note that in order to register, you must use Internet Explorer (I've filed a complaint). Once you're registered, you can fill out the student pilot license application. You then need to make an appointment at your nearest FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). They will ask you for your ID and tracking number (from your online session). At the appointment, you'll need show a picture ID (a drivers' license is fine). You'll also need your IACRA username and password at the appointment.

    Boston FSDO
    One Cranberry Hill
    Fourth Floor, Suite 402
    Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
    Phone: (781) 274-7130    		 Windsor Locks FSDO
    1st Floor - Building 85-214
    Bradley International Airport
    Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1009
    Phone: (860) 654-1000    		 Portland, Maine FSDO
    Portland International Jetport
    412 Yellowbird Road
    Portland, Maine 04102
    Phone: (207) 780-3263

    A recent applicant reports that the entire online procedure is painless and takes about 10 minutes

    NOTE - June 06: Several members have reported that the appointment is not as painless as the online application. It seems that the FAA personnel are not computer literate and there is confusion about glider only student certificates - presumably because no medical certificate is required. It gets done, but it'll take longer than you expect. Hopefully this will get smoothed out as they gain experience.

    NOTE - June 08  - Tim Greenwood reports:

    I just renewed my solo license and had some of the same issues that I faced two years ago. But the inspector and I figured it out together. It is worth capturing this since other inspectors may not know how to proceed.

    When completing the application nowhere does it let you specify gliders only. When the inspector reviews/prints the application form there is a check box at the top for gliders, but no way to click it. The inspector enters a section on limitations. This has a list of limitations - hot air balloon, planes with no radio only ... - but no glider.

    The trick is that hidden at the end of this list (have to scroll down) is an entry 990 with the text just as ________. The inspector selects this, then types 'GLIDER ONLY' at the top in the limitations box (which looks like a search box). It then fills it in and all is ok.

    Not the best designed system that I have seen.

    - It [IACRA] now does work with Firefox
    - BUT it does not work when running in a frame (as you get when following the links from your site [note: changed to pop up a new window to avoid this problem - Tony]). Attempts to log in are just rejected with no explanation. I had to go to no frames mode.

    Where To Take FAA Tests

    Please read  Notes on the Knowledge Test and So, You're Ready for the Practical Test. Now What? For detailed information.

    Knowledge tests are all done on a computer at an FAA contracted  test center - typically at an airport flight school. The Private Pilot knowledge test consists of 60 multiple choice questions. For the locations nearest you, see:

    Practical tests are arranged by making an appointment with the FAA designated pilot examiner of your choice. The test will be done at Sterling airport. If the test is not on a normal club operating day, it is your responsibility to arrange for a tow pilot and ground crew. Examiners are (alphabetically):