FAA-G-8082-5

Commercial Pilot

Knowledge Test Guide

February 2017

U.S. Department of Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration
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INTRODUCTION

FAA-G-8082-5, dated February 2017, Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test Guide, provides information for 

preparing you to take one or all of the following airman knowledge tests. This document supersedes all 

previously dated FAA-G-8082-5 versions.

Test Name Test Code

Commercial Pilot—Airplane CAX

Commercial Pilot—Rotorcraft—Helicopter CRH

Commercial Pilot—Rotorcraft—Gyroplane CRG

Commercial Pilot—Glider CGX

Commercial Pilot—Balloon—Hot Air CBH

Commercial Pilot—Balloon—Gas CBG

Commercial Pilot—Lighter-Than-Air—Airship CLA

Commercial Pilot Canadian Conversion—Airplane CCP

Military Competency—Airplane MCA

Military Competency—Helicopter MCH

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airman knowledge tests are effective instruments for aviation 

safety and regulation compliance measurement. However, these tests can only sample the vast amount 

of knowledge every pilot needs to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS).

Comments may be emailed to AFS630Comments@faa.gov.

KNOWLEDGE TEST ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

If you are pursuing a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you should review Title 14 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (14 CFR) part 61, Section 61.23, Medical Certificates: Requirement and Duration;14 CFR 

part 61, Section 61.35, Knowledge Test: Prerequisites and Passing Grades.

For a summary of knowledge test eligibility requirements for all certification areas listed above, refer to 

the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Authorization Matrix located at

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/testing_matrix.pdf.

KNOWLEDGE AREAS ON THE TESTS

The knowledge tests are designed to test your knowledge in many subject areas.

If you are pursuing a commercial pilot certificate, you should review the appropriate knowledge areas 

listed below, pertinent to the category sought. Airship applicants should review instrument procedures. 

Balloon and airship applicants should include a review of the fundamentals of instructing.

DESCRIPTIONS OF THE TESTS

All test questions are the objective, multiple-choice type. Each question can be answered by the 

selection of a single response. Each test question is independent of other questions; therefore, a correct 
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response to one does not depend upon, or influence, the correct response to another. The minimum 

passing score is 70 percent.

Each of the following tests contains 100 questions, and you are allowed 3 hours to complete each test:

• Commercial Pilot—Airplane

• Commercial Pilot—Helicopter

• Commercial Pilot—Gyroplane

• Commercial Pilot—Glider

• Commercial Pilot—Balloon—Hot Air

• Commercial Pilot—Lighter-Than-Air—Airship

The following test contains 60 questions, and you are allowed 2 hour and 30 minutes to complete the 

test:

• Commercial Pilot—Balloon—Gas

The following test contains 40 questions, and you are allowed 2 hours to complete the test:

• Commercial Pilot Canadian Conversion—Airplane

Each of the following tests contains 50 questions, and you are allowed 2 hours to complete each test:

• Military Competency—Airplane

• Military Competency—Helicopter

TEST REGISTRATION

The FAA has designated two Airman Knowledge Testing (AKT) Organization Designation Authorization 

(ODA) Holders, which sponsor hundreds of knowledge testing center locations. These testing centers 

offer a full range of airman knowledge tests including: Aircraft Dispatcher, Airline Transport Pilot, Aviation 

Maintenance Technician, Commercial Pilot, Flight Engineer, Flight Instructor, Flight Navigator, Ground 

Instructor, Inspection Authorization, Instrument Rating, Parachute Rigger, Private Pilot, Recreational 

Pilot, Sport Pilot and Military Competence. Contact information for the AKT ODA Holders is provided 

below under Knowledge Test Centers.

The first step in taking a knowledge test is the registration process. You may either call a central 

registration phone number or appear at a testing center on a walk-in basis. If you choose to use a central 

registration phone number to schedule your test, you will need to be prepared to select a test date, 

choose a testing center, and make financial arrangements for test payment. You may register for tests 

several weeks in advance, and you may cancel your appointment according to the AKT ODA Holder’s 

cancellation policy. If you do not follow the AKT ODA Holder’s cancellation policies, you could be subject 

to a cancellation fee.

APPLICANT IDENTIFICATION AND TEST AUTHORIZATION

The next step in taking a knowledge test is providing proper identification. You should determine what 

knowledge test prerequisites are necessary before going to the computer-testing center. Your instructor 

or local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) may advise you regarding the documentation
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required to be presented at the testing facility. Testing center personnel will not begin the test until your 

identification and eligibility is verified.

