Has it been a few years since you logged pilot time? Don’t worry—your pilot’s license never expires, and you don’t have to pass a checkride to regain currency. All it takes is some studying and a few hours with a flight instructor. Sporty’s and Flight Training Central are here to help, with honest advice and hundreds of useful products that make flying safer, easier, and more fun. If you’ve been thinking about knocking the rust off, enjoy limited time savings and in-depth articles from our team of pilots.
Feeling a little Rusty? Get current as part of Sporty’s Rusty Pilot Week, September 13 – 20.
Special savings
During Rusty Pilot Week, you can save big on some of Sporty’s best products for rusty pilots. From online courses to essential pilot gear, we have what you need to get back in the left seat.
Save on Sporty’s training courses.
Rusty Pilot Kit – includes Flight Review, Instrument Proficiency, kneeboard, books and more
In addition to great products, Sporty’s has plenty of articles and helpful videos to make your training experience more efficient and fun. We’ll be adding new content at Flight Training Central, so check back often for the latest updates.
Sporty’s video tips will refresh your aviation knowledge.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/12124925/GET-CURRENT-AND-SAVE.png518918Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-09-15 08:55:142024-09-15 09:32:22Rusty Pilot Week Launches at Sporty’s
Thousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. These commonly missed questions often focus on nuanced regulations, meteorology, flight planning, and airspace rules. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes. Here are the five most often missed questions from August 2024 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
Access unlimited practice exams and other test preparation tools in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.
Extending the flaps:
Correct!Wrong!
What is the purpose of the runway/runway hold position sign?
Correct!Wrong!
What condition applies when taking off at a high density altitude?
Correct!Wrong!
What is the difference between a normal landing and a crosswind landing?
Correct!Wrong!
If a pilot suspects that the engine (with a fixed-pitch propeller) is detonating during climb-out after takeoff, the initial corrective action to take would be to:
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/21132237/Video-Tip-2023-Taxiway-Markings-copy-2-scaled.jpg14402560Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-09-13 07:25:402024-09-17 11:02:43The five most frequently missed Private Pilot Written Test questions—August 2024
When you finished your test, the testing center issued you an Airman Knowledge Test Report (view a sample report). The top of the report includes identifying information. Your name and FTN tie the test report to your file at the FAA. The exam ID ties the type of exam, the exam date, and the outcome of this report to your FAA account. You will also see a line with your score on the test, your grade (pass or fail), and how many times you have taken the test.
The exam ID ties the type of exam, the exam date, and the outcome of this report to your FAA account.
Below your score, you will see a paragraph discussing the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) codes listed and how they represent question topics that you did not get correct on your exam. As noted, “A single code may represent more than one incorrect response.”
This statement is followed by a list of ACS codes representing the topics that you missed. We’ll discuss these momentarily.
It is important to keep track of the expiration date of your test results.
Next you will see an expiration date listed for the knowledge test report. It is important to keep track of this date. You will need to successfully complete your oral and practical exams, your “checkride,” on or before this date. If you don’t, you will need to start over with the knowledge test. The date listed will be 24 calendar months after the date that you completed the knowledge exam for all exams other than the multiengine airplane ATP test. That ATP test report is good for 60 calendar months.
Just above the dashed line on the report, the FAA reminds you, “DO NOT LOSE THIS REPORT.” If you do lose the report, you can replace it by logging into your PSI testing account and printing a duplicate copy.
Below the dashed line is a place that a flight instructor can confirm that he or she has completed the necessary review training for a student that did not pass the test the first time. Since you already passed your knowledge test, you don’t need to be concerned with this section.
This is where a flight instructor can confirm that he or she has completed the necessary review training for a student that did not pass the test.
You should be concerned about the final section. It discusses the potential legal ramifications of trying to fraudulently alter or falsify the report, which I am certain that you would never do.
FRAUDULENT ALTERATION OF THIS FORM BY ANY PERSON IS A BASIS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF ANY CERTIFICATES OR RATINGS HELD BY THAT PERSON.
An Introduction to the FAA Knowledge Test ACS Codes
The Airman Certification Standards are a framework intended to integrate and align standards, guidance, and testing for airman certification. They were built on the performance standards of an older system while adding aeronautical knowledge and risk management elements to each task.
ACS Codes are used to define the type of questions missed on the knowledge exam. These codes tie directly to an element of the ACS and are classified as (K)nowledge, (S)kill, or (R)isk Management codes.
The coding system has four elements.
PA.XI.A.K1:
PA = (private pilot airplane) – identifies the applicable ACS.
The FAA used this coding system to revise and align all private pilot airplane, commercial pilot airplane, instrument airplane rating, flight instructor airplane, and airline transport pilot airplane knowledge test questions to the knowledge, skill, and risk management elements in the corresponding ACS. This led to the elimination of a number of questions that were no longer relevant today.
