The FAA released new FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) that will go into effect on May 31, 2024. Some of these are updates of previous ACS titles and some are brand-new, first-time, ACS publications that have transitioned from the PTS (Practical Test Standards). These new ACS publications are the result of an “Incorporate by Reference” (IBR) federal aviation rule change, which has been years in the making.
The FAA ACS and PTS comprise the testing standard for knowledge tests, practical tests and proficiency checks for persons seeking or holding an airman certificate and/or rating. This IBR rule incorporates these ACS and PTS by reference into the certification requirements for pilots, flight instructors, flight engineers, aircraft dispatchers, and parachute riggers. In addition to the PTS and ACS, the FAA published a new ACS Companion Guide (FAA-G-ACS-2).
Spiral Bound for easy, lay-flat, reference!
MyPilotStore publishes most of the ACS books in a convenient spiral binding that allows you to have the book lay flat (or fold over) for reference and studying. With our spiral binding, you can effortlessly lay the book flat or fold it over for seamless reference and uninterrupted study sessions. Whether you’re preparing for your FAA Knowledge Exam or practical test, our spiral-bound ACS books provide the flexibility and convenience you need to excel in your aviation journey.
What’s changing in the May 2024 FAA ACS Update?
This is a summary of before and after May 2024. Publications that have gone from PTS to ACS are noted in the table as well. Two publications didn’t have a change (ACS-1 and ACS-10). You can order any of these publications using the links below.
| FAA ACS Publication | Before June 2024 | May 31, 2024 Update |
| Private Pilot Airplane ACS | FAA-S-ACS-6B | FAA-S-ACS-6C |
| Private Pilot Helicopter ACS | FAA-S-8081-15A PTS | FAA-S-ACS-15 |
| Instrument Rating Airplane ACS | FAA-S-ACS-8B | FAA-S-ACS-8C |
| Instrument Rating Helicopter ACS | FAA-S-8081-4E PTS | FAA–S-ACS-14 |
| Commercial Pilot Airplane ACS | FAA-S-ACS-7A | FAA-S-ACS-7B |
| Commercial Pilot Helicopter ACS | FAA-S-8081-16B PTS | FAA-S-ACS-16 |
| Flight Instructor Airplane ACS | FAA-S-8081-6DS PTS FAA-S-8081-6DM PTS |
FAA-S-ACS-25 |
| Flight Instructor Helicopter ACS | FAA-S-8081-7B PTS | FAA-S-ACS-29 |
| Airline Transport Pilot Airplane ACS | FAA-S-ACS-11 | FAA-S-ACS-11A |
| Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, Powerplant | FAA-S-ACS-1 | |
| Remote Pilot – Small Unmanned Aircraft | FAA-S-ACS-10 | |
| ACS Companion Guide for Pilots | FAA-G-ACS-2 |
Combination ACS Publications
We also offer two money-saving combination publications that will be useful to pilots, instructors and examiners. They include the Private + Instrument + Commercial ACS in one convenient, spiral-bound, publication with tabs separating the different ACS.