Commercial Pilot ACS · Area I

CA.I Preflight Preparation

9 tasks and 171 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as CA.I.A.K1, lands on its own line.

Written by the FlightWay team. Regulations checked against the eCFR and faa.gov on 11 November 2026. Not a substitute for the regulation itself or your instructor.

Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-7B (November 2023 edition), effective May 31, 2024 and incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 61.14. Text from the FAA’s ACS page, checked on 11 November 2026. If the FAA has published a newer edition since, the codes and wording may differ: the FAA document is the authority.

CA.I.A Pilot Qualifications

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with airman and medical certificates including privileges, limitations, currency, and operating as pilot-in- command as a commercial pilot.

CA.I.A.K1Knowledge: Certification requirements, recent flight experience, and recordkeeping.
CA.I.A.K2Knowledge: Privileges and limitations.
CA.I.A.K3Knowledge: Medical certificates: class, expiration, privileges, temporary disqualifications.
CA.I.A.K4Knowledge: Documents required to exercise commercial pilot privileges.
CA.I.A.K5Knowledge: Part 68 BasicMed privileges and limitations.
CA.I.A.R1Risk management: Proficiency versus currency.
CA.I.A.R2Risk management: Flying unfamiliar aircraft or operating with unfamiliar flight display systems and avionics.
CA.I.A.S1Skill: Apply requirements to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in a scenario given by the evaluator.

CA.I.B Airworthiness Requirements

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with airworthiness requirements, including airplane certificates.

CA.I.B.K1Knowledge: General airworthiness requirements and compliance for airplanes, including:
CA.I.B.K1aKnowledge: Location and expiration dates of required aircraft certificates
CA.I.B.K1bKnowledge: Required inspections and airplane logbook documentation
CA.I.B.K1cKnowledge: Airworthiness Directives and Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins
CA.I.B.K1dKnowledge: Purpose and procedure for obtaining a special flight permit
CA.I.B.K2Knowledge: Pilot-performed preventive maintenance.
CA.I.B.K3Knowledge: Equipment requirements for day and night VFR flight, including:
CA.I.B.K3aKnowledge: Flying with inoperative equipment
CA.I.B.K3bKnowledge: Using an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
CA.I.B.K3cKnowledge: Kinds of Operation Equipment List (KOEL)
CA.I.B.K3dKnowledge: Required discrepancy records or placards
CA.I.B.K4Knowledge: Special airworthiness certificate aircraft operating limitations, if applicable.
CA.I.B.R1Risk management: Inoperative equipment discovered prior to flight.
CA.I.B.S1Skill: Locate and describe airplane airworthiness and registration information.
CA.I.B.S2Skill: Determine the airplane is airworthy in the scenario given by the evaluator.
CA.I.B.S3Skill: Apply appropriate procedures for operating with inoperative equipment in the scenario given by the evaluator.

CA.I.C Weather Information

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with weather information for a flight under VFR.

CA.I.C.K1Knowledge: Sources of weather data (e.g., National Weather Service, Flight Service) for flight planning purposes.
CA.I.C.K2Knowledge: Acceptable weather products and resources required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for departure, en route, and arrival phases of flight such as:
CA.I.C.K2aKnowledge: Airport Observations (METAR and SPECI) and Pilot Observations (PIREP)
CA.I.C.K2bKnowledge: Surface Analysis Chart, Ceiling and Visibility Chart (CVA)
CA.I.C.K2cKnowledge: Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF)
CA.I.C.K2dKnowledge: Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA)
CA.I.C.K2eKnowledge: Wind and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FB)
CA.I.C.K2fKnowledge: Convective Outlook (AC)
CA.I.C.K2gKnowledge: Inflight Aviation Weather Advisories including Airmen's Meteorological Information (AIRMET), Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), and Convective SIGMET
CA.I.C.K3Knowledge: Meteorology applicable to the departure, en route, alternate, and destination under visual flight rules (VFR) in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), including expected climate and hazardous conditions such as:
CA.I.C.K3aKnowledge: Atmospheric composition and stability
CA.I.C.K3bKnowledge: Wind (e.g., windshear, mountain wave, factors affecting wind, etc.)
CA.I.C.K3cKnowledge: Temperature and heat exchange
CA.I.C.K3dKnowledge: Moisture/precipitation
CA.I.C.K3eKnowledge: Weather system formation, including air masses and fronts
CA.I.C.K3fKnowledge: Clouds
CA.I.C.K3gKnowledge: Turbulence
CA.I.C.K3hKnowledge: Thunderstorms and microbursts
CA.I.C.K3iKnowledge: Icing and freezing level information
CA.I.C.K3jKnowledge: Fog/mist
CA.I.C.K3kKnowledge: Frost
CA.I.C.K3lKnowledge: Obstructions to visibility (e.g., smoke, haze, volcanic ash, etc.)
CA.I.C.K4Knowledge: Flight deck instrument displays of digital weather and aeronautical information.
CA.I.C.R1Risk management: Making the go/no-go and continue/divert decisions, including:
CA.I.C.R1aRisk management: Circumstances that would make diversion prudent
CA.I.C.R1bRisk management: Personal weather minimums
CA.I.C.R1cRisk management: Hazardous weather conditions, including known or forecast icing or turbulence aloft
CA.I.C.R2Risk management: Use and limitations of:
CA.I.C.R2aRisk management: Installed onboard weather equipment
CA.I.C.R2bRisk management: Aviation weather reports and forecasts
CA.I.C.R2cRisk management: Inflight weather resources
CA.I.C.S1Skill: Use available aviation weather resources to obtain an adequate weather briefing.
CA.I.C.S2Skill: Analyze the implications of at least three of the conditions listed in K3a through K3l, using actual weather or weather conditions provided by the evaluator.
CA.I.C.S3Skill: Correlate weather information to make a go/no-go decision.

