The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the regulatory body of the U.S. national airspace system, operating as an agency under the Department of Transportation (DOT). Its primary, and constant, mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

The FAA’s vast responsibilities cover every aspect of civil aviation:

• Safety Regulation: The FAA establishes and enforces the regulations that govern the manufacture, operation and maintenance of all civil aircraft in the U.S. (These rules are compiled in the Federal Aviation Regulations or FARs).

• Air Traffic Management: It manages the entire National Airspace System (NAS), directing all civil and military air traffic within U.S. airspace and large portions of the oceanic airspace over the Atlantic and Pacific.

• Certification: It certifies everything from airports, air carriers, and aircraft design/production, to the airmen themselves-pilots, mechanics, dispatchers, and air traffic controllers.

• Commercial Space: It regulates and encourages the U.S. commercial space transportation industry, including the licensing of launches and launch sites.

Essential FAA Publications and Standards

Aspiring and current pilots rely on a host of official FAA documents for training, regulation, and operational guidance. All of these documents are typically available for free download on the FAA’s website.

Key Handbooks and Manuals

• FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual): This is the most crucial resource for every pilot.

  • The FARs are the rules governing aviation in the U.S. (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations or 14 CFR).

    • Website: FARs

  • The AIM is the how-to manual, providing detailed, non-regulatory information on ATC procedures, air traffic services, and safety practices.

    • Website: AIM

• Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK): Provides the foundational knowledge required for all pilot certificates, covering everything from the principles of flight and aerodynamics to aircraft systems and aeromedical factors.

  • Website: PHAK

• Airplane Flying Handbook (AFH): Focuses on the practical application of flight theory, serving as a comprehensive “how-to” guide for performing flight maneuvers and procedures.

  • Website: AFH

Advisory Circulars and the ACS

• Advisory Circulars (AC): Provide guidance and information in a designated subject area or show an acceptable method of complying with a specific regulation (FAR). They are non-regulatory, but highly recommended, and often treated as standard practice.

  • Website: AC

• Airman Certification Standards (ACS): The standard that pilots are tested against for their certificates (Private, Instrument, Commercial, etc.). The ACS outlines the specific Aeronautical Knowledge, Risk Management, and Flight Proficiency required for the practical test (“checkride”). It replaced the older Practical Test Standards (PTS) and fully integrates safety-critical judgment into testing.

  • Website: ACS

Finding Aviation Designees

The FAA relies on qualified, designated individuals in the private sector to administer medical exams and practical flight tests. These individuals act as representatives of the FAA Administrator.

Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)

An AME is a physician designated by the FAA to perform the required medical examinations for pilot certificates. A medical certificate is required before a pilot can fly solo (for a student pilot) or act as pilot-in-command for most operations.

How to Find an AME:

1. The Primary tool is the official FAA Designee Locator. On the FAA website, select “AME” from the search options.

2. Before your exam you must complete the application process online through the FAA’s MedXPress system, which generates a confirmation number your AME will need.

Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

A DPE is a senior pilot authorized by the FAA to conduct practical tests (checkrides) for pilot certifications and ratings. They assess an applicant’s skill and knoledge against the standards outlined in the applicable ACS.

How to Find a DPE:

1. The official FAA Designee Locator is also the official resource for finding a DPE in your area.

2. Your flight instructor (CFI) will typically have relationships with DPEs and is often the best source for a recommendation and scheduling assistance.

FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (Written Exams)

The FAA has contracted with PSI Services (PSI/LaserGrade) to provide the entire library of Airman Knowledge Tests across the United States. Testing centers are often located at flight schools; FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators), and sometimes colleges or military facilities.

• Online Scheduling: Use the official PSI FAA testing portal to creat an account, verify your eligibility, and search for the closest testing by postal code.

  • Website: PSI Exams

• What to Bring: A current, government-issued photo ID that shows your physical address and signature. You must also bring an acceptable form of authorization/endorsement (usually a logbook endorsement from your instructor) if required for the specific test.

• Prerequisite: You must have an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which is created when you register in the IACRA system (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application).

Required Knowledge Tests for Pilot Certificates

A unique, three-letter code identifies each test. Passing score for all FAA knowledge tests is 70% or higher.

• Private Pilot (Airplane) Test Identification - PAR

  • Focuses on foundational aeronautical knowledge, including aerodynamics, aircraft systems, performance, weather theory, regulations (FARs), and basic navigation.

• Instrument Rating (Airplane) Test Identification - IRA

  • Tests knowledge specific to flying solely by reference to instruments. Topics include IFR regulations, instrument procedures (approaches, holds), high-altitude weather, and flight instruments.

• Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Test Identification - CAX

  • Builds upon Private and Instrument knowledge, focusing on a commercial operator’s responsibilities, advanced aerodynamics, high-performance aircraft operations, and the regulations applicable to compensated flight.

• Certified Flight Instructor (Initial) Test Identifications - FOI & FIA

  • The flight instructor applicant must pass two tests:

    • Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) covers the learning process and teaching methods.

    • Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) covers instructor-specific technical knowledge.