Private Pilot ACS · Area II

PA.II Preflight Procedures

6 tasks and 94 knowledge, risk management and skill elements. Each code below is a link target: a code from your test report, such as PA.II.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.

Private Pilot Airman Certification Standards, FAA-S-ACS-6C (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.

PA.II.A Preflight Assessment

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with preparation for safe flight.

PA.II.A.K1Knowledge: Pilot self-assessment.
PA.II.A.K2Knowledge: Determining that the airplane to be used is appropriate and airworthy.
PA.II.A.K3Knowledge: Airplane preflight inspection, including:
PA.II.A.K3aKnowledge: Which items should be inspected
PA.II.A.K3bKnowledge: The reasons for checking each item
PA.II.A.K3cKnowledge: How to detect possible defects
PA.II.A.K3dKnowledge: The associated regulations
PA.II.A.K4Knowledge: Environmental factors, including weather, terrain, route selection, and obstructions.
PA.II.A.R1Risk management: Pilot.
PA.II.A.R2Risk management: Aircraft.
PA.II.A.R3Risk management: Environment (e.g., weather, airports, airspace, terrain, obstacles).
PA.II.A.R4Risk management: External pressures.
PA.II.A.R5Risk management: Aviation security concerns.
PA.II.A.S1Skill: Inspect the airplane with reference to an appropriate checklist.
PA.II.A.S2Skill: Verify the airplane is in condition for safe flight and conforms to its type design.
PA.II.A.S3Skill: Perform self-assessment.
PA.II.A.S4Skill: Continue to assess the environment for safe flight.

PA.II.B Flight Deck Management

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with flight deck management practices.

PA.II.B.K1Knowledge: Passenger briefing requirements, including operation and required use of safety restraint systems.
PA.II.B.K2Knowledge: Use of appropriate checklists.
PA.II.B.K3Knowledge: Requirements for current and appropriate navigation data.
PA.II.B.K4Knowledge: Securing items and cargo.
PA.II.B.R1Risk management: Use of systems or equipment, including automation and portable electronic devices.
PA.II.B.R2Risk management: Inoperative equipment.
PA.II.B.R3Risk management: Passenger distractions.
PA.II.B.S1Skill: Secure all items in the aircraft.
PA.II.B.S2Skill: Conduct an appropriate passenger briefing, including identifying the pilot-in-command (PIC), use of safety belts, shoulder harnesses, doors, passenger conduct, sterile aircraft, propeller blade avoidance, and emergency procedures.
PA.II.B.S3Skill: Properly program and manage the aircraft's automation, as applicable.
PA.II.B.S4Skill: Appropriately manage risks by utilizing ADM, including SRM/CRM.

PA.II.C Engine Starting

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with recommended engine starting procedures.

PA.II.C.K1Knowledge: Starting under various conditions.
PA.II.C.K2Knowledge: Starting the engine(s) by use of external power.
PA.II.C.K3Knowledge: Limitations associated with starting.
PA.II.C.K4Knowledge: Conditions leading to and procedures for an aborted start.
PA.II.C.R1Risk management: Propeller safety.
PA.II.C.S1Skill: Position the airplane properly considering structures, other aircraft, wind, and the safety of nearby persons and property.
PA.II.C.S2Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

PA.II.D Taxiing (ASEL, AMEL)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with taxi operations, including runway incursion avoidance.

PA.II.D.K1Knowledge: Current airport aeronautical references and information resources such as the Chart Supplement, airport diagram, and Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs).
PA.II.D.K2Knowledge: Taxi instructions/clearances.
PA.II.D.K3Knowledge: Airport markings, signs, and lights.
PA.II.D.K4Knowledge: Visual indicators for wind.
PA.II.D.K5Knowledge: Aircraft lighting, as appropriate.
PA.II.D.K6Knowledge: Procedures for:
PA.II.D.K6aKnowledge: Appropriate flight deck activities prior to taxi, including route planning and identifying the location of Hot Spots
PA.II.D.K6bKnowledge: Radio communications at towered and nontowered airports
PA.II.D.K6cKnowledge: Entering or crossing runways
PA.II.D.K6dKnowledge: Night taxi operations
PA.II.D.K6eKnowledge: Low visibility taxi operations
PA.II.D.R1Risk management: Activities and distractions.
PA.II.D.R2Risk management: Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
PA.II.D.R3Risk management: A taxi route or departure runway change.
PA.II.D.R4Risk management: Runway incursion.
PA.II.D.S1Skill: Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
PA.II.D.S2Skill: Use an airport diagram or taxi chart during taxi, if published, and maintain situational awareness.
PA.II.D.S3Skill: Position the flight controls for the existing wind, if applicable.
PA.II.D.S4Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
PA.II.D.S5Skill: Perform a brake check immediately after the airplane begins moving.
PA.II.D.S6Skill: Maintain positive control of the airplane during ground operations by controlling direction and speed without excessive use of brakes.
PA.II.D.S7Skill: Comply with airport/taxiway markings, signals, and air traffic control (ATC) clearances and instructions.
PA.II.D.S8Skill: Position the airplane properly relative to hold lines.