CA.I.D Cross-Country Flight Planning

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with cross-country flights and VFR flight planning.

CA.I.D.K1Knowledge: Route planning, including consideration of different classes and special use airspace (SUA) and selection of appropriate and available navigation/communication systems and facilities.
CA.I.D.K1aKnowledge: Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used
CA.I.D.K2Knowledge: Altitude selection accounting for terrain and obstacles, glide distance of airplane, VFR cruising altitudes, and effect of wind.
CA.I.D.K3Knowledge: Calculating:
CA.I.D.K3aKnowledge: Time, climb and descent rates, course, distance, heading, true airspeed, and groundspeed
CA.I.D.K3bKnowledge: Estimated time of arrival, including conversion to universal coordinated time (UTC)
CA.I.D.K3cKnowledge: Fuel requirements, including reserve
CA.I.D.K4Knowledge: Elements of a VFR flight plan.
CA.I.D.K5Knowledge: Procedures for filing, activating, and closing a VFR flight plan.
CA.I.D.K6Knowledge: Inflight intercept procedures.
CA.I.D.R1Risk management: Pilot.
CA.I.D.R2Risk management: Aircraft.
CA.I.D.R3Risk management: Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
CA.I.D.R4Risk management: External pressures.
CA.I.D.R5Risk management: Limitations of air traffic control (ATC) services.
CA.I.D.R6Risk management: Fuel planning.
CA.I.D.R7Risk management: Use of an electronic flight bag (EFB), if used.
CA.I.D.S1Skill: Prepare, present, and explain a cross-country flight plan assigned by the evaluator, including a risk analysis based on real-time weather, to the first fuel stop.
CA.I.D.S2Skill: Apply pertinent information from appropriate and current aeronautical charts, Chart Supplements; Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) relative to airport, runway and taxiway closures; and other flight publications.
CA.I.D.S3Skill: Create a navigation log and prepare a VFR flight plan.
CA.I.D.S4Skill: Recalculate fuel reserves based on a scenario provided by the evaluator.
CA.I.D.S5Skill: Use an electronic flight bag (EFB), if applicable.

CA.I.E National Airspace System

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a commercial pilot.

CA.I.E.K1Knowledge: Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
CA.I.E.K2Knowledge: Chart symbols.
CA.I.E.K3Knowledge: Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.
CA.I.E.K4Knowledge: Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
CA.I.E.R1Risk management: Various classes and types of airspace.
CA.I.E.S1Skill: Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
CA.I.E.S2Skill: Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
CA.I.E.S3Skill: Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.

CA.I.F Performance and Limitations

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with operating an airplane safely within the parameters of its performance capabilities and limitations.

CA.I.F.K1Knowledge: Elements related to performance and limitations by explaining the use of charts, tables, and data to determine performance.
CA.I.F.K2Knowledge: Factors affecting performance, including:
CA.I.F.K2aKnowledge: Atmospheric conditions
CA.I.F.K2bKnowledge: Pilot technique
CA.I.F.K2cKnowledge: Airplane configuration
CA.I.F.K2dKnowledge: Airport environment
CA.I.F.K2eKnowledge: Loading and weight and balance
CA.I.F.K2fKnowledge: [Archived]
CA.I.F.K3Knowledge: Aerodynamics.
CA.I.F.R1Risk management: Use of performance charts, tables, and data.
CA.I.F.R2Risk management: Airplane limitations.
CA.I.F.R3Risk management: Possible differences between calculated performance and actual performance.
CA.I.F.S1Skill: Compute the weight and balance, correct out-of-CG loading errors and determine if the weight and balance remains within limits during all phases of flight.
CA.I.F.S2Skill: Use the appropriate airplane performance charts, tables, and data.

CA.I.G Operation of Systems

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with safe operation of systems on the airplane provided for the flight test.

