FAA Practice Test
Updated for November 2026
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) exams are critical milestones for any aspiring aviator. Whether you are aiming for your private pilot license or a commercial drone certification, passing the FAA written exam is a mandatory step that validates your aeronautical knowledge. Our comprehensive FAA federal aviation guide provides free practice questions to help you master regulations, weather patterns, and navigation.
Success on the FAA federal aviation administration tests requires consistent preparation. From understanding airspace classifications to mastering flight calculations, our FAA us practice resources mirror the actual test environment. Start preparing today with our free tools designed to boost your confidence and ensure you are ready for exam day.
Did you know? The passing score for most FAA knowledge exams, including the Private Pilot and Part 107 Drone test, is 70%. However, achieving a higher score demonstrates mastery and can impress examiners during your practical checkride. Practice with the free FAA practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (450+ questions with answer explanations).
Candidates preparing for faa sectional chart can build exam confidence with our FAA sectional chart test 2026, which covers all key topics and question formats used in the real assessment.
Free FAA Study Tools
Interactive FAA resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
FAA Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the FAA - Federal Aviation Administration exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
FAA Exam Study Guide
Our FAA study guide breaks down essential information for aspiring pilots and drone operators. Whether you are pursuing a private pilot license or commercial drone certification, understanding the FAA regulations and testing procedures is key to your success.
- What is the FAA exam?
- The FAA exam refers to a series of written knowledge tests required for various pilot and ground instructor certificates. The most common are the FAA Private Pilot written exam and the FAA Part 107 drone test.
- Who administers the FAA tests?
- The FAA federal aviation administration oversees the exams, but they are administered at authorized testing centers, typically managed by PSI Services.
- Do I need an endorsement?
- For most manned aircraft exams like the FAA private pilot written exam, you need an endorsement from an instructor. The FAA Part 107 test does not require an endorsement.
- What happens if I fail?
- If you fail an FAA written test, you can retake it, but you may need an endorsement from an instructor certifying you've received additional training on the deficiency areas.
- How many questions are on the FAA exam?
- The FAA private pilot written exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. The FAA Part 107 drone test also has 60 questions.
- What is the passing score?
- You must score at least 70% to pass any FAA knowledge test. This means answering at least 42 questions correctly out of 60.
- How long is the test?
- You typically have 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete the FAA written exam for private pilot, and 2 hours for Part 107.
- What topics are covered?
- Topics include FAA regulations, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and airspace rules. Our FAA practice test covers all these areas.
- How do I register for the exam?
- You must register for the FAA knowledge test through the PSI exams website. You'll need an IACRA FAA tracking number (FTN) first.
- What is IACRA?
- IACRA FAA (Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application) is the web-based system for applying for airman certificates. You must create a profile to get your FTN.
- Do I need a medical certificate?
- For student pilots, you'll need to apply for a medical certificate via MedXPress FAA. Drone pilots under Part 107 do not need a medical certificate.
- What is the cost?
- The FAA written test fee is typically $175, paid directly to the testing center or PSI.
- When do I get my results?
- You receive your FAA exam score immediately after finishing the test at the center.
- How do I look up my license?
- Use the FAA pilot lookup tool on the official FAA website to verify your certification status once processed.
- How long are results valid?
- A passing score on the FAA written exam is generally valid for 24 months. You must complete your practical test (checkride) within this window.
- What is the practical test?
- After the written FAA test, pilots must pass an oral and flight exam with a designated pilot examiner (DPE).
- What is the average FAA salary?
- FAA salary varies by role. Air traffic controllers average around $130,000 annually, while aviation safety inspectors earn between $90,000 and $120,000.
- Are there FAA jobs for pilots?
- Yes, FAA jobs include safety inspectors, test pilots, and flight check pilots.
- Do drone pilots earn a good salary?
- Certified FAA drone license holders can earn $50,000 to $100,000+ depending on the industry (real estate, surveying, film).
- How do I find FAA careers?
- Search for FAA careers on USAJOBS.gov or the official FAA website for current openings.
