PA.III.A — Task A — Communications, Light Signals, and Runway Lighting Systems
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation III
Official ACS text — PA.III.A
ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARDReferences: 14 CFR part 91; AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with normal and emergency radio communications, air traffic control (ATC) light signals, and runway lighting systems.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.III.A.K1 How to obtain appropriate radio frequencies.
PA.III.A.K2 Proper radio communication procedures and air traffic control (ATC) phraseology.
PA.III.A.K3 ATC light signal recognition.
PA.III.A.K4 Appropriate use of transponder(s).
PA.III.A.K5 Lost communication procedures.
PA.III.A.K6 Equipment issues that could cause loss of communication.
PA.III.A.K7 Radar assistance.
PA.III.A.K8 National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident/incident reporting.
PA.III.A.K9 Runway Status Lighting Systems.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.III.A.R1 Communication.
PA.III.A.R2 Deciding if and when to declare an emergency.
PA.III.A.R3 [Archived]
PA.III.A.R4 Use of non-standard phraseology.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.III.A.S1 Select and activate appropriate frequencies.
PA.III.A.S2 Transmit using standard phraseology and procedures as specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and Pilot/Controller Glossary.
PA.III.A.S3 Acknowledge radio communications and comply with ATC instructions or as directed by the evaluator.
Reproduced from FAA-S-ACS-6C, Change 1 (November 2023). Verify against the official document before relying on it.
Is this a regulation?
No — this is a certification standard, not a regulation.
Airman Certification Standards. The ACS defines what an applicant must know, consider and do to pass a practical test. It is a certification standard, not a regulation.