CA.I.G.K1Knowledge: Airplane systems, including:
CA.I.G.K1aKnowledge: Primary flight controls
CA.I.G.K1bKnowledge: Secondary flight controls
CA.I.G.K1cKnowledge: Powerplant and propeller
CA.I.G.K1dKnowledge: Landing gear
CA.I.G.K1eKnowledge: Fuel, oil, and hydraulic
CA.I.G.K1fKnowledge: Electrical
CA.I.G.K1gKnowledge: Avionics
CA.I.G.K1hKnowledge: Pitot-static, vacuum/pressure, and associated flight instruments
CA.I.G.K1iKnowledge: Environmental
CA.I.G.K1jKnowledge: Deicing and anti-icing
CA.I.G.K1kKnowledge: Water rudders (ASES, AMES)
CA.I.G.K1lKnowledge: Oxygen system
CA.I.G.K2Knowledge: Indications of and procedures for managing system abnormalities or failures.
CA.I.G.R1Risk management: Detection of system malfunctions or failures.
CA.I.G.R2Risk management: Management of a system failure.
CA.I.G.R3Risk management: Monitoring and management of automated systems.
CA.I.G.S1Skill: Operate at least three of the systems listed in K1a through K1l appropriately.
CA.I.G.S2Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

CA.I.H Human Factors

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with personal health, flight physiology, and aeromedical and human factors related to safety of flight.

CA.I.H.K1Knowledge: Symptoms, recognition, causes, effects, and corrective actions associated with aeromedical and physiological issues, including:
CA.I.H.K1aKnowledge: Hypoxia
CA.I.H.K1bKnowledge: Hyperventilation
CA.I.H.K1cKnowledge: Middle ear and sinus problems
CA.I.H.K1dKnowledge: Spatial disorientation
CA.I.H.K1eKnowledge: Motion sickness
CA.I.H.K1fKnowledge: Carbon monoxide poisoning
CA.I.H.K1gKnowledge: Stress
CA.I.H.K1hKnowledge: Fatigue
CA.I.H.K1iKnowledge: Dehydration and nutrition
CA.I.H.K1jKnowledge: Hypothermia
CA.I.H.K1kKnowledge: Optical illusions
CA.I.H.K1lKnowledge: Dissolved nitrogen in the bloodstream after scuba dives
CA.I.H.K2Knowledge: Regulations regarding use of alcohol and drugs.
CA.I.H.K3Knowledge: Effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
CA.I.H.K4Knowledge: Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM) to include using Crew Resource Management (CRM) or Single- Pilot Resource Management (SRM), as appropriate.
CA.I.H.R1Risk management: Aeromedical and physiological issues.
CA.I.H.R2Risk management: Hazardous attitudes.
CA.I.H.R3Risk management: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
CA.I.H.R4Risk management: Confirmation and expectation bias.
CA.I.H.S1Skill: Associate the symptoms and effects for at least three of the conditions listed in K1a through K1l with the cause(s) and corrective action(s).
CA.I.H.S2Skill: Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, for actual flight or a scenario given by the evaluator.

CA.I.I Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation (ASES, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation.

CA.I.I.K1Knowledge: The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:
CA.I.I.K1aKnowledge: Size and location
CA.I.I.K1bKnowledge: Protected and unprotected areas
CA.I.I.K1cKnowledge: Surface wind
CA.I.I.K1dKnowledge: Direction and strength of water current
CA.I.I.K1eKnowledge: Floating and partially submerged debris
CA.I.I.K1fKnowledge: Sandbars, islands, and shoals
CA.I.I.K1gKnowledge: Vessel traffic and wakes
CA.I.I.K1hKnowledge: Other characteristics specific to the area
CA.I.I.K1iKnowledge: Direction and height of waves
CA.I.I.K2Knowledge: Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.
CA.I.I.K3Knowledge: Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.
CA.I.I.K4Knowledge: How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.
CA.I.I.K5Knowledge: Operating restrictions at various bases.
CA.I.I.K6Knowledge: Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.
CA.I.I.K7Knowledge: Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.
CA.I.I.K8Knowledge: Naval vessel protection zones.
CA.I.I.K9Knowledge: No wake zones.
CA.I.I.R1Risk management: Local conditions.
CA.I.I.R2Risk management: Impact of marine traffic.
CA.I.I.R3Risk management: Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.
CA.I.I.R4Risk management: Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.
CA.I.I.S1Skill: Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.
CA.I.I.S2Skill: Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.
CA.I.I.S3Skill: Identify marine navigation aids.
CA.I.I.S4Skill: Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.
CA.I.I.S5Skill: Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.
CA.I.I.S6Skill: Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.

Other areas in this standard

CA.II Preflight Procedures6 tasks CA.III Airport and Seaplane Base Operations2 tasks CA.IV Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds14 tasks CA.V Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers5 tasks CA.VI Navigation4 tasks CA.VII Slow Flight and Stalls5 tasks CA.VIII High-Altitude Operations2 tasks CA.IX Emergency Operations7 tasks CA.X Multiengine Operations4 tasks CA.XI Postflight Procedures2 tasks

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Last updated 11 November 2026.