ADVISORY CIRCULAR

AC No:  AC 61-101

         Date:  4/21/89

       Change:

      Initiated
           by:  AVN-130

Subject:  PRESOLO WRITTEN TEST

      1.   PURPOSE.  To provide guidance to flight instructors in
      developing a written test to administer to student pilots prior
      to solo flight.

      2.  REFERENCES.  Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61 and
      Advisory Circular AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.

      3.  BACKGROUND.  A revision of FAR Section 61.87(b) becomes
      effective August 31, 1989.  This revision requires the
      satisfactory completion of a written test by student pilots prior
      to solo flight.  The flight instructor who endorses the student
      pilot certificate for solo flight is required to administer and
      grade the written test prior to certificate endorsement.

      4.  DISCUSSION.  FAR Section 61.87(b) states that the presolo
      written test must include questions applicable to FAR Parts 61
      and 91 and on the flight characteristics and operational
      limitations of the make and model aircraft to be flown.  The
      regulation allows the flight instructor the flexibility to
      develop a presolo written test which not only evaluates the
      student's knowledge on general operating rules, but on the
      specific environment in which the student will be operating on
      the particular make and model of aircraft to be flown.

      Prior to developing a presolo written test a flight instructor
      should review chapter VII of AC 61-14 which discusses the
      development of written test questions.

      The content and number of test questions are to be determined by
      the flight instructor.  An adequate sampling of the general
      operating rules should be included.  In addition, a sufficient
      number of specific questions should be asked to ensure the
      student has the knowledge to safely operate the aircraft in the
      local environment.

      The regulation requires a presolo written test for each make and
      model of aircraft to be soloed.  Because of the varying
      complexity of aircraft and operating environments, the flight
      instructor will have to use good judgment in developing the test.
      For instance, a student who would be operating from a controlled
      airport located near a terminal control area or airport radar
      service area should have adequate knowledge to operate safely in
      the environment prior to solo.  Likewise, a student operating
      from a high elevation airport might need emphasis placed on the
      effects of density altitude.  Specific questions should be asked
      to fit the situation.

      In areas where specific knowledge is to be tested, it is
      suggested that supply-type test questions be used.  This type of
      question requires the student to supply an answer and permits
      them to tell all they know about a subject even though they do
      not know the complete answer.  The supply-type question, as
      opposed to the selection-type question, will allow the flight
      instructor to better evaluate the student's knowledge and
      understanding.

      In preparation for the development of the written test, the
      flight instructor should review FAR Parts 61 and 91, consider the
      aircraft characteristics and operational performance and
      limitations, and evaluate the operational environment to which
      the student will be exposed.  Once the flight instructor has made
      a determination of the knowledge needed to operate the aircraft
      safely for solo flight, a test should be constructed which will
      measure this knowledge.

      Since a written test is required prior to solo flight, the flight
      instructors should keep a record of the written test results for
      at least 3 years.  This record should include at least the date,
      name of the student, and the results of the test.

 
      /s/ John M. Howard
          Director, Aviation Standards
           National Field Office