PA.III.B — Task B — Traffic Patterns
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation III
Official ACS text — PA.III.B
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 traffic patterns.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.III.B.K1 Towered and nontowered airport operations. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 17
PA.III.B.K2 Traffic pattern selection for the current conditions.
PA.III.B.K3 Right-of-way rules.
PA.III.B.K4 Use of automated weather and airport information.
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.III.B.R1 Collision hazards.
PA.III.B.R2 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.III.B.R3 Windshear and wake turbulence.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.III.B.S1 Identify and interpret airport/seaplane base runways, taxiways, markings, signs, and lighting.
PA.III.B.S2 Comply with recommended traffic pattern procedures.
PA.III.B.S3 Correct for wind drift to maintain the proper ground track.
PA.III.B.S4 Maintain orientation with the runway/landing area in use.
PA.III.B.S5 Maintain traffic pattern altitude, ±100 feet, and the appropriate airspeed, ±10 knots.
PA.III.B.S6 Maintain situational awareness and proper spacing from other aircraft in the traffic pattern. Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 18
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.