Tutor Platform
← All standards

Private Pilot for Powered-Lift Category

FAA-S-ACS-13· November 2023· 1,128 elementsOfficial PDF
PPL · Private Pilot - Powered-Lift · 60 questions · 70% to pass
›Area of Operation I. Preflight Preparation8 tasks

Task A. Pilot Qualifications

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal and emergency radio communications, air traffic control (ATC) light signals, and runway lighting systems.

References: 14 CFR parts 61, 68, 91; AC 68-1; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. Airworthiness Requirements

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with airworthiness requirements, including aircraft certificates.

References: 14 CFR parts 21, 39, 43, 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

Task C. Weather Information

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 91-92; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28

Knowledge

Note: If K2 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements. If K3 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant’s knowledge of at least three sub-elements.

Task D. Cross-Country Flight Planning

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with cross-country flights and VFR flight planning.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; NOTAMs; VFR Navigation Charts

Note: Preparation, presentation, and explanation of a computer-generated flight plan is an acceptable option.

Task E. National Airspace System

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a private pilot.

References: 14 CFR parts 71, 91, 93; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts

Task F. Performance and Limitations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with operating an aircraft within the parameters of its performance capabilities and limitations.

References: FAA-H-8083-1, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task G. Operation of Systems

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe operation of systems on the aircraft provided for the flight test.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: If K1 is selected, the evaluator must assess the applicant's knowledge of at least three sub-elements.

Task H. Human Factors

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with personal health, flight physiology, and aeromedical and human factors related to safety of flight.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

›Area of Operation II. Preflight Procedures5 tasks

Task A. Preflight Assessment

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparation for safe flight.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25, FAA-H-8083-28; Flight Manual

Task B. Flight Deck Management

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight deck management practices.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AC 120-71; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight.

Task C. Powerplant Starting

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recommended powerplant starting procedures.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task D. Ground Taxiing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ground taxi operations, in a wheel-type aircraft, including runway incursion avoidance.

References: AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task E. Before Takeoff Check

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

›Area of Operation III. Airport and Heliport Operations3 tasks

Task A. Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal and emergency radio communications, air traffic control (ATC) light signals, and runway lighting systems.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. Runway/Taxiway/Heliport/Helipad Signs, Markings, and Lighting

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with runway/taxiway/heliport/helipad signs, markings and lighting.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

Task C. Traffic Patterns

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with traffic patterns.

References: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

›Area of Operation IV. Hovering Maneuvers3 tasks

Task A. Vertical Takeoff and Landing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with vertical takeoff and landing from a hover.

References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task B. Hover Taxi

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with hover taxi operations, including runway incursion avoidance.

References: AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task C. Air Taxi

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with air taxi operations.

References: AC 91-73; AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: Select all applicable tasks in accordance with the aircraft's operating characteristics as specified in the flight manual.

›Area of Operation V. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds11 tasks

Task A. Normal Takeoff and Climb from a Hover

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal takeoff and climb from a hover.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.

Task B. Rolling Takeoff and Climb

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rolling takeoff with wheel-type landing gear.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.

Task C. Maximum Performance Takeoff and Climb

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maximum performance takeoff and climb.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task D. Normal Approach to a Hover

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with approach profile to a hover.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task E. Normal Approach and Landing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a normal approach and landing.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant’s knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing.

Task F. Steep Approach and Landing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a steep approach to the surface.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task G. Running/Roll-On Landing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with running/roll-on landing operation.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task H. Confined Area Operations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with confined area operations.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task I. Slope Operations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with slope operations.