Acceptable forms of authorization and retesting procedures are available in the latest version of the 

Applicant Identification, Information, Verification, & Authorization Requirements Matrix located at: 

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/testing_matrix.pdf

TEST TAKING TIPS

Prior to launching the actual test, the AKT ODA Holder’s testing software will provide you with an 

opportunity to practice navigating through the test. This practice (or tutorial) session may include a 

“sample” question(s). These sample questions have no relation to the content of the test, but are meant 

to familiarize you with the look and feel of the system screens, including selecting an answer, marking a 

question for later review, time remaining for the test, and other features of the testing software.

When taking a test, keep the following points in mind:

• Carefully read the instructions given with the test.

• Answer each question in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance publications.

• Read each question carefully before looking at the answer options. You should clearly 

understand the problem before attempting to solve it.

• After formulating an answer, determine which answer option corresponds with your answer. The 

answer you choose should completely resolve the problem.

• From the answer options given, it may appear that there is more than one possible answer; 

however, there is only one answer that is correct and complete. The other answers are either 

incomplete, erroneous, or derived from popular misconceptions.

• If a certain question is difficult for you, it is best to mark it for review and proceed to the next 

question. After you answer the less difficult questions, return to those you marked for review and 

answer them. The review marking procedure will be explained to you prior to starting the test. 

Although the computer should alert you to unanswered questions, make sure every question has 

an answer recorded. This procedure will enable you to use the available time to maximum 

advantage.

• When solving a calculation problem, select the answer that most nearly matches your solution. 

The problem has been checked by various individuals and with different types of calculators; 

therefore, if you have solved it correctly, your answer will be closer to the correct answer than any 

of the other choices.

• For graph type questions, the applicant may request a printed copy of the graph on which they 

may actually draw and write to compute the answer. The applicant must turn in all paper work 

upon completion of the test.

USE OF TEST AIDS AND MATERIALS

You may use aids, reference materials, and test materials within the guidelines listed below, if actual test 

questions or answers are not revealed. All models of aviation-oriented calculators may be used, including 

small electronic calculators that perform only arithmetic functions (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). 

Simple programmable memories, which allow addition to, subtraction from, or retrieval of one number 

from the memory, are permissible. Also, simple functions, such as square root and percent keys are 

permissible.

The following guidelines apply:

1. You may use any reference materials provided with the test. In addition, you may use scales, 
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straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, log sheets, and electronic or 

mechanical calculators that are directly related to the test.

2. Manufacturer’s permanently inscribed instructions on the front and back of such aids (e.g., 

formulas, conversions, regulations, signals, weather data, frequencies, weight-and-balance 

formulas) are permissible.

3. Testing centers may provide a calculator to you and/or deny use of your personal calculator 

based on the following limitations:

a. Prior to, and upon completion of the test, while in the presence of the Unit Member (formerly 

referred to as proctor), you must actuate the ON/OFF switch and perform any other function 

that ensures erasure of any data stored in memory circuits.

b. The use of electronic calculators incorporating permanent or continuous type memory circuits 

without erasure capability is prohibited. The Unit Member may refuse the use of your 

calculator when unable to determine the calculator’s erasure capability.

c. Printouts of data must be surrendered at the completion of the test if the calculator 

incorporates this design feature.

d. The use of magnetic cards, magnetic tapes, modules, computer chips, or any other device 

upon which pre-written programs or information related to the test can be stored and retrieved 

is prohibited.

e. You are not permitted to use any booklet or manual containing instructions related to use of 

test aids.

4. Dictionaries are not allowed in the testing area.

5. The Unit Member makes the final determination relating to test materials and personal 

possessions you may take into the testing area.

TESTING PROCEDURES FOR APPLICANTS REQUESTING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

If you are an applicant with a learning or reading disability, you may request approval from AFS-630, 

through the local FSDO or IFO, to take an airman knowledge test using one of the three options listed 

below, in preferential order:

Option 1. Use current testing facilities and procedures whenever possible.

Option 2. You may use a self-contained, electronic device which pronounces and displays typed-in 

words (e.g., the Franklin Speaking Wordmaster®) to facilitate the testing process. (NOTE: 

The device should consist of an electronic thesaurus that audibly pronounces typed-in 

words and presents them on a display screen. The device should also have a built-in 

headphone jack for private listening in order to avoid disturbing others during testing.)

Option 3. If you do not choose to use the first or second option, you may request Unit Member 

assistance in reading specific words or terms from the test questions and/or supplement 

book. In the interest of preventing compromise of the testing process, the Unit Member 

must be an individual with no aviation background or expertise. The Unit Member must 

provide reading assistance only, with no explanation of words or terms. When this option 

is requested, the FSDO or IFO inspector must contact the Airman Testing Standards 

Branch (AFS-630) for assistance in selecting the test site and assisting Unit Member.

