ANAC Commercial Pilot Airplane (PCA) exam-day guide
ANAC Commercial Pilot Airplane (PCA) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid photo ID
Bring the identification document required by ANAC for candidate verification. Confirm with the provider which specific documents are accepted (e.g., national ID, passport, or pilot license) before exam day.
Printed exam scheduling confirmation / proof of registration
Carry the confirmation of your scheduled practical exam (date, time, location, examiner or testing organization). Keep a digital copy as backup.
Pilot logbook
Bring your current, up-to-date logbook showing required flight experience, endorsements, and recent experience. Ensure entries are legible and signed as required.
Medical certificate
Carry your valid aviation medical certificate. Confirm with the provider whether the original is required or a copy is accepted.
Required documents / licenses held
Bring any licenses, ratings, or certificates you already hold that are relevant to the exam (e.g., student pilot or private pilot license). Confirm the exact document set with the provider.
Knowledge exam results / prerequisite proof
Bring proof that you passed the required theoretical (knowledge) exam, if applicable. Confirm with the provider the format they accept.
Flight planning tools
Bring the tools you normally use: current aeronautical charts, plotter, flight computer (E6B or electronic), navigation aids, and a notepad. Confirm which chart editions are acceptable.
Aircraft documents awareness
Be prepared to locate and explain the aircraft's certificate of airworthiness, registration, and weight-and-balance data during the oral portion. Confirm with the provider which documents the aircraft must carry.
Rest, hydration, and a light meal
Get adequate sleep the night before and eat a light meal before the exam. Avoid alcohol within the required window and confirm any specific pre-exam restrictions with the provider.
Confirm exam location, time, and examiner contact
Verify the meeting point, arrival time, and how to reach the examiner or testing organization. Confirm any check-in or security procedures with the provider.
Weather and NOTAM check
Review the forecast and NOTAMs for the exam area the morning of the exam. Confirm with the provider how weather cancellations or postponements are handled.
Review oral-exam topic list
Revisit the practical test standards / areas of operation for the PCA exam, focusing on weak areas identified during training. Confirm the applicable standards version with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm exam date, time, location, and examiner contact. Verify all documents are current and gather them in one folder. Review the practical test standards and your training records for weak areas.
Do a final flight-planning practice session and a mock oral on aircraft systems, performance, and regulations. Check chart currency and replace outdated materials.
Lay out documents, logbook, charts, and tools. Check the weather forecast and NOTAMs. Confirm the aircraft's availability and airworthiness status with the provider. Get a full night's rest.
Eat a light meal, recheck weather and NOTAMs, and arrive early. Re-verify documents are in hand. Confirm any last-minute changes with the examiner or provider.
Answer clearly and concisely; if unsure, state what you would check and how. Stay calm and methodical. Ask for clarification if a question is ambiguous.
Follow the examiner's instructions, use standard callouts and checklists, and prioritize safety and aircraft control. Verbalize your decision-making and manage workload deliberately.
Debrief with the examiner, note any discrepancies or follow-up items, and confirm with the provider what documentation or next steps are required.
Rules to check
Bring and present the identification required by ANAC and the testing organization; confirm the accepted documents with the provider before exam day.
Arrive on time and follow the examiner's and provider's instructions for check-in and conduct throughout the exam.
Do not bring unauthorized materials into the oral or flight portion; confirm with the provider what reference materials, if any, are permitted.
Breaks during the exam are at the examiner's discretion; ask the examiner how breaks are handled before the exam begins.
Scoring is based on the applicable practical test standards; a failure in a required area of operation may result in discontinuation. Confirm the specific scoring and discontinuation rules with the provider.
If the exam is discontinued or a retest is needed, confirm with the provider the retest eligibility, timing, and documentation requirements.
Maintain safety as the top priority during the flight portion; the examiner may take control or terminate the flight if safety is compromised.
Keep your logbook and records accurate and current; discrepancies may affect eligibility. Confirm record-keeping requirements with the provider.