FAA Knowledge Exam Preparation Tests
Airman Certification Standards (ACS) study practice
Exam Specifications
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United States
70% Correct Answers
1 to 2 Months Directed Study
2 hours to 3 hours based on test code
60 questions in the configured Heading380 practice volume.
Multiple Choice Questions, Computer-Based via PSI Testing Centers
Exam Overview
FAA Knowledge Tests are computer-based exams at PSI Testing Centers covering FAR regulations, aerodynamics, weather, and cross-country planning. The Private Pilot (PAR) and Instrument (IRA) tests are 60 questions; the Commercial (CAX) is 100. All require 70% to pass.
FAA Knowledge Tests assess the knowledge areas specified by the applicable FAA testing and certification framework. Heading380 organizes practice around the relevant ACS material and common knowledge-test topics.
The exams verify practical airmanship regulations, airport lighting schemes, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 61/91, cross-country chart reading (Sectionals), weight and balance, and weather briefings (METAR, TAF, Winds Aloft).
High-yield focus: Airspace, weather interpretation, and flight-performance topics are included as focused FAA practice areas; no fixed percentage weighting is asserted here.
Theoretical Subject Syllabus Blocks
Air Regulations
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) definitions, cloud clearances, and operational flight limitations.
Aviation Meteorology
Reading METAR, TAF, weather prognostic charts, and pilot weather reports (PIREPs).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
QHow long is my FAA written test endorsement certificate valid?
Your FAA written test results remain fully valid for 24 calendar months after passing. You must complete your checkride within this window.
QHow do I use the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) to study?
Every answer in Heading380 is tagged with its active ACS subject code, showing you exactly which knowledge elements or risk factors require review.
QWhich FAA Knowledge Tests does Heading380 prepare you for?
Heading380 covers preparation for the Private Pilot (PAR), Instrument Rating (IRA), and Commercial Pilot (CAX) FAA Knowledge Tests, plus the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) written. Question sets are organized around applicable FAA testing and ACS material; candidates should verify the current FAA publications before testing.
QWhat is the passing score for FAA Knowledge Tests, and is there negative marking?
All FAA Knowledge Tests require a minimum 70% score. Unlike EASA and DGCA exams, the FAA does not apply negative marking — unanswered or incorrect questions score zero. Heading380's FAA mode replicates this: no deduction for wrong answers, with the focus on accuracy rather than penalised guessing.
QHow many questions are in the FAA Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot Knowledge Tests?
The FAA Private Pilot written (PAR) contains 60 questions with a 2.5-hour limit. The Commercial Pilot (CAX) contains 100 questions with a 3-hour limit. Heading380 mock papers replicate these structures, sampling across aerodynamics, regulations, weather, and navigation topics.
QDoes Heading380 include sectional chart and instrument approach plate questions for the IRA?
Yes. FAA sectional-chart interpretation, IFR en-route chart reading, and instrument-approach-plate questions are included in the Instrument Rating (IRA) preparation module. Heading380 provides annotated explanations for the figure-based questions it publishes.
Simulator Practice Deck
Access Heading380's free on-line preparation suite. Master simulated cabin stressors and error logging indicators immediately.
Includes cadet features:
- Spaced Repetition Engine
- Custom Radar & METAR Weather
- ATA-Standards Telemetry Logs