MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, and Private Pilot Practical Tests
1. Q. Prior to taking the practical test, what aeronautical experience must
I have?
A. The specific aeronautical experience requirements are outlined in 14 CFR
part 61.
(1) 14 CFR 61, subpart J, section 313 for the sport pilot certificate requirements.
(2) 14 CFR part 61, subpart D, section 99 for the recreational pilot certificate
requirements.
(3) 14 CFR part 61, subpart E, section 109 for the private pilot certificate
requirements.
2. Q. Must I provide the aircraft for my practical test?
A. Yes. An applicant must provide an airworthy aircraft with equipment relevant
to the AREAS OF OPERATION required for the practical test.
3. Q. What papers and documents must I present prior to my practical test?
A. The applicant will be asked to present:
(1) FAA Form 8710-1(8710.11 for sport pilot applicants), Application for an
Airman Certificate and/or Rating, with the flight instructor’s recommendation;
(2) an Airman Test Report with a satisfactory grade;
(3) a medical certificate (not required for glider or balloon), and a student
pilot certificate endorsed by a flight instructor for solo, solo cross-country
(airplane and rotorcraft), and for the make and model aircraft to be used
for the practical test. (Drivers license or medical certificate for sport pilot
applicants);
(4) the pilot log book records; and
(5) a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school (if applicable).
The applicant will be asked to produce and explain the:
(1) aircraft’s registration certificate;
(2) aircraft’s airworthiness certificate;
(3) aircraft’s operating limitations or FAA-approved aircraft flight manual(if
required);
(4) aircraft equipment list;
(5) required weight and balance data;
(6) maintenance records; and
(7) applicable Airworthiness Directives.
4. Q. What pilot maneuvers are required on the practical test, and how will
my performance of these operations be evaluated?
A. If a detailed explanation of the required pilot maneuvers and performance
standards is desired, refer to either the sport pilot, recreational pilot, or
private pilot practical test standards. The practical test standards may be
downloaded free of charge from the Regulatory Support Division’s web site
http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afs/afs600
or purchased from the Superintendent of Documents or U.S. Government Printing
Office bookstores. Refer to pages 6 and 7, of this
guide, for directions
5. Q. What is the minimum age requirement for a sport pilot certificate, recreational
pilot certificate, or private pilot certificate?
A. An applicant must be 17 years of age. Although, applicants for the private
pilot glider or free balloon rating may be 16 years of age.
6. Q. When can I take the sport pilot, recreational pilot, or private pilot
practical test?
A. 14 CFR part 61 establishes the ground school and flight experience requirements
for the recreational pilot certificate and private pilot certificate. However,
your flight instructor can best determine when your qualified for the practical
test. Your instructor should take you through a practice practical test.
7. Q. Where can I take the practical test?
A. Due to the varied responsibilities of the FSDOs, practical tests are given
by pilot examiners designated by FSDOs. You should schedule your practical test
by an appointment to avoid conflicts and wasted time. A list of examiner names
can be obtained from your local FSDO.
8. Q. Is there any charge for taking the practical test?
A. Since an FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner serves without pay from the government
for conducting practical tests and processing the necessary reports, the FAA-Designated
Pilot Examiner is allowed to charge a reasonable fee. However, there is no charge
for the practical test when conducted by an FAA Inspector.
9. Q. May I exercise the privileges of my pilot certificate immediately after
passing my practical test or must I wait until I receive the actual pilot certificate?
A. Yes. After satisfactory completion of the private pilot practical test, the
examiner will issue you a temporary airman certificate. This is a valid certificate
that authorizes you to exercise the privileges of a private pilot with appropriate
ratings and/or limitations. This is an interim certificate issued subject to
the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration pending the issuance of
your permanent certificate. You normally will receive your permanent certificate
within 120 days.
10. Q. Is there a charge for the pilot certificate?
A. No. There is no charge for any original certificate issued by the FAA. However,
fees will be charged by the FAA-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiner for the
medical examination and by the FAA-Designated Pilot Examiner for conducting
the practical test. The FAA does charge to replace any pilot or medical certificate. |
