Private Pilot (PPASEL) Practical Test Planning

Airman Certification Standards (ACS) The practical test will be based on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) FAA-S-ACS-6C.

In addition to reviewing the main contents of the ACS, we also recommend reviewing: Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes.

Additional Information/Notes:

  • Your examiner's flying weight is 180 pounds (This includes everything we bring into the airplane).

  • Any resource items you deem helpful may be brought to the test as reference material.

  • You may utilize paper charts and reference materials or an EFB at your discretion.

  • For cross-country planning, if a destination airport is not specified in the scenario, you may select any airport in proximity to the area specified.

  • If the assigned cross-country scenario is a round trip, you only need to plan for one-way.

  • All performance data and weight and balance calculations for the given scenario and our local flight should be complete prior to arriving for the practical test.

  • A “standard” weather briefing for the assigned scenario should be completed prior to arriving for the practical test and available for reference during the test.

  • A view limiting device is required for simulated instrument conditions.

  • Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or need additional information.

Flight Scenarios Please select and plan for ONE of the following scenarios for your evaluation:

Note for Added Ratings: If you are taking this practical test to add a single-engine rating to an existing Private Pilot certificate, a pre-planned cross-country scenario is not required. You do not need to prepare a scenario from the list below.

  • Scenario 1 (KAVL): A friend who lives in Concord NC invites you to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. You are a private pilot so you plan to fly to Concord (KJQF) with another friend who weighs 190 pounds. You have the plane overnight so you and your friend pack an overnight bag to spend the night at your friends in Concord and fly back the next day. Your bag weighs 35lbs and your passengers bag weighs 43lbs.

  • Scenario 2 (KAVL): You and two friends have planned to fly to Washington DC (KFDK) to see the cherry blossoms. This is the last weekend that they will be at peak bloom and seeing them has been a life-long dream for you and your friends. You will be required to leave early in the morning to be there in time for your tour reservation at 9:00 am. This trip does not have overnight plans; however, each person will be bringing a daypack with a weight of 15lbs. Your weight is 180lbs, and your friends’ weights are 180lbs and 200lbs respectively.

  • Scenario 3 (KAVL or Other Location): Create your own cross-country scenario based on a flight you have always wanted to take. Choose a destination at least 100 nautical miles from your departure airport and a reason for the flight. Assume you are taking one or two passengers (weighing 160 lbs and/or 180 lbs) for an overnight trip, each with 15 lbs of baggage. Ensure you clearly outline the reason for the trip, passengers and weights, baggage distribution, and any specific issues (airspace, terrain) you planned around.