PA.VIII.B — Task B — Constant Airspeed Climbs
FAA-S-ACS-6C — Area of Operation VIII
Official ACS text — PA.VIII.B
ACS — CERTIFICATION STANDARDReferences: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-15, FAA-H-8083-25
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with attitude instrument flying during constant airspeed climbs solely by reference to instruments.
Knowledge — The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.VIII.B.K1 Flight instruments as they relate to:
PA.VIII.B.K1a a. Instrument limitations and potential errors Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (FAA-S-ACS-6C) 47
PA.VIII.B.K1b b. Indication of the aircraft attitude
PA.VIII.B.K1c c. Function and operation
PA.VIII.B.K1d d. Proper instrument cross-check techniques
Risk Management — The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.VIII.B.R1 Instrument flying hazards, including failure to maintain visual flight rules (VFR), spatial disorientation, loss of control, fatigue, stress, and emergency off airport landings.
PA.VIII.B.R2 When to seek assistance or declare an emergency in a deteriorating situation.
PA.VIII.B.R3 Collision hazards.
PA.VIII.B.R4 Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
PA.VIII.B.R5 Fixation and omission.
PA.VIII.B.R6 Instrument Interpretation.
PA.VIII.B.R7 Control application solely by reference to instruments.
PA.VIII.B.R8 Trimming the aircraft.
Skills — The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.VIII.B.S1 Transition to the climb pitch attitude and power setting on an assigned heading using proper instrument cross-check and interpretation, and coordinated flight control application.
PA.VIII.B.S2 Climb at a constant airspeed to specific altitudes in straight flight and turns.
PA.VIII.B.S3 Level off at the assigned altitude and maintain altitude ±200 feet, heading ±20°, and airspeed ±10 knots.
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.