The future of FAA knowledge testing
By Christopher Cooper, AOPA senior director, regulatory affairs
In late 2022, PSI, the sole contractor of FAA knowledge tests, announced a fee change to its third-party testing providers (think of your local flight school) that would significantly decrease the amount reimbursed for providing this service. This announcement came with little notice, and no engagement with the third-party testing community. Because of the significant risk of a reduction in the accessibility of FAA knowledge tests due to test center closures, AOPA and several other industry groups engaged with PSI and the FAA. Unfortunately, PSI elected to implement this fee change on January 1.
This event demonstrates the negative impact of implementing significant changes to an essential service without public engagement and communication, but it has renewed the conversation for the need to improve the accessibility and user experience with the knowledge testing system. Improvements can come through leveraging current testing alternatives and resources found in the aviation community, while also ensuring the integrity and resiliency of the test.
For example, virtual proctoring is used in many institutions of higher education and allows for flexibility in the test taking location. Certificated flight instructors, who are already tasked with important endorsement responsibility and are accessible at the same flight schools that currently offer tests, could be given authority to serve as a proctor or a signed witness. Also, expanded recognition of organization designation authorization to a variety of test providers could offer additional accessibility and reduced burdens to applicants in both rural and urban areas alike.
As aircraft technology changes in the future, training and knowledge requirements will also need to change to support a growing and diverse pilot population and workforce. The knowledge testing system must similarly adapt.
On the front lines
Is there a lack of vision? You can help!
By Stacey Heaton, Southern regional manager
Today’s general aviation airports are feeling pressure from all directions, which can stifle an airport from reaching its full potential. These issues include noise concerns, obstruction and development threats, cost of facility maintenance and upkeep, or simply lack of vision from the local leadership. If there is such a lack of vision, it may be up to the organized users to create the vision.
Your community airport is the first thing visiting pilots see, and the last. But there can be a whole lot in between. Having a vision is more than just painting buildings and rehabilitating pavement. Weaving the local community into your general aviation airport can take it to a better place.
Factors such as clear and welcoming signage; making the airport an inviting place to spend time (helpful staff, open houses, playgrounds, aircraft viewing areas, local art, food-trucks, STEM-related educational events); providing conveniences to both general aviation pilots and their passengers (up-to-date local information, strong Wi-Fi, rental cars, vending, clean restrooms); providing for facility demands (aircraft storage areas, office space, auto parking); and connecting with your local chamber of commerce are all ways to help create a vision for your general aviation airport.
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