This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for pilot applicants, pilots, flight instructors, ground instructors, and examiners on the certification standards, knowledge test procedures, and other requirements in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 61. This revision provides guidance for those persons seeking a student pilot certificate and endorsements for student pilot privileges.

http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-65F.pdf

Exciting improvements are on the horizon for airman testing and training. Effective June 15, applicants for the private pilot certificate (airplane category) and the instrument rating (airplane category) will use the corresponding airman certification standards (ACS) in lieu of the practical test standards (PTS). The FAA collaborated with a diverse group of industry experts to develop the ACS, which is an enhanced version of the PTS. The ACS integrates and clearly defines the aeronautical knowledge and risk management elements that support each PTS skill task. It also incorporates today’s PTS “special emphasis” items into the appropriate ACS task. The ACS thus offers clear guidance on what an applicant must know, consider, and do to qualify for a certificate or rating. For detailed information on the ACS, please visit the Airman Testing web page (www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/) and watch for updates in future FAAST Blast messages as the ACS effective date approaches