You, your instructor, and your pilot examiner will use these codes to determine the areas of the test where your knowledge was weak. You can do this by looking up the code in the appropriate ACS document. Review of older test reports may require the download of an older ACS version or the ACS Companion Guide for Pilots.
Reviewing Missed Topics with Your Flight Instructor
After you have determined the topics needing review from your knowledge test report and the ACS, it is time to start studying and help yourself become more prepared. Use the search function in your Sporty’s courses to search for keywords related to the topics. This will take you to videos and other resources that will help you understand the topics. Check out the FAA resources on the topics and do what you can to become an expert on those subjects.
Go and pass your oral and practical exam with confidence in your knowledge of the details that you need to know
When you are ready, plan to meet with your flight instructor and prove to him or her that you now understand the topics. This review with your instructor is required by the regulations. You should receive an endorsement from your instructor when he or she agrees that you understand the topics now.
Before your oral and practical exam, your pilot examiner will want to know the ACS codes from your knowledge report. The examiner is required to evaluate your comprehension on these topics during your time with him or her. Most examiners will prepare special questions or scenarios directly related to the topics where you were found deficient during the knowledge test. If you have reviewed the material and prepared properly, this part of the exam should not be a problem.
Now, go and pass your oral and practical exam with confidence in your knowledge of the details that you need to know. You’ve got this!
Fly and stay safe!
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/07103054/checkride-report-scaled.jpg12282560Paul Jurgenshttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngPaul Jurgens2024-09-02 08:55:002024-08-07 10:39:57How to Interpret your FAA Written Test Report
FAA’s third-party knowledge test provider, PSI Services, recently provided notice that, effective September 1, 2024, applicants taking the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test, will be required to receive an instructor endorsement before taking the exam.
Prior to this notice, the FOI exam did not require an instructor endorsement which is common for tests associated with flight and ground instructor certification. However, the current FAA Knowledge Testing Matrix (revised 09/01/24) includes this update.
The applicable language from the FAA Knowledge Testing Matrix includes:
Acceptable forms of authorization for Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) (effective September 1, 2024):
Certificate of graduation issued by an FAA certificated pilot school. (14 CFR § 61.71(a))
Logbook endorsement from an authorized ground or flight instructor, certifying that the applicant completed an applicable ground training or home study course, and is prepared for the knowledge test. (14 CFR § 61.183(d), 14 CFR § 61.185(a)(1), 14 CFR § 61.405(a)(1)).
In its email to testing providers, PSI stated that “during a recent review of the regulations associated with the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test, the Federal Aviation Administration determined that applicants are required to present an endorsement from an authorized instructor or a certificate of graduation from a part 141 school as authorization for their first attempt.”
The eligibility requirements for a flight instructor certificate are provided in § 61.183 (Eligibility Requirements). § 61.183(d)(e) provides that a person must:
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing listed in § 61.185 of this part appropriate to the required knowledge test;
(1) Holds a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor certificate issued under this part;
(2) Holds a teacher’s certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or
(3) Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.
Applicants scheduled to take the FOI exam on or after September 1 will be notified via email that they must receive an endorsement in order to take their test.
A sample test endorsement is provided below.
Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: § 61.183(d).
I certify that__________________________________________________ [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required fundamentals of instruction training of § 61.185(a)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/26153525/flightinstructor.jpeg500750Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-08-29 08:55:292024-08-30 10:35:05Instructor Endorsement Now Required for Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test
The 2025 Women in Aviation (WAI) scholarship program is open. Scholarships are being offered for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatcher, and professional development for individuals in all stages of life. The deadline to apply is October 11, 2024.
Applicants for the WAI 2025 scholarships must be a member of WAI by October 1, 2024. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarships.
Details of each scholarship, application requirements and FAQs, plus tips for submitting a winning application can be found at www.wai.org/scholarships. Most scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of 2024, and all will be celebrated during the 36th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 27–29, 2025.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/05161910/Airliner-1.jpg13562000Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-08-27 09:51:422024-08-27 09:51:42Women in Aviation International Launches 2025 Scholarship Program
What is the significance of the fix located 1.9NM to RW17 on the RNAV (GPS) RWY17 approach procedure depicted below?
1.9NM to RW17 indicates the visual decent point (VDP). The VDP is a defined point on a straight-in, non-precision approach from which you can descend below the MDA, as long as you have the required visual reference. If a VDP is available, it will be indicated by a “v” on the profile view portion of the instrument approach procedure chart a in the example above.
https://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/31122025/rnav-gps-rwy17.png7011101Flight Training Central Staffhttps://media.flighttrainingcentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/17092615/FTC_Redesign_2025_WhiteRed_WEB.pngFlight Training Central Staff2024-08-23 08:55:382024-08-07 09:05:19Chart Smart: Instrument Approach Chart Profile
Rusty Pilot Week Launches at Sporty’s
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffIt’s time to get current!