FAA Test Format and Requirements
Understanding the structure of the FAA exam is crucial for effective preparation. Whether you are taking the FAA Private Pilot written exam or the commercial drone test, the format is similar: computer-based multiple-choice questions.
The standard exam for private pilot certification.
- Topics: Regulations, Weather, Nav, Systems
- Questions: Multiple Choice (A, B, C)
Required for commercial drone operations.
- Topics: Airspace, Weather, Rules, Safety
- Questions: 60 Scored Questions
For pilots flying in clouds/low visibility.
- Topics: IFR Charts, Approach Plates, ATC
- Questions: Detailed Navigation Tasks
Step towards becoming a professional pilot.
- Topics: Advanced Performance, Regs
- Questions: 100 Multiple Choice
Highest level of pilot certification.
- Topics: High Altitude Ops, Systems
- Questions: Complex Scenarios
FAA Score Calculator
Total Scored Questions
60
Estimated score calculation
42 out of 60 correct
70%
Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)
Your Score: 42 correct ✓ PASS
FAA Registration and Certification Process
The path to obtaining an FAA license or FAA drone registration involves several structured steps. Here is the general timeline for a private pilot.
You can continue preparing with the faa practice test, which includes answer explanations for every question.
You can continue preparing with the faa written practice test, which includes answer explanations for every question.
- Verify Eligibility - Ensure you meet age requirements (17 for private pilot) and English proficiency.
- Get Medical Certificate - Visit MedXPress FAA to apply and see an AME for a 3rd class medical (or BasicMed).
- Ground School - Enroll in an approved ground school or home study course like the FAA academy materials.
- Apply on IACRA - Create an account on IACRA FAA to obtain your FTN (FAA Tracking Number).
- Written Exam - Schedule your FAA written exam at a PSI testing center and pass with 70%+.
- Flight Training - Complete required flight hours (40 hours minimum, typically 60-70) with an instructor.
- Checkride - Pass the oral and practical test with a Designated Pilot Examiner to earn your FAA pilot license.
You can save money on FAA cost by utilizing free study materials and FAA practice test resources online before starting paid flight training. Efficient studying minimizes the need for extra ground instruction hours.
FAA Test Day Checklist
Valid Photo ID (Driver's License/Passport) FAA Tracking Number (FTN) Instructor Endorsement (if required) E6B Flight Computer (Mechanical/Electronic) Basic Calculator (Non-programmable) Ready to Get Your Wings?
Join thousands of successful pilots and drone operators who passed their exams using our free FAA practice test resources.
FAA License Renewal
Most FAA pilot licenses do not expire, but you must maintain currency to exercise your privileges. FAA drone license holders must renew every 24 months.
✈️
Pilot Flight Review
24 Months
🚁
Drone Recurrent
24 Months
🩺
Medical
(Class 3)60 Months
For drone pilots, the FAA renewal process can now be completed online for free via the FAA Safety Team website. Private pilots need a biennial flight review with a CFI.
FAA: Pros and Cons
Pros
- FAA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
Cons
- Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- Testing center availability may require advance scheduling
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| FAA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
Sample FAA Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free FAA practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
To act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider, a pilot is required to have made within the preceding 12 months
- A. at least three flights in a powered glider.
- B. at least three flights as observer in a glider being towed by an aircraft.
- C. at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied by a qualified pilot.
Answer: C. at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied by a qualified pilot.
To act as pilot in command of an aircraft towing a glider, a pilot must meet specific recent experience requirements outlined in 14 CFR Part 61.69. This includes having made at least three actual or simulated glider tows while accompanied by a qualified pilot within the preceding 12 months. This regulation ensures the pilot maintains proficiency in the specialized skills needed for safe glider towing operations.
An ATC radar facility issues the following advisory to a pilot flying north in a calm wind: "TRAFFIC 9 O'CLOCK, 2 MILES, SOUTHBOUND..." Where should the pilot look for this traffic?
- A. South.
- B. North.
- C. West.
Answer: C. West.
ATC traffic advisories use the 12-hour clock system, where 12 o'clock is directly ahead of the aircraft. If a pilot is flying north, 9 o'clock is directly to their left. This relative direction corresponds to West, indicating where the pilot should look for the traffic.
