AOPA is working with the FAA to clear up any confusion over rules governing the airline transport pilot (ATP) airplane knowledge test.
According to FAA regulations, anyone who passed the ATP knowledge test before Aug. 1, 2014, can use the results to subsequently take the multiengine ATP checkride as long as the checkride is taken within 24 calendar months of the knowledge test. Questions have been raised in the field by AOPA members who wanted to use that knowledge test to first satisfy the requirements for the ATP single-engine airplane practical exam and then to also satisfy the requirements for the ATP multiengine airplane exam.
“The situation is unusual in that we believe applicants can use the single knowledge test report for two checkrides but there is no clear guidance, and that is causing confusion at some FSDOs,” explained David Oord, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. “We’re working directly with members, flight standards district offices, and with FAA headquarters to provide the needed guidance to clear up the confusion.”
Effective Aug. 1, 2014, pilots are required to complete training from an FAA-approved ATP certification training program to be eligible to take the multiengine airplane ATP knowledge test. Pilots who took the ATP airplane knowledge test prior to that date may still use those test results for both the single-engine airplane ATP practical test and the multiengine airplane practical test provided they are within the 24-calendar month window. However, a pilot will need to request a replacement knowledge test result from the FAA prior to the second practical test.
AOPA members who meet the requirements are encouraged to contact AOPA if they receive conflicting guidance from their local FSDO or designated pilot examiners.
