Student Pilot Pre-solo Exam

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

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