Commercial pilot airplane ACS reference

Start with the current FAA document

The Commercial Pilot Airplane Airman Certification Standards (ACS) identify knowledge, risk management, and skill standards for the airplane commercial pilot practical test. The FAA Airman Certification Standards page is the source for current documents and addenda. Confirm the certificate, aircraft category and class, and document revision that apply to your test.

This page is a study organizer. It does not reproduce the ACS, supply predicted examiner questions, or certify checkride readiness.

Build a standards-based study plan

Use the areas of operation and tasks in the current ACS to guide ground review and instructor-led practice. Read knowledge, risk management, and skill elements as a set. For each task, trace important details to current FAA publications, regulations, and the aircraft's approved operating information where applicable.

A useful study record can note the task, its authoritative references, aircraft-specific limitations, and questions to resolve with an instructor. This makes it easier to distinguish a regulatory requirement from an aircraft procedure or a training technique.

Do not treat a study summary as a substitute for the document itself. ACS editions and addenda can change, and requirements differ by certificate and aircraft category or class. Recheck the FAA source when you resume studying after a long interval.

Separate standards from eligibility

Practical-test eligibility and aeronautical experience requirements are established by regulations as well as endorsements and records. They are not confirmed by reviewing an ACS study outline. Read the current applicable sections of 14 CFR Part 61 and have an authorized instructor review your records.

For aircraft-specific operations, use the POH or AFM for the airplane and configuration involved. A generic description of a task cannot replace its current approved procedures or limitations.

Regulations to cross-reference

The ACS outlines practical-test standards. Use the current regulations to study certificate eligibility, knowledge, proficiency, experience, and privileges. Relevant starting points for a commercial pilot airplane certificate include:

• 14 CFR 61.123, eligibility requirements.
• 14 CFR 61.125, aeronautical knowledge.
• 14 CFR 61.127, flight proficiency.
• 14 CFR 61.129, aeronautical experience.
• 14 CFR 61.133, commercial pilot privileges and limitations.

Verify the current text and the paragraph that applies to the certificate and aircraft class. The flight training cost estimator can organize a personal budget from entered rates and hours; it does not predict the time or expense required for a certificate.

Check before the test

Confirm the document revision and addenda, applicable certificate and aircraft class, current regulatory references, required records, and instructor endorsements. Ask your instructor to review the tasks where you need additional explanation or practice. This page does not predict the exact questions, tasks, or order of a practical test.

For training and reference only. The FAA ACS, current regulations, and applicable aircraft information control.

Related resources

• Airman certification standards overview
• Flight training cost estimator
• FAA Airman Certification Standards