Prior to approval of any option, the FSDO or IFO Aviation Safety Inspector must advise you of the 

regulatory certification requirement of being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English 

language.
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CHEATING OR OTHER UNAUTHORIZED CONDUCT

Computer testing centers must follow strict security procedures to avoid test compromise. These 

procedures are established by the FAA and are covered in FAA Order 8080.6 (as amended), Conduct of 

Airman Knowledge Tests. The FAA has directed testing centers to terminate a test at any time a test Unit 

Member suspects a cheating incident has occurred. An FAA investigation will then be conducted. If the 

investigation determines that cheating or unauthorized conduct has occurred, then any airman certificate 

or rating that you hold may be revoked, and you may be prohibited for 1 year from applying for or taking 

any test for a certificate or rating under 14 CFR part 61.

LEARNING STATEMENTS

Learning statements, as used in airman knowledge testing, refer to a measurable level of knowledge a 

student should be able to demonstrate following a defined element of training. The most current Learning 

Statement Reference Guide for Airman Knowledge Testing is online at 

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/media/LearningStatementReferenceGuide.pdf.

We provide learning statements to help instructors and students become more familiar with the areas of 

knowledge applicable to the airman training, learning, studying, and testing processes. 

Beyond serving as a useful reference in preparing for your airman knowledge test, the Learning 

Statement Reference Guide will assist you and your instructor in interpreting any learning statement 

codes that may appear on your Airman Knowledge Test Report. You will receive a test report 

immediately upon completion of the test. This report will list learning statement codes for any questions 

you may have answered incorrectly. You and your instructor should match the codes on the test report 

to the information in the Learning Statement Reference Guide in order to obtain the corresponding areas 

of knowledge deficiency.

Your instructor may be required to provide instruction on each of the areas of deficiency, and to provide a 

logbook or training record endorsement certifying you have demonstrated satisfactory knowledge in each 

area. Also, you must present the original Airman Knowledge Test Report to the examiner conducting 

your practical test. During the practical test, the examiner will refer to the learning codes and statements 

to evaluate your knowledge in the noted areas of deficiency.

REQUESTING YOUR TEST BE HAND-SCORED

If you wish to have your test hand-scored, you must submit a request, in the form of a signed letter, to 

the Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630. The request must be accompanied by a copy of your 

Airman Knowledge Test Report and a legible photocopy of a government issued identification with your 

photograph and signature. Mail or fax this information to: (email requests are not accepted due to 

security issues.)

Federal Aviation Administration

Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Or Fax to: 405 954-4748

Note: If you have comments regarding test questions, test procedures, or supplemental material 

content, please e-Mail AFS-630 at: AFS630Comments@faa.gov.
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AIRMAN KNOWLEDGE TEST REPORTS

Upon completion of the knowledge test, you will receive your Airman Knowledge Test Report, which 

reflects your score. The test report will be stamped with the testing center’s raised/embossed seal.

The Airman Knowledge Test Report must be presented to the examiner prior to taking the practical test. 

During the oral portion of the practical test, the examiner is required to evaluate the noted areas of 

deficiency. 

Should you require a duplicate Airman Knowledge Test Report due to loss or destruction of the original, 

send a signed request accompanied by a check or money order for $12.00, payable to the FAA. Send 

the request to:

Federal Aviation Administration

Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760

P.O. Box 25082

Oklahoma City, OK 73125

Airman Knowledge Test Reports are valid for the 24-calendar month period following the month you 

complete the practical test. If the Airman Knowledge Test Report expires before completion of the 

practical test, you must retake the knowledge test.

TRAINING AND TESTING PUBLICATIONS AND GENERAL INFORMATION

Most of the current Flight Standards Service airman training and testing publications can be obtained in 

electronic format from the FAA Website, www.faa.gov. The training and testing publications and general 

information can be found on the opening page of that Website under the Training and Testing tab. If a 

publication is not available in electronic format, there are instructions for obtaining paper copies. 

Information found on the Website includes the following:

• Advisory Circulars

• Airworthiness Directives

• Code of Federal Regulations

• Computer Testing Supplements

• Knowledge Test Centers

• Sample Knowledge Test questions

• Knowledge Test Statistics

• Learning Statement Reference Guide

• Practical Test Standards

• Training Handbooks

• Type Certificate Data Sheets

Advisory Circulars

Advisory circulars (ACs) provide guidance and information on various subjects related to airman 

certification.
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Airworthiness Directives

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are notifications to aircraft owners of a known safety deficiency with a 

specific model of aircraft, engine, avionics, or other system.

Code of Federal Regulations

The portion of 14 CFR containing what was formerly known as the Federal Aviation Regulations can be 

found on the Website. 14 CFR contains regulations designed to promote aviation safety, and govern all 

aviation activities in the United States.