References: 14 CFR part 91; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task J. Pinnacle Operations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with pinnacle operations.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task K. Go-Around/Rejected Landing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with go-around/rejected landing with emphasis on factors that contribute to landing conditions that may require a go-around.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

›Area of Operation VI. Performance Maneuvers3 tasks

Task A. Rapid Deceleration/Quick Stop

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with rapid deceleration/quick stop and conditions that may require a rapid deceleration/quick stop.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task B. Inflight Conversion During Straight-and-Level Flight

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with converting from thrust-borne configuration to wing-borne configuration, and returning to thrust-borne configuration.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task C. Steep Turns

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with steep turns.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

›Area of Operation VII. Ground Reference Maneuvers1 tasks

Task A. Ground Reference Maneuvers

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with ground reference maneuvering which may include a rectangular course, S-turns, and turns around a point.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: The evaluator selects at least one ground reference maneuver for the applicant to demonstrate.

›Area of Operation VIII. Navigation4 tasks

Task A. Pilotage and Dead Reckoning

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with airworthiness requirements, including aircraft certificates.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts

Task B. Navigation Systems and Radar Services

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with navigation systems and radar services.

References: AC 91-78; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25

Note: The evaluator should reference the manufacturer’s equipment supplement(s) as necessary for appropriate limitations, procedures, etc.

Task C. Diversion

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with diversion.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts

Task D. Lost Procedures

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with lost procedures and can take appropriate steps to achieve a satisfactory outcome if lost.

References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; VFR Navigation Charts

›Area of Operation IX. Slow Flight and Stalls3 tasks

Task A. Maneuvering During Slow Flight (Wing-Borne Configuration)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with maneuvering during slow flight in wing-borne configuration.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task B. Power-Off Stalls

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with power-off stalls.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task C. Power-On Stalls

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with power-on stalls.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

›Area of Operation X. Basic Instrument Maneuvers6 tasks

Task A. Straight-and-Level Flight

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flying during straight-and-level flight solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Task B. Constant Airspeed Climbs

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed climbs solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Task C. Constant Airspeed Descents

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed descents solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Task D. Turns to Headings

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during turns to headings solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

Task E. Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying while recovering from unusual attitudes solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task F. Radio Communications, Navigation Systems/Facilities, and Radar Services

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with radio communications, navigation systems/facilities, and radar services available for use during flight solely by reference to instruments.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25

›Area of Operation XI. Emergency Operations9 tasks

Task A. Powerplant(s) Failure (Simulated) during Takeoff in Thrust-Borne Flight

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with indications and pilot actions after powerplant(s) failure during takeoff while the aircraft is predominantly in thrust-borne flight in a multi-powerplant aircraft.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task. The task outcome can be vertical or rolling depending on aircraft capabilities, configuration, and flight manual procedures.

Task B. Powerplant(s) Failure (Simulated) during Takeoff While in Semi-Wing-Borne Flight

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with indications and pilot actions after powerplant(s) failure during takeoff while in semi-wing-borne flight in a multi-powerplant aircraft.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task. This can be initiated during the takeoff roll in wheeled aircraft or during the conversion to wing-borne flight following a vertical takeoff.

Task C. Inflight Powerplant(s) Failure and Restart in Multi-Powerplant Aircraft

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with an inflight powerplant(s) failure and restart, if applicable, in a multi-powerplant powered-lift aircraft.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task D. Vortex Ring State (VRS) Avoidance

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge and risk management associated with preventing the aircraft from entering and the procedure for recovering from Vortex Ring State (VRS).

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.

Task E. Approach and Landing with Powerplant(s) Failure (Simulated)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with approach and landing with simulated powerplant(s) failure.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight and Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations for information related to this Task.

Task F. Emergency Descent

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency descent.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: See Appendix 2: Safety of Flight.

Task G. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with emergency equipment, and survival gear appropriate to the aircraft and environment encountered during flight.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task H. Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with system and equipment malfunctions appropriate to the aircraft provided for the practical test.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Task I. Dynamic Rollover

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with dynamic rollover.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: Evaluator assesses this Task orally only.

›Area of Operation XII. Night Operations1 tasks
›Area of Operation XIII. Postflight Procedures1 tasks

Task A. After Landing, Parking, and Securing

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with after landing, parking, and securing procedures.

