FAA MEI
FAA Flight Instructor - Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-25)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Flight Instructor for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-25, is the FAA's testing standard for the flight instructor certificate with an airplane rating. The FAA lists it with an April 2024 publication date and an effective date of May 31, 2024. It applies to applicants who already hold at least a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane rating and an instrument rating, and who intend to teach in single- and multiengine airplanes. The ACS replaced the older Practical Test Standards format for this certificate, pairing each task with knowledge, risk management, and skill elements so that the evaluator can test all three. The standards are organized into eight areas: Fundamentals of Instructing, Technical Subject Areas, Preflight Preparation, a Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight, Airport and Traffic Pattern Operations, Flight Maneuvers, Single-Pilot Resource Management, and Multiengine Operations. Preparation should center on the ACS itself plus the FAA handbooks and the ACS Companion Guide for Pilots, both linked from the FAA Airman Certification Standards page. Because you are being tested on your ability to teach, not merely to fly, practice explaining each task aloud, identifying common learner errors, and applying risk management to every maneuver.
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About FAA MEI preparation
What document defines the standards for this practical test?
The FAA lists Flight Instructor for Airplane Category (FAA-S-ACS-25) on its Airman Certification Standards page, published April 2024 with an effective date of May 31, 2024. That page is the authoritative place to confirm which edition is current before you schedule a test.
What areas does the ACS cover?
The standards span Fundamentals of Instructing, Technical Subject Areas, Preflight Preparation, a Preflight Lesson on a Maneuver to be Performed in Flight, Airport and Traffic Pattern Operations, Flight Maneuvers, Single-Pilot Resource Management, and Multiengine Operations. Each area contains tasks with knowledge, risk management, and skill elements that the evaluator may sample.
How hard is the flight instructor practical test compared with earlier checkrides?
Most applicants find it harder, because you must demonstrate instructional knowledge rather than only piloting skill. Expect to explain why a maneuver is performed, what errors learners make, and how you would correct them. The evaluator plays the role of a learner, so vague or purely procedural answers tend to expose gaps.
What are the most common failure points?
Weak Fundamentals of Instructing answers, poorly organized preflight lessons, and shallow risk management discussions are frequent trouble spots. Applicants also lose points by teaching a maneuver without stating the objective, completion standards, and common errors. Multiengine applicants should expect detailed questions on asymmetric flight and engine-failure decision making.
How should I sequence my study?
Start with Fundamentals of Instructing and Technical Subject Areas, since they underpin everything you will say in the aircraft. Then work through the flight tasks area by area, writing lesson plans for each. Finish with the preflight lesson requirement and multiengine tasks, rehearsing each out loud as if teaching a real learner.
Where can I find official preparation materials?
The FAA Airman Certification Standards page links the ACS Briefing, the ACS FAQ, the ACS Companion Guide for Pilots (FAA-G-ACS-2), and the ACS Knowledge Test Table. The Airman Testing page adds reference handbooks, sample knowledge tests, and the Airman Testing FAQ document. Use these rather than third-party summaries.
Are there sample knowledge tests for this certificate?
The FAA Airman Testing page lists Airman Knowledge Sample Tests as a testing resource. It does not state on the cited pages how many questions the flight instructor airplane knowledge test contains or what score is required, so confirm those details through official FAA channels before you test.
How do I find an examiner and schedule the practical test?
Both the Airman Certification Standards page and the Airman Testing page include a Find an FAA Examiner task link. The Airman Testing page also links the Designee Management System and the Airman Testing FAQ, which addresses who may administer a practical test. Start there rather than relying on secondhand scheduling advice.
If I fail, what is the retake policy?
The cited FAA pages do not state a retake policy, fee, or waiting period for this certificate, so treat any specific number you hear as unverified. Ask your examiner or consult the Airman Testing FAQ before reapplying, and plan to be re-evaluated on the areas found deficient.