The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) represent the knowledge and skill requirements necessary to obtain pilot certificates and ratings in the United States. These standards, published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provide a comprehensive framework for both applicants pursuing certification and the certified flight instructors (CFIs) responsible for their training. A CFI specializing in airplane instruction uses the relevant airplane ACS to structure lessons, assess student progress, and ensure compliance with FAA regulations. For example, a CFI preparing a student for the Private Pilot – Airplane certificate would refer to the Private Pilot – Airplane ACS.
Standardized evaluation processes ensure consistency and improve safety in aviation training. Adherence to the ACS ensures a uniform level of competency among pilots, regardless of their chosen flight school or instructor. This structured approach helps CFIs tailor their instruction to meet specific, measurable, and attainable objectives, ultimately benefiting both the student and the aviation community as a whole. The ACS system replaced the Practical Test Standards (PTS) system, offering a more integrated and comprehensive approach to flight training.
