International Virtual

Aviation Organization
United States Division

US-PTS-PP-01
Effective August 1, 2013
Initial Revision

Private Pilot

For Airplane SingleEngine Land and Sea

Practical Test
Standards
IVAO United States Division Headquarters
IVAO United States Division Flight Operations Department
IVAO United States Division Training Department
www.ivaous.org , www.ivao.aero , us-hq@ivao.aero
This is not a real world aviation practical test standards guide. This is for flight simulation and for use on the
IVAO network only!

US-PTS-PP-01
Initial Revision

International Virtual
Aviation Organization
United States of America Division

Private Pilot
Practical Test Standards
For
Airplane
(Single Engine Land and Sea)

July 2013
(Effective August 1, 2013)
IVAO United States Division
THIS IS NOT THE REAL WORLD PTS!
THIS IS FOR AVIATION SIMULATION ONLY!
www.ivaous.org, www.ivao.aero, us-hq@ivao.aero
2

Private Pilot
Airplane
Practical Test Standards

2013

IVAO United States Division

THIS IS NOT THE REAL WORLD PTS!
THIS IS FOR AVIATION SIMULATION ONLY!
www.ivaous.org, www.ivao.aero, us-hq@ivao.aero
3

Foreword
The material presented in this document is intended for use on the IVAO
network (www.ivao.aero) by members, examiners, and staff of the United
States division (