Max and Jason Blair discuss recent changes in the FAA's aviation testing standards, notably the transition from PTS to ACS. Key updates include the conversion of the CFI test to ACS, introducing scenario-driven evaluations. New maneuvers, such as demonstrating flight characteristics under various conditions, have been added for CFIs. Instructors can now use pre-developed lesson plans, easing the preparation burden.

Instrument rating changes allow using approaches with decision altitudes like LNAV/VNAV and mandate partial panel approaches to reflect real emergency scenarios. GPS databases must remain current. For commercial pilots, precision in power-off 180-degree landings is emphasized, and understanding ballistic parachute systems is required.

These updates aim to modernize testing, aligning it with current industry practices and technology without drastically altering training content. The use of electronic flight bags (EFB) for planning and in-flight operations is now permitted, enhancing practicality. Jason assures that these changes will improve the evaluation process while maintaining consistency with previous standards, providing a seamless transition for candidates.

If you're getting value from this show, please support the show via PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or Patreon.

Support the Show by buying a Lightspeed ANR Headsets Max has been using only Lightspeed headsets for nearly 25 years! I love their tradeup program that let's you trade in an older Lightspeed headset for a newer model. Start with one of the links below, and Lightspeed will pay a referral fee to support Aviation News Talk. Lightspeed Delta Zulu Headset $1199 Lightspeed Zulu 3 Headset $899 Lightspeed Sierra Headset $699 My Review on the Lightspeed Delta Zulu

Send us your feedback or comments via email

If you have a question you'd like answered on the show, let listeners hear you ask the question, by recording your listener question using your phone.

News Stories

Mentioned on the Show Buy Max Trescott's G1000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Buy Max Trescott's G3000 Book Call 800-247-6553 Simulators Save Lives (FAA Helicopter)Skydiving instructor at CA site found guilty of fraud Who regulates sky diving? USPS website Jason Blair's Website Schedule a Checkride with Jason Jason Blair's YouTube Channel Free Index to the first 282 episodes of Aviation New Talk

So You Want To Learn to Fly or Buy a Cirrus seminars Online Version of the Seminar Coming Soon – Register for Notification

Check out our recommended ADS-B receivers, and order one for yourself. Yes, we'll make a couple of dollars if you do.

Get the Free Aviation News Talk app for iOS or Android.

Check out Max's Online Courses: G1000 VFR, G1000 IFR, and Flying WAAS & GPS Approaches. Find them all at: https://www.pilotlearning.com/

Social Media Like Aviation News Talk podcast on Facebook Follow Max on Instagram Follow Max on Twitter Listen to all Aviation News Talk podcasts on YouTube or YouTube Premium

"Go Around" song used by permission of Ken Dravis; you can buy his music at kendravis.com If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.

331 New ACS Changes and How They'll Affect Your Next Checkride – Jason Blair + GA News