The FAA continues to move to the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and away from the older Practical Test Standards (PTS). In June 2019, the FAA introduced one new ACS and updating three existing ACS publications.
The FAA noted that the new ACS is part of a collaborative approach to aviation safety:
โThe FAA developed this ACS along with associated guidance and updated reference material in collaboration with a diverse group of aviation training experts. The goal is to drive a systematic approach to all components of the airman certification system, including knowledge test question development and conduct of the practical test,โ the agency wrote. โThe FAA acknowledges and appreciates the many hours that these aviation experts have contributed toward this goal. This level of collaboration, a hallmark of a robust safety culture, strengthens and enhances aviation safety at every level of the airman certification system.โ
New ATP ACS
On June 28, 2019, the new FAA Airline Transport Pilot and Type Rating for Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-11) will go in to effect. This will replace the old Practical Test Standards: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) & Type Rating Airplane (FAA-S-8081-5F).
Those seeking to prepare for Aircraft Dispatcher Certification should continue to use the FAA-8081-5F.7 PTS, which contains FAA-S-8081-10.
Updated FAA ACS Publications 2019
Also effective on June 28, 2019, the FAA will be publishing new revisions to the following Airman Certification Standards publications:
- Private Pilot Airplane FAA-S-ACS-6B was replaced by FAA-S-ACS-6B Change1
- Instrument Rating Airplane FAA-S-ACS-8B was replaced by FAA-S-ACS-8B Change 1
- Commercial Pilot Airplane FAA-S-ACS-7A was replaced by FAA-S-ACS-7A Change 1