September 13—20
Has it been a few years since you logged pilot time? Don’t worry—your pilot’s license never expires, and you don’t have to pass a checkride to regain currency. All it takes is some studying and a few hours with a flight instructor. Sporty’s and Flight Training Central are here to help, with honest advice and hundreds of useful products that make flying safer, easier, and more fun. If you’ve been thinking about knocking the rust off, enjoy limited time savings and in-depth articles from our team of pilots.
Feeling a little Rusty? Get current as part of Sporty’s Rusty Pilot Week, September 13 – 20.
Special savings
During Rusty Pilot Week, you can save big on some of Sporty’s best products for rusty pilots. From online courses to essential pilot gear, we have what you need to get back in the left seat.
Save on Sporty’s training courses.
Rusty Pilot Kit – includes Flight Review, Instrument Proficiency, kneeboard, books and more
Flight Review Course – save 20%
Instrument Proficiency Check Course – save 20%
Pilot’s Guide to Airspace Course – save 50%
Flying with ForeFlight Course – save 20%
Flight Gear 2-in-1 Charger – save 50%
Shop all product specials >>
Helpful videos and articles:
In addition to great products, Sporty’s has plenty of articles and helpful videos to make your training experience more efficient and fun. We’ll be adding new content at Flight Training Central, so check back often for the latest updates.
Sporty’s video tips will refresh your aviation knowledge.
Additional resources:
Find a flight school near you
Sporty’s Flight Review Course
Learn more about BasicMed
The five most frequently missed Private Pilot Written Test questions—August 2024
/in Test questions/by Flight Training Central StaffThousands of simulated Private Pilot written exams are completed every month in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course, but certain topics consistently trip up aspiring aviators. These commonly missed questions often focus on nuanced regulations, meteorology, flight planning, and airspace rules. Understanding why these questions are frequently misunderstood can help test-takers better prepare and avoid making costly mistakes. Here are the five most often missed questions from August 2024 on the simulated Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
Access unlimited practice exams and other test preparation tools in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.
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How to Interpret your FAA Written Test Report
/in Tips and technique/by Paul JurgensCongratulations on passing your FAA Knowledge Test! You are further along your journey to your next certificate or rating. Now what?
The FAA Written Test Report
An Introduction to FAA Knowledge Test ACS Codes
Reviewing Missed Topics with Your Flight Instructor
FAA Written Test Report
When you finished your test, the testing center issued you an Airman Knowledge Test Report (view a sample report). The top of the report includes identifying information. Your name and FTN tie the test report to your file at the FAA. The exam ID ties the type of exam, the exam date, and the outcome of this report to your FAA account. You will also see a line with your score on the test, your grade (pass or fail), and how many times you have taken the test.
The exam ID ties the type of exam, the exam date, and the outcome of this report to your FAA account.
Below your score, you will see a paragraph discussing the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) codes listed and how they represent question topics that you did not get correct on your exam. As noted, “A single code may represent more than one incorrect response.”
This statement is followed by a list of ACS codes representing the topics that you missed. We’ll discuss these momentarily.
It is important to keep track of the expiration date of your test results.
Next you will see an expiration date listed for the knowledge test report. It is important to keep track of this date. You will need to successfully complete your oral and practical exams, your “checkride,” on or before this date. If you don’t, you will need to start over with the knowledge test. The date listed will be 24 calendar months after the date that you completed the knowledge exam for all exams other than the multiengine airplane ATP test. That ATP test report is good for 60 calendar months.
Just above the dashed line on the report, the FAA reminds you, “DO NOT LOSE THIS REPORT.” If you do lose the report, you can replace it by logging into your PSI testing account and printing a duplicate copy.
Below the dashed line is a place that a flight instructor can confirm that he or she has completed the necessary review training for a student that did not pass the test the first time. Since you already passed your knowledge test, you don’t need to be concerned with this section.
This is where a flight instructor can confirm that he or she has completed the necessary review training for a student that did not pass the test.
You should be concerned about the final section. It discusses the potential legal ramifications of trying to fraudulently alter or falsify the report, which I am certain that you would never do.
FRAUDULENT ALTERATION OF THIS FORM BY ANY PERSON IS A BASIS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF ANY CERTIFICATES OR RATINGS HELD BY THAT PERSON.
An Introduction to the FAA Knowledge Test ACS Codes
The Airman Certification Standards are a framework intended to integrate and align standards, guidance, and testing for airman certification. They were built on the performance standards of an older system while adding aeronautical knowledge and risk management elements to each task.