References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-25; Flight Manual

Note: s to emphasize special considerations. During the ground and flight portion of the practical test, the FAA expects evaluators to assess the applicant's mastery of the topic in accordance with the level of learning most appropriate for the specified Task. The oral questioning will continue throughout the entire practical test. For some topics, the evaluator will ask the applicant to describe or explain. For other items, the evaluator will assess the applicant's understanding by providing a scenario that requires the applicant to appropriately apply and/or correlate knowledge, experience, and information to the circumstances of the given scenario. The flight portion of the practical test requires the applicant to demonstrate knowledge, risk management, flight proficiency, and operational skill in accordance with the ACS. The elements within each Task in this ACS are coded according to a scheme that includes four components. For example, PL.I.C.K2: PL = Applicable ACS I = Area of Operation C = Task K2 = Task element (in this example, Knowledge 2) There is no requirement for an evaluator to test every knowledge and risk management element in a Task; rather the evaluator has discretion to sample as needed to ensure the applicant’s mastery of that Task. The required minimum elements to be tested from each applicable Task include: • any elements in which the applicant was shown to be deficient on the knowledge test, as applicable; • at least one knowledge element; • at least one risk management element; and • all skill elements unless otherwise noted. The Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) lists ACS codes that correlate to a specific Task element for a given Area of Operation for any incorrect responses on the knowledge test. Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes An asterisk directs the evaluator to follow the selection requirements for the AOO and Tasks in the body of this ACS. Appendix 2: Safety of Flight Appendix 2: Safety of Flight General Safety of flight must be the prime consideration at all times. The evaluator, applicant, and crew must be continually alert for other traffic. If performing aspects of a given maneuver, such as emergency procedures, would jeopardize safety, the evaluator will ask the applicant to simulate that portion of the maneuver. The evaluator will assess the applicant’s use of visual scanning and collision avoidance procedures throughout the entire test. Stall, Spin, Angle of Attack Awareness An applicant, instructor, and evaluator must avoid operations that lead to inadvertent high angle of attack flight that may lead to loss of control, when thrust-borne-lift is insufficient for wing-borne flight. Use of Checklists Throughout the practical test, the applicant is evaluated on the use of an appropriate checklist. Assessing proper checklist use depends upon the specific Task. In all cases, the evaluator should determine whether the applicant demonstrates CRM, appropriately divides attention, and uses proper visual scanning. In some situations, reading the actual checklist may be impractical or unsafe. In such cases, the evaluator should assess the applicant's performance of published or recommended immediate action “memory” items along with their review of the appropriate checklist once conditions permit. In a single-pilot aircraft, the applicant should demonstrate the crew resource management (CRM) principles described as single-pilot resource management (SRM). Proper use depends on the specific Task being evaluated. If the use of the checklist while accomplishing elements of an Objective would be either unsafe or impractical in a single-pilot operation, the applicant should review the checklist after accomplishing the elements. Positive Exchange of Flight Controls A clear understanding of who has control of the aircraft must exist. Prior to flight, the pilots involved should conduct a briefing that includes reviewing the procedures for exchanging flight controls. The FAA recommends a positive three-step process for exchanging flight controls between pilots: • When one pilot seeks to have the other pilot take control of the aircraft, they will say, “You have the flight controls.” • The second pilot acknowledges immediately by saying, “I have the flight controls.” • The first pilot again says, “You have the flight controls,” and visually confirms the exchange. Pilots should follow this procedure during any exchange of flight controls, including any occurrence during the practical test. The FAA also recommends that both pilots use a visual check to verify that the exchange has occurred. Doubt as to who is flying the aircraft should not occur. Use of Distractions Numerous studies indicate that many accidents have occurred when the pilot has been distracted during critical phases of flight. The evaluator should incorporate realistic distractions during the flight portion of the practical test to evaluate the pilot’s situational awareness and ability to utilize proper control technique while dividing attention both inside and outside the flight deck. Aeronautical Decision-Making, Risk Management, Crew Resource Management, and Single-Pilot Resource