ADVISORY CIRCULAR



        AC No:  AC 61-101



         Date:  4/21/89



       Change:



      Initiated

           by:  AVN-130



      Subject:  PRESOLO WRITTEN TEST



      1.   PURPOSE.  To provide guidance to flight instructors in

      developing a written test to administer to student pilots prior

      to solo flight.



      2.  REFERENCES.  Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 61 and

      Advisory Circular AC 60-14, Aviation Instructor's Handbook.



      3.  BACKGROUND.  A revision of FAR Section 61.87(b) becomes

      effective August 31, 1989.  This revision requires the

      satisfactory completion of a written test by student pilots prior

      to solo flight.  The flight instructor who endorses the student

      pilot certificate for solo flight is required to administer and

      grade the written test prior to certificate endorsement.



      4.  DISCUSSION.  FAR Section 61.87(b) states that the presolo

      written test must include questions applicable to FAR Parts 61

      and 91 and on the flight characteristics and operational

      limitations of the make and model aircraft to be flown.  The

      regulation allows the flight instructor the flexibility to

      develop a presolo written test which not only evaluates the

      student's knowledge on general operating rules, but on the

      specific environment in which the student will be operating on

      the particular make and model of aircraft to be flown.



      Prior to developing a presolo written test a flight instructor

      should review chapter VII of AC 61-14 which discusses the

      development of written test questions.



      The content and number of test questions are to be determined by

      the flight instructor.  An adequate sampling of the general

      operating rules should be included.  In addition, a sufficient

      number of specific questions should be asked to ensure the

      student has the knowledge to safely operate the aircraft in the

      local environment.



      The regulation requires a presolo written test for each make and

      model of aircraft to be soloed.  Because of the varying

      complexity of aircraft and operating environments, the flight

      instructor will have to use good judgment in developing the test.

      For instance, a student who would be operating from a controlled

      airport located near a terminal control area or airport radar

      service area should have adequate knowledge to operate safely in

      the environment prior to solo.  Likewise, a student operating

      from a high elevation airport might need emphasis placed on the

      effects of density altitude.  Specific questions should be asked

      to fit the situation.



      In areas where specific knowledge is to be tested, it is

      suggested that supply-type test questions be used.  This type of

      question requires the student to supply an answer and permits

      them to tell all they know about a subject even though they do

      not know the complete answer.  The supply-type question, as

      opposed to the selection-type question, will allow the flight

      instructor to better evaluate the student's knowledge and

      understanding.



      In preparation for the development of the written test, the

      flight instructor should review FAR Parts 61 and 91, consider the

      aircraft characteristics and operational performance and

      limitations, and evaluate the operational environment to which

      the student will be exposed.  Once the flight instructor has made

      a determination of the knowledge needed to operate the aircraft

      safely for solo flight, a test should be constructed which will

      measure this knowledge.



      Since a written test is required prior to solo flight, the flight

      instructors should keep a record of the written test results for

      at least 3 years.  This record should include at least the date,

      name of the student, and the results of the test.





 

      /s/ John M. Howard

          Director, Aviation Standards

           National Field Office