Computer Testing Supplements

The knowledge testing supplements contain the graphics, legends, and maps that are needed to 

successfully respond to certain knowledge test items. ODA test center personnel will provide these 

supplements during the airman knowledge test. You can review them prior to testing at: 

http://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements/media/commercial_akts.pdf. Marking in the 

supplement book is prohibited; however, you may request a photo copy of any figure either before or 

during your exam. This marked or unmarked copy must be returned to the proctor at the end of the 

exam.

Knowledge Test Centers

The Knowledge Test Centers portion of the Website contains current listings of Airman Knowledge 

Testing (AKT) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) Holders and other testing centers, and the 

registration telephone numbers to call to register for a test.

The following is a list of the ODA holders authorized to give FAA airman knowledge tests. This list should 

be helpful in case you choose to register for a test or simply want more information.

 Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS)

777 Mariners Island Blvd., Suite 200

San Mateo, CA 94404

Applicant inquiry and test registration: 1-800-947-4228

From outside the U.S. (650) 259-8550

 PSI

16821 SE McGillivray Blvd., Suite 201

Vancouver, WA 98683

Applicant inquiry and test registration: 1-800-211-2753 or 1-800-211-2754

From outside the U.S. (360) 896-9111

Knowledge Test Questions

Sample questions are located in the Airman Knowledge Test Questions section of the Website and 

represent the types of questions included in the actual test banks. Practicing these questions will help 

you become familiar with similar questions on the airman knowledge tests. The knowledge test is not 

designed to intimidate any prospective airman; it is designed to measure an applicant’s understanding of 

the rules, regulations and knowledge areas required to receive an FAA certificate.
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Knowledge Test Statistics

Test statistics for all airman knowledge tests are contained in a series of tables organized by year and 

subject area. Individual tables are provided for the following subject areas: test volume, pass rates, 

average test scores, countries, regions, and district offices.

Practical Test Standards 

The Practical Test Standards outline the knowledge and skill requirements for each airman certificate 

and rating. The references listed in each task of the Practical Test Standards indicate the specific 

publications used to develop the skill standards. The ability to issue immediate changes prior to 

publishing revised printed copies ensures the Practical Test Standards are always accurate and usable.

Training Handbooks

The training handbooks are the basic information sources an airman applicant should refer to when 

preparing for the knowledge and practical tests for a specific certificate or rating.

Classification Code

Topic, Content and Specific (TCS) codes listed in this guide are not a description of the Learning 

Statement Codes (LSC) found in the ‘Learning Statement Reference Guide for Airman Knowledge 

Testing’ document, but are a hierarchical sequence of classification codes placing a question in a unique 

category. FAA knowledge test question development uses the following hierarchy: 

 Topic— Overall subject matter topic code. The highest classification of overall subject matter a 

knowledge test item was developed to assess (e.g., Aerodynamics).

 Content—Secondary level subject matter code (e.g., Airspeed).

 Specific— the basic hierarchical classification code the subject matter for a knowledge test item 

(e.g., Thrust).
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References Appendix

The knowledge tests for Commercial Pilot exams are based on the following references. 

14 CFR part 1 Definitions and Abbreviations

14 CFR part 119 Certification: Air Carriers and Commercial Operators

14 CFR part 23 Airworthiness Standards: Normal, Utility, Acrobatic and Commuter

14 CFR part 43 Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration

14 CFR part 61 Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors

14 CFR part 91 General Operating and Flight Rules

49 CFR part 830 Notification and Reporting of Aircraft Accidents

AC 00-30 - Atmospheric Turbulence Avoidance

AC 00-45 - Aviation Weather Services

AC 00-6 - Aviation Weather

AC 20-103 – Aircraft Engine Crankshaft Failure 

AC 60-22 - Aeronautical Decision Making

AC 61-67 - Stall Spin Awareness Training

AC 90-48 - Pilots` Role in Collision Avoidance

AC 91-13 - Cold Weather Operation of Aircraft

Aeronautical Information Manual

FAA-H-8083-1 - Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook

FAA-H-8083-11 - Balloon Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-13 - Glider Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-15 - Instrument Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-2 - Risk Management Handbook

FAA-H-8083-21 - Helicopter Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-21 - Rotorcraft Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-25 - Pilot`s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

FAA-H-8083-3A - Airplane Flying Handbook

FAA-H-8083-9 - Aviation Instructor Handbook

FAA-P-8740-34 - Powerlines and Thunderstorms - Balloon Safety Tips

IFR Low Altitude Chart

Practical Test Standards

Sectional Aeronautical Chart

U.S. Terminal Procedures 

Note: The latest revision of these references should be used.