Pilot Practical Exam

FAA Practical Test
John W Beck, PhD, ATP, DPE

Welcome

References and Links

Reference	Importance
IACRA	The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) is the FAA website where you can submit an application for a practical test.
Aeronautical Chart Users Guide	You need to know the symbols, labels, and conventions in the legend of the aeronautical (paper and digital) (VFR and IFR, as applicable) and will be expected to explain these items along your route or elsewhere, as requested by the examiner.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)	The AIM is a comprehensive manual that covers a wide variety of topics applicable to all flight operations. This is a good reference document to have handy for the practical test and other flight operations. You will be able to reference this document during your practical test.
Aviation Weather	This provides the knowledge to understand the fundamentals of weather. It is important to understand the weather so that you can better interpret weather reports and forecasts. It is the basis for making intelligent decisions regarding go/no-go, route selection, alternate airport selection, and other aspects of flight planning. It is a good reference for the written test.
Aviation Weather Services	This reference provides an understanding of the types of weather reports and forecasts that are available. It is a good reference for the written test.
FAA Handbooks and Manuals	This FAA website includes other handbooks and manuals that may be of interest to you.
Instrument Procedures Handbook	This is a technical reference for all pilots who operate under IFR in the National Airspace System.
Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge	This provides basic knowledge essential for all pilots.
Weather for Today	This is one source of weather; however, other approved sources such as AeroWeather, ForeFlight, and others are acceptable.

Regulations

Reference	Importance
14 CFR part 1 -- Definitions and Abbreviations
14 CFR part 61 -- Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors
14 CFR part 91 -- General Operating and Flight Rules
14 CFR part 117 -- Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements: Flightcrew Members
14 CFR part 121 -- Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations
14 CFR part 135 -- Requirements for Commuter and On Demand Operations
14 CFR part 142 -- Training Centers
49 CFR part 830 -- Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents, or Incidents and Overdue Aircraft

Advisory Circulars

Reference	Importance
AC 00-6 Aviation Weather
AC 00-30 Clear Air Turbulence Avoidance
AC 00-45 Aviation Weather Services
AC 00-46 Aviation Safety Reporting (Program) System (ASRP/ASRS)
AC 00-54 Pilot Windshear Guide
AC 20-117 Hazards Following Ground Deicing and Ground Operations in Conditions Conducive to Aircraft Icing
AC 60-28 FAA English Language Standard for an FAA Certificate Issued Under 14 CFR Parts 61, 63, 65, and 107
AC 61-67 Stall and Spin Awareness Training
AC 61-107 Aircraft Operations at Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet Mean Sea Level or Mach Numbers Greater Than .75
AC 61-136 FAA Approval of Aviation Training Devices and Their Use for Training and Experience
AC 61-138 Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program
AC 90-100 U.S Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations
AC 90-117 Data Link Communications
AC 91.21-1 Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft
AC 91-74 Pilot Guide: Flight in Icing Conditions
AC 91-78 Use of Class 1 or Class 2 Electronic Flight Bag (EFB)
AC 91-79 Mitigating the Risks of a Runway Overrun Upon Landing
AC 120-27 Aircraft Weight and Balance Control
AC 120-51 Crew Resource Management Training
AC 120-57 Surface Movement Guidance and Control System
AC 120-58 Pilot Guide Large Aircraft Ground Deicing
AC 120-60 Ground Deicing and Anti-icing Program
AC 120-66 Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)
AC 120-74 Parts 91, 121, 125, and 135 Flightcrew Procedures During Taxi Operations
AC 120-76 Authorization for Use of Electronic Flight Bags
AC 120-82 Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA)
AC 120-90 Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA)
AC 120-100 Basics of Aviation Fatigue
AC 120-101 Part 121 Air Carrier Operational Control
AC 120-108 Continuous Descent Final Approach
AC 120-109 Stall Prevention and Recovery Training
AC 120-111 Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
AC 135-17 Pilot Guide – Small Aircraft Ground Deicing

Other

Reference	Importance
AIM Aeronautical Information Manual
FAA-H-8083-1 Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook
FAA-H-8083-2 Risk Management Handbook
FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-6 Advanced Avionics Handbook
FAA-H-8083-15 Instrument Flying Handbook
FAA-H-8083-16 Instrument Procedures Handbook
FAA-H-8083-23 Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook
FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
TPP Terminal Procedures Publication
POH/AFM Pilot’s Operating Handbook/FAA-Approved Airplane Flight Manual
NOTAMs Notices to Airmen
SAFO 17010 Incorrect Airport Surface Approaches and Landings
SAFO 19001 Landing Performance Assessments at Time of Arrival