August 2026 Edition - Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA)

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Putri

August 2026 Edition of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA) explains stakeholder communications and change management updates supporting correlation of training and testing for an effective certification process. It announces revisions to Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) documents, effective compliance expectations under Title 14 CFR chapter 1, subchapter D, part 61, and guidance on continued use of prior “A” versions until “B” versions take effect. It also details Aviation Maintenance Technician practical test bank improvements, retesting rules, and updates to practical projects and reference guidance, including AM. I. L.S1.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Stakeholder Communications

Standards

Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS)

Reference Materials

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)

Airman Certification Oral and Practical Project

Practical Test Banks Updates

August 2026 Edition The Airman Testing Community Advisory (ATCA) is produced by the General Aviation and Commercial Division, Training and Certification Group, Testing Standards Section, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) office responsible for practical test and airman certification standards, certification testing programs, and supporting reference materials. This advisory provides an additional channel for change management communications to our stakeholders and supports the correlation of training and testing for an effective certification process. Stakeholder Communications You are encouraged to submit questions and comments about our products and services by emailing us at [TestingStandardsComments@faa.gov](TestingStandardsComments@faa.gov. This)[. This](TestingStandardsComments@faa.gov. This) email address replaces the previous [afs630comments@faa.gov](afs630comments@faa.gov)[ ](afs630comments@faa.gov)address. Please continue to email comments related to Practical Test Standards (PTS) and Airman Certification Standards (ACS) [to](to acsptsinquiries@faa.gov)[ ](to acsptsinquiries@faa.gov)[acsptsinquiries@faa.gov](to acsptsinquiries@faa.gov). Standards Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) FAA-S-8081-29A, Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS for Airplane Category, Rotorcraft Category Gyroplane, and Glider Category; FAA-S-8081-30A, Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS for Lighter-Than-Air Category; and FAA-S-8081-31A, Sport Pilot and Flight Instructors with a Sport Pilot Rating PTS for Powered Parachute Category and Weight-Shift-Control Aircraft Category are being revised to harmonize with the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificate (MOSAIC) and will be posted to our website as soon as possible after October 22, 2025. It is expected that evaluators, instructors, and applicants comply with changes to Title 14 CFR chapter 1, subchapter D, part 61, effective October 22, 2025, regardless of the PTS version used for sport pilots and flight instructors with a sport pilot rating. Evaluators, instructors, and applicants may continue to use FAA-S-8081-29A, FAA-S-8081-30A, and FAA-S-8081- 31A until the updated versions, FAA-S-8081-29B, FAA-S-8081-30B, and FAA-S-8081-31B, become effective. However, they must replace any outdated standards and information in the "A" versions with the most current standards and information from the new rule, which takes effect on October 22, 2025. Reference Materials The Testing Standards Section continually evaluates our internal processes for developing, revising, and maintaining reference materials to ensure programmatic efficiency and greater agility in keeping pace with advancements in aviation safety and technology. Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Airman Certification Oral and Practical Project The Testing Standards Section and the Airman Certification Standards Exam Board (AEB) have implemented, and continue to implement, several improvements that directly support the goals of reducing administrative burden, improving consistency, minimizing human error, and better aligning the testing process with real-world maintenance practices. The recent updates to the practical test bank address many workflow, usability, and standardization concerns identified by stakeholders and Designated Mechanic Examiners (DME) . • Practical questions have been revised to align directly with assigned projects, Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM), and Advisory Circulars (AC). This improves consistency between tests and reduces reliance on subjective “look up and explain” questioning. As a result, the testing experience is more streamlined, practical, and better aligned with real-world maintenance environments and industry practices. • DMEs have been given greater discretion in determining acceptable answers based on project details, manufacturer information, and approved reference materials. This suppo

FAQs

How can stakeholders submit questions and comments in the August 2026 edition?

Stakeholders are encouraged to email questions and comments to the provided FAA address, which replaces the previous afs630comments@faa.gov contact. Practical test standards (PTS) and airman certification standards (ACS) comments should be emailed to the specified ACS PTS inquiries address.

When do the revised Sport Pilot Practical Test Standards (PTS) become effective?

The advisory states the revised PTS documents will be posted after October 22, 2025, and compliance with changes to the relevant Title 14 CFR sections is effective October 22, 2025. “A” versions may be used until updated “B” versions become effective, after which outdated standards must be replaced with the new rule guidance.

What retesting and activation timing applies to Aviation Maintenance Technician practical projects?

If an applicant took an initial practical test before activation of the new framework, retesting is based on prior content and requirements. The advisory lists activation timing for Aviation Mechanic General (activated April 20, 2026), Aviation Mechanic Airframe (scheduled July 20, 2026), and Aviation Mechanic Powerplant (in final review), and notes guidance updates including AM. I. L.S1 for evaluating Form 8010-4 completion.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Putri