ACS Codes are used to define the type of questions missed on the knowledge exam. These codes tie directly to an element of the ACS and are classified as (K)nowledge, (S)kill, or (R)isk Management codes.
The coding system has four elements.
PA.XI.A.K1:
The FAA used this coding system to revise and align all private pilot airplane, commercial pilot airplane, instrument airplane rating, flight instructor airplane, and airline transport pilot airplane knowledge test questions to the knowledge, skill, and risk management elements in the corresponding ACS. This led to the elimination of a number of questions that were no longer relevant today.
You, your instructor, and your pilot examiner will use these codes to determine the areas of the test where your knowledge was weak. You can do this by looking up the code in the appropriate ACS document. Review of older test reports may require the download of an older ACS version or the ACS Companion Guide for Pilots.
Reviewing Missed Topics with Your Flight Instructor
After you have determined the topics needing review from your knowledge test report and the ACS, it is time to start studying and help yourself become more prepared. Use the search function in your Sporty’s courses to search for keywords related to the topics. This will take you to videos and other resources that will help you understand the topics. Check out the FAA resources on the topics and do what you can to become an expert on those subjects.
Go and pass your oral and practical exam with confidence in your knowledge of the details that you need to know
When you are ready, plan to meet with your flight instructor and prove to him or her that you now understand the topics. This review with your instructor is required by the regulations. You should receive an endorsement from your instructor when he or she agrees that you understand the topics now.
Before your oral and practical exam, your pilot examiner will want to know the ACS codes from your knowledge report. The examiner is required to evaluate your comprehension on these topics during your time with him or her. Most examiners will prepare special questions or scenarios directly related to the topics where you were found deficient during the knowledge test. If you have reviewed the material and prepared properly, this part of the exam should not be a problem.
Now, go and pass your oral and practical exam with confidence in your knowledge of the details that you need to know. You’ve got this!
Fly and stay safe!
Instructor Endorsement Now Required for Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffPrior to this notice, the FOI exam did not require an instructor endorsement which is common for tests associated with flight and ground instructor certification. However, the current FAA Knowledge Testing Matrix (revised 09/01/24) includes this update.
The applicable language from the FAA Knowledge Testing Matrix includes:
Acceptable forms of authorization for Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) (effective September 1, 2024):
In its email to testing providers, PSI stated that “during a recent review of the regulations associated with the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) test, the Federal Aviation Administration determined that applicants are required to present an endorsement from an authorized instructor or a certificate of graduation from a part 141 school as authorization for their first attempt.”
The eligibility requirements for a flight instructor certificate are provided in § 61.183 (Eligibility Requirements). § 61.183(d)(e) provides that a person must:
(d) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor on the fundamentals of instructing listed in § 61.185 of this part appropriate to the required knowledge test;
(e) Pass a knowledge test on the areas listed in § 61.185(a)(1) of this part, unless the applicant:
(1) Holds a flight instructor certificate or ground instructor certificate issued under this part;
(2) Holds a teacher’s certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or
(3) Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university.
Applicants scheduled to take the FOI exam on or after September 1 will be notified via email that they must receive an endorsement in order to take their test.
A sample test endorsement is provided below.
Fundamentals of instructing knowledge test: § 61.183(d).
I certify that__________________________________________________ [First name, MI, Last name] has received the required fundamentals of instruction training of § 61.185(a)(1). I have determined that [he or she] is prepared for the Fundamentals of Instructing knowledge test.
DATE_______________________________________CFI______________________________________
CFI NO._____________________________________EXP______________________________________
Women in Aviation International Launches 2025 Scholarship Program
/in News/by Flight Training Central StaffApplication Deadline is October 11, 2024
Applicants for the WAI 2025 scholarships must be a member of WAI by October 1, 2024. Applicants may apply for up to three scholarships.
Details of each scholarship, application requirements and FAQs, plus tips for submitting a winning application can be found at www.wai.org/scholarships. Most scholarship recipients will be notified by the end of 2024, and all will be celebrated during the 36th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference in Denver, Colorado, March 27–29, 2025.
Please also be sure to visit the Flight Training Central Scholarship Directory.
Chart Smart: Instrument Approach Chart Profile
/in Tips and technique/by Flight Training Central StaffWhat is the significance of the fix located 1.9NM to RW17 on the RNAV (GPS) RWY17 approach procedure depicted below?
1.9NM to RW17 indicates the visual decent point (VDP). The VDP is a defined point on a straight-in, non-precision approach from which you can descend below the MDA, as long as you have the required visual reference. If a VDP is available, it will be indicated by a “v” on the profile view portion of the instrument approach procedure chart a in the example above.