Back when I took the knowledge test to become a private pilot—I don’t think I’ll tell you how long ago that was—it was a pencil-and-paper affair, not the computerized exam you see today. The test was offered at specific times and locations, and you couldn’t just go to a testing center on any given day to take the exam. The questions were different, too, because the regulations affecting general aviation were different back then. All in all, it was simpler.
In February of this year, the FAA made major changes to the knowledge exams for flight instructors, flight engineers, and airline transport pilots, with plans to change other knowledge tests as well. The agency added a large number of new questions to the test bank and changed the focus of the exam. As it turned out, these changes were a big problem for test takers.
The object of all of the FAA knowledge tests—from private pilot to flight instructor—is to ensure that pilots understand the fundamentals required for whatever certificate or rating they are applying for. So, it seems reasonable to assume that pilots who study should be able to pass the test. But that’s definitely not what has been happening since the knowledge tests were changed.
The FAA does not issue study guides to show test takers where they should concentrate their studies, and the agency did not inform test preparation providers of the changes, so many students were studying the wrong information, and the results were disastrous. The pass rate for the Fundamentals of Instruction exam taken by prospective CFIs dropped from 86 percent to 43 percent. Since February, the pass rate has risen somewhat, but it still hovers around 50 percent.
We’ve been cooperating with other aviation groups, including the National Association of Flight Instructors, to review the new questions. After multiple meetings with our team and educational experts from aviation universities nationwide, the FAA agreed to make some changes. The agency has already removed six of the new questions from the test bank and have agreed to give credit to test takers who failed the exam because they missed those questions. Those test takers—some 200 of them—will get a personal call from the FAA and a passing grade.
In addition, the FAA has agreed to develop a review system for any new questions added to knowledge tests—a system that will involve the academic community and ensure that new questions are valid. The agency will also keep the training community informed of changes it makes to the tests.
Our staff will continue to meet with the FAA to get this issue resolved, but we’re definitely on the right track. It’s a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together to keep general aviation strong.
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