Appendix 1: The Knowledge Test Eligibility, Prerequisites, and Testing Centers

Knowledge Test Description

The knowledge test is an important part of the airman certification process. Applicants must pass the knowledge test before taking the practical test.

The knowledge test consists of objective, multiple-choice questions. There is a single correct response for each test question. Each test question is independent of other questions. A correct response to one question does not depend upon, or influence, the correct response to another.

Knowledge Test Tables

Test Code	Test Name	Number of Questions	Age	Allotted Time	Passing Score
PAR	Private Pilot Airplane	60	15	2.5	70
PAT	Private Pilot Airplane/Recreational Pilot - Transition	30	15	1.5	70
PBG	Private Pilot Balloon - Gas	60	14	2.5	70
PBH	Private Pilot Balloon - Hot Air	60	14	2.5	70
PCH	Private Pilot Helicopter Canadian Conversion	40	16	2.0	70
PCP	Private Pilot – Airplane Canadian Conversion	40	16	2.0	70
PGL	Private Pilot Glider	60	14	2.5	70
PGT	Private Pilot Gyroplane/Recreational Pilot - Transition	30	15	1.5	70
PHT	Private Pilot Helicopter/Recreational Pilot - Transition	30	15	1.5	70
PLA	Private Pilot Airship	60	15	2.5	70
PPP	Private Pilot Powered Parachute	60	15	2.5	70
PRG	Private Pilot Gyroplane	60	15	2.5	70
PRH	Private Pilot Helicopter	60	15	2.5	70
PWS	Private Pilot Weight-Shift-Control	60	15	2.5	70

Knowledge Test Blueprint

PAR Knowledge Areas Required by 14 CFR part 61, section 61.105 to be on the Knowledge Test	Percent of Questions Per Test
Regulations	5 – 15%
Accident Reporting	5 – 10%
Performance Charts	5 – 10%
Radio Communications	5 – 10%
Weather	5 – 10%
Safe and Efficient Operations	5 – 15%
Density Altitude Performance	5 – 10%
Weight and Balance	5 – 10%
Aerodynamics, Powerplants, and Aircraft Systems	5 – 10%
Stalls and Spins	5 – 10%
Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)	5 – 10%
Preflight actions	5 – 10%
Total Number of Questions	60

English Language Standard

In accordance with the requirements of 14 CFR part 61, section 61.13(c) the applicant must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language throughout the application and testing process. English language proficiency is required to communicate effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC), to comply with ATC instructions, and to ensure clear and effective crew communication and coordination. Normal restatement of questions as would be done for a native English speaker is permitted, and does not constitute grounds for disqualification. The FAA Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) is the FAA evaluator’s benchmark. It requires the applicant to demonstrate at least the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) level 4 standard.

Knowledge Test Requirements

In order to take the Private Pilot Knowledge Test, you must provide proper identification. To verify your eligibility to take the test, you must also provide one of the following in accordance with the requirements of 14 CFR part 61:

•14 CFR part 61, section 61.35 lists the prerequisites for taking the knowledge test, to include the minimum age an applicant must be to take the test.

―Received an endorsement, if required by this part, from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test;

―Proper identification at the time of application that contains the applicant’s—

○(i) Photograph;

○(ii) Signature;

○(iii) Date of birth; and

○(iv) If the permanent mailing address is a post office box number, then the applicant must provide a government-issued residential address.

•14 CFR part 61, section 61.49 acceptable forms of retest authorization for all Private Pilot tests:

―An applicant retesting after failure is required to submit the applicable Airman Knowledge Test Report indicating failure, along with an endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave the applicant the required additional training. The endorsement must certify that the applicant is competent to pass the test. The test proctor must retain the original failed Airman Knowledge Test Report presented as authorization and attach it to the applicable sign-in/out log.

Note: If the applicant no longer possesses the original Airman Knowledge Test Report, he or she may request a duplicate replacement issued by the Airmen Certification Branch.

•Acceptable forms of authorization for Private Pilot Canadian Conversion (PCP) only:

―Confirmation of Verification Letter issued by the Office of Foundational Business, Civil Aviation Division, Airmen Certification Branch (see Knowledge Testing Authorization Requirements Matrix at www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/testing_matrix.pdf).

―Requires no instructor endorsement or other form of written authorization.

Knowledge Test Centers

The FAA authorizes hundreds of knowledge testing center locations that offer a full range of airman knowledge tests. For information on authorized testing centers and to register for the knowledge test, contact one of the providers listed at www.faa.gov.

Knowledge Test Registration

When you contact a knowledge testing center to register for a test, please be prepared to select a test date, choose a testing center, and make financial arrangements for test payment when you call. You may register for test(s) several weeks in advance, and you may cancel in accordance with the testing center’s cancellation policy.