By Lisa Thornton A320 First Officer, CFII
I see you: sitting at the local coffee shop, earbuds in, notecards piled high, and FARAIM pinning down your sectional spread across a too-small table.
You’re overwhelmed.
There’s so much to read and so much to study… but so little time. You told yourself, “Only highlight the important stuff.” However, hours later, all you’ve managed to do is turn your white paper yellow. I see you because I was you. I can tell you from experience, you need a game plan. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start studying with focus. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one place, one document, that helped you direct your efforts?
Take a deep breath, because there is:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has created a document that communicates standards and gives guidance to pilots as they prepare for each check ride. This document is known as the Airman Certification Standards, or ACS.
Think of the ACS as a playbook to review before the big game. Whether you’re working on becoming a private pilot or preparing for your instructor exam, the ACS is where you need to start.
The ACS breaks the check ride down into manageable tasks. It provides you with the categories you will be tested on, standards to which you will be held, and details on the format in which your test will be administered.
How The ACS is Organized
The ACS is segmented into overall areas of operation. From there, each area has specific tasks you might be evaluated on. Your examiner will be observing your knowledge, risk management, and skills as they pertain to each task. The ACS clearly and simply describes what would be considered a successful demonstration of such knowledge or skill. There is also a reference section you can utilize if you need more clarification on a task or subject.
How The ACS is Used
Per the FAA, your examiner must test you on at least one knowledge, risk management, and skills element from each task. From there, the examiner has discretion to test on additional task elements as they determine necessary.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “an inch deep and a mile wide”? That’s how I recommend you study. I urge you to utilize the ACS as a tool that will help you map out your mile wide.
Your examiner does not expect you to be an expert in all areas. They expect you to know enough to be competent and safe. The rest can be learned with time. My favorite examiner once told me, “This rating is a license to learn.”
So, take a deep breath and study with a clear direction. You’ve got this!
By Lisa Thornton A320 First Officer, CFII
Northstar Aviation References brings you the Pre-Tabbed ASA FAR/AIM, DIY tabs for your FAR/AIM and other pilot resources so that you can more easily study the regulations that form the foundation of your flying career or hobby. Have any questions? Check out our FAQs page or contact us. Check out other blog posts here.