The below outline sets out each area of operation from the ACS that you will be tested on. Click each one to be taken to the corresponding lesson resources.
AS ALWAYS … for the most up-to-date version of the ACS Private Pilot for Airplane Category see the following link: https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs
Areas of Operation
Introduction
Airman Certification Standards Concept
Area of Operation I. Preflight Preparation
Task A. Pilot Qualification
Task B. Airworthiness Requirements
Task C. Weather Information
Task D. Cross-Country Flight Planning
Task E. National Airspace System
Task F. Performance and Limitations
Task G. Operation of Systems
Task I. Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)
Area of Operation II. Preflight Procedures
Task A. Preflight Assessment
Task B. Flight Deck Management
Task C. Engine Starting
Task D. Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL)
Task E. Taxiing and Sailing (ASES, AMES)
Task F. Before Takeoff Check
Area of Operation III. Airport and Seaplane Base Operations
Task A. Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
Task B. Traffic Patterns
Area of Operation IV. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds
Task A. Normal Takeoff and Climb
Task B. Normal Approach and Landing
Task C. Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb (ASEL)
Task D. Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL)
Task E. Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASEL, AMEL)
Task F. Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL, AMEL)
Task G. Confined Area Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb (ASES, AMES)
Task H. Confined Area Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)
Task I. Glassy Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES)
Task J. Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)
Task K. Rough Water Takeoff and Climb (ASES, AMES)
Task L. Rough Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES)
Task M. Forward Slip to a Landing (ASEL, ASES)
Task N. Go-Around/Rejected Landing
Area of Operation V. Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers
Task A. Steep Turns
Task B. Ground Reference Maneuvers
Area of Operation VI. Navigation
Task A. Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
Task B. Navigation Systems and Radar Services
Task C. Diversion
Task D. Lost Procedures
Area of Operation VII. Slow Flight and Stalls
Task A. Maneuvering During Slow Flight
Task B. Power-Off Stalls
Task C. Power-On Stalls
Task D. Spin Awareness
Area of Operation VIII. Basic Instrument Maneuvers
Task A. Straight-and-Level Flight
Task B. Constant Airspeed Climbs
Task C. Constant Airspeed Descents
Task D. Turns to Headings
Task E. Recovery from Unusual Flight Attitudes
Task F. Radio Communications, Navigation Systems/Facilities, and Radar Services
Area of Operation IX. Emergency Operations
Task A. Emergency Descent
Task B. Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated) (ASEL, ASES)
Task C. Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
Task D. Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
Task E. Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
Task F. Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
Task G. Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)(AMEL, AMES)
Area of Operation X. Multiengine Operations
Task A. Maneuvering with One Engine Inoperative (AMEL, AMES)
Task B. VMC Demonstration (AMEL, AMES)
Task C. One Engine Inoperative (Simulated) (solely by Reference to Instruments) During Straight-and-Level Flight and Turns (AMEL, AMES)
Task D. Instrument Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
Area of Operation XI. Night Operations
Task A. Night Operations
Area of Operation XII. Postflight Procedures
Task A. After Landing, Parking, and Securing (ASEL, AMEL)
Task B. Seaplane Post-Landing Procedures (ASES, AMES)
Appendix 1: Practical Test Roles, Responsibilities, and Outcomes
Eligibility Requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate
Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test Table
Use of the ACS During a Practical Test
Combined Private/Instrument Test
Instructor Responsibilities
Evaluator Responsibilities
Possible Outcomes of the Test
Additional Rating Task Table
Addition of an Airplane Single-Engine Land Rating to an Existing Private Pilot Certificate
Addition of an Airplane Single-Engine Sea Rating to an Existing Private Pilot Certificate
Addition of an Airplane Multiengine Land Rating to an Existing Private Pilot Certificate
Addition of an Airplane Multiengine Sea Rating to an existing Private Pilot Certificate
Removal of the “Airplane Multiengine VFR Only” Limitation
Removal of the “Limited to Center Thrust” Limitation
Appendix 2: Safety of Flight
General
Stall and Spin Awareness
Use of Checklists
Positive Exchange of Flight Controls
Use of Distractions
Aeronautical Decision-Making, Risk Management, Crew Resource Management, and Single-Pilot Resource Management
Multiengine Considerations
Single-Engine Considerations
Appendix 3: Aircraft, Equipment, and Operational Requirements & Limitations
Aircraft Requirements & Limitations
Equipment Requirements & Limitations
Use of Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD)
Credit for Pilot Time in an FSTD
Use of Aviation Training Devices (ATD)
Credit for Pilot Time in an ATD
Operational Requirements, Limitations, & Task Information