PA.II.E Taxiing and Sailing (ASES, AMES)

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with taxiing and sailing operations, including runway incursion avoidance.

PA.II.E.K1Knowledge: Airport information resources, including Chart Supplements, airport diagram, and appropriate references.
PA.II.E.K2Knowledge: Taxi instructions/clearances.
PA.II.E.K3Knowledge: Airport/seaplane base markings, signs, and lights.
PA.II.E.K4Knowledge: Visual indicators for wind.
PA.II.E.K5Knowledge: Airplane lighting.
PA.II.E.K6Knowledge: Procedures for:
PA.II.E.K6aKnowledge: Appropriate flight deck activities during taxiing or sailing
PA.II.E.K6bKnowledge: Radio communications at towered and nontowered seaplane bases
PA.II.E.R1Risk management: Activities and distractions.
PA.II.E.R2Risk management: Porpoising and skipping.
PA.II.E.R3Risk management: Low visibility taxi and sailing operations.
PA.II.E.R4Risk management: Other aircraft, vessels, and hazards.
PA.II.E.R5Risk management: Confirmation or expectation bias as related to taxi instructions.
PA.II.E.S1Skill: Receive and correctly read back clearances/instructions, if applicable.
PA.II.E.S2Skill: Use an appropriate airport diagram or taxi chart, if published.
PA.II.E.S3Skill: Comply with seaplane base/airport/taxiway markings, signals, and signs.
PA.II.E.S4Skill: Depart the dock/mooring buoy or beach/ramp in a safe manner, considering wind, current, traffic, and hazards.
PA.II.E.S5Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
PA.II.E.S6Skill: Position the flight controls, flaps, doors, water rudders, and power correctly for the existing conditions to follow the desired course while sailing and to prevent or correct for porpoising and skipping during step taxi.
PA.II.E.S7Skill: Exhibit procedures for steering and maneuvering while maintaining proper situational awareness and desired orientation, path, and position while taxiing using idle, plow, or step taxi technique, as appropriate.
PA.II.E.S8Skill: Plan and follow the most favorable taxi or sailing course for current conditions.
PA.II.E.S9Skill: Abide by right-of-way rules, maintain positive airplane control, proper speed, and separation between other aircraft, vessels, and persons.
PA.II.E.S10Skill: Comply with applicable taxi elements in Task D if the practical test is conducted in an amphibious airplane.

PA.II.F Before Takeoff Check

To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with before takeoff check.

PA.II.F.K1Knowledge: Purpose of before takeoff checklist items, including:
PA.II.F.K1aKnowledge: Reasons for checking each item
PA.II.F.K1bKnowledge: Detecting malfunctions
PA.II.F.K1cKnowledge: Ensuring the aircraft is in safe operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer
PA.II.F.R1Risk management: Division of attention while conducting before takeoff checks.
PA.II.F.R2Risk management: Unexpected runway changes by air traffic control (ATC).
PA.II.F.R3Risk management: Wake turbulence.
PA.II.F.R4Risk management: Potential powerplant failure during takeoff or other malfunction considering operational factors such as airplane characteristics, runway/takeoff path length, surface conditions, environmental conditions, and obstructions.
PA.II.F.S1Skill: Review takeoff performance.
PA.II.F.S2Skill: Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
PA.II.F.S3Skill: Position the airplane appropriately considering wind direction and the presence of any aircraft, vessels, or buildings as applicable.
PA.II.F.S4Skill: Divide attention inside and outside the flight deck.
PA.II.F.S5Skill: Verify that engine parameters and airplane configuration are suitable.

Other areas in this standard

PA.I Preflight Preparation9 tasks PA.III Airport and Seaplane Base Operations2 tasks PA.IV Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds14 tasks PA.V Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers2 tasks PA.VI Navigation4 tasks PA.VII Slow Flight and Stalls4 tasks PA.VIII Basic Instrument Maneuvers6 tasks PA.IX Emergency Operations7 tasks PA.X Multiengine Operations4 tasks PA.XI Night Operations1 task PA.XII Postflight Procedures2 tasks

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Last updated 11 November 2026.