A pilot loses two-way radio communication while operating IFR in IMC. What route should the pilot fly?
- A. Assigned, then Vectored, then Expected, then Filed (AVEF)
- B. Direct to the destination only
- C. The lowest published airway
- D. Whatever ATC last assigned indefinitely
Answer: A. Assigned, then Vectored, then Expected, then Filed (AVEF)
Under lost communications in IMC, route is flown in order of Assigned, Vectored, Expected, then Filed (AVEF).
What is the cure to a pilot's hazardous "anti-authority" attitude?
- A. I know what I am doing.
- B. Rules do not apply in this situation.
- C. Follow the rules.
Answer: C. Follow the rules.
The 'anti-authority' hazardous attitude is characterized by a disregard for rules and regulations, believing they don't apply to oneself. The antidote is to recognize that rules are in place for safety and to follow them diligently. Adhering to established procedures and regulations is crucial for safe aviation operations and preventing accidents.
Take the full FAA practice test
FAA Knowledge Test Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it. Each answer is based on the current FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix and 14 CFR.
📝 📝 How many questions are on the FAA private pilot written test?
The Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You get 2 hours to finish and need a score of 70% to pass.
✅ ✅ What score do you need to pass the FAA written exam?
The passing score is 70% for both the private pilot and Part 107 knowledge tests. Your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) lists ACS codes for every topic you missed.
🚁 🚁 How many questions are on the FAA Part 107 drone test?
The Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) test has 60 questions, a 2-hour limit and a 70% passing score. You can take it at 14, but must be 16 to hold the remote pilot certificate.
🎂 🎂 How old do you have to be to take the FAA private pilot written test?
You can take the private pilot airplane knowledge test at 15. The private pilot certificate itself requires age 17 for airplanes (14 CFR 61.103).
📅 📅 How long is the FAA knowledge test valid?
You must complete the checkride within 24 calendar months of passing the knowledge test (14 CFR 61.39). After that the result expires and you have to retest.
🔁 🔁 What happens if you fail the FAA private pilot written test?
You need additional training and a signed endorsement from an authorized instructor before retesting (14 CFR 61.49). Bring the failed AKTR to the testing center.
⏳ ⏳ How long do you wait to retake the Part 107 test?
After a failed UAG attempt there is a 14-day waiting period. No instructor endorsement is needed; just present the failed test report.
🆔 🆔 What do you need before scheduling an FAA knowledge test?
Create an IACRA profile to get your FAA Tracking Number (FTN), then book through PSI, the FAA testing provider. Private pilot applicants also need an instructor endorsement or a pilot-school graduation certificate.
⏱️ ⏱️ How many flight hours do you need for a private pilot license?
Part 61 requires at least 40 hours of flight time for an airplane single-engine rating. That includes at least 20 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight (14 CFR 61.109).
🔄 🔄 How often do you renew a Part 107 drone license?
The certificate does not expire, but you must complete the free online recurrent training on FAASafety.gov every 24 calendar months (14 CFR 107.65). Private pilots likewise need a flight review every 24 calendar months.
FAA Questions and Answers
A&p practice test faa
The FAA knowledge test is a computer-based exam required for pilot certification. It covers aviation regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems specific to your certificate level.
What is the faa test
The FAA knowledge test is a computer-based exam required for pilot certification. It covers aviation regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems specific to your certificate level.
What is an faa exam
The FAA knowledge test is a computer-based exam required for pilot certification. It covers aviation regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems specific to your certificate level.
How to prepare for faa written exam
Study the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and the Airplane Flying Handbook (both free from FAA.gov). Use an FAA test prep course covering all ACS areas. Take multiple practice tests focusing on weather, navigation, regulations, and aerodynamics.
What is faa exam
The FAA knowledge test is a computer-based exam required for pilot certification. It covers aviation regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems specific to your certificate level.
What does the faa medical exam consist of
The FAA knowledge test is a computer-based exam required for pilot certification. It covers aviation regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and aircraft systems specific to your certificate level.