Overview
The Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test, test code PAR, is the computer-based written exam that a person must pass before taking the practical test (checkride) for a US private pilot certificate with an airplane rating. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the test. It is taken at a testing centre, and the FAA's testing page links to PSI Services knowledge testing centres and a page for scheduling a test.
This page covers the airplane written test only. Helicopter (PRH) and other categories have their own test codes.
Who can take it
Under the private pilot rules in 14 CFR 61.103, an applicant must:
be at least 17 years old for most ratings, or 16 for glider and balloon;
read, speak, write and understand English;
have a logbook endorsement from an authorised instructor who trained you, or reviewed your home study, and certified you are ready for the knowledge test.
The FAA's table lists a minimum age of 15 to sit the PAR test itself.
Exam pattern
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Test code | PAR |
| Questions | 60 |
| Passing score | 70 |
| Allotted time | 2 hours per the FAA's correction table; the ACS prints 2.5 hours (see below) |
The two FAA documents disagree. The airplane ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) prints 2.5 hours for PAR in its knowledge test table. The FAA's separate correction table (updated October 2024) says the allotted times in some ACS documents are wrong and gives 2.0 hours for PAR, effective 24 April 2023. The correction table is the later and more specific document, so 2 hours is the time to plan around, but confirm it when you book.
Syllabus
The test measures the aeronautical knowledge areas required by 14 CFR 61.105. In summary:
Federal aviation regulations on private pilot privileges, limits and operations
NTSB accident reporting
Use of the Aeronautical Information Manual and advisory circulars
VFR charts and navigation: pilotage, dead reckoning and navigation systems
Radio communication procedures
Weather: critical weather, windshear, and weather reports and forecasts
Safe operation, collision avoidance and wake turbulence
Density altitude effects on takeoff and climb
Weight and balance
Aerodynamics, powerplants and aircraft systems
Stall awareness, spins and recovery
Aeronautical decision making and judgment
Preflight action, including runway lengths, performance data, fuel and alternatives
The Airman Certification Standards (ACS) list the knowledge and risk management topics in detail and show what the practical test will cover. After the test, your report lists the ACS codes for questions you missed.
After the exam
The knowledge test is a prerequisite, not the licence. You must then also meet the experience requirements and pass the practical test with an evaluator. The ACS requires the evaluator to test any elements where your knowledge test showed you were deficient.
Fees and booking
No test fee is stated on the FAA pages read for this page. Schedule through the FAA's linked scheduling page and check the fee when booking.
Preparation tips
Complete a ground school or home-study course, since the instructor endorsement is required.
Use the ACS to see what is covered, and the FAA's airman knowledge sample tests page to see the style of questions.
Study weak ACS codes from practice tests before the real one.
How many questions are on the PAR test?
60 questions, with a passing score of 70.
How long is the test?
The FAA's correction table gives 2 hours for PAR. The ACS itself prints 2.5 hours, so confirm when you book.
Do I need an instructor endorsement?
Yes. A logbook endorsement certifying you are prepared for the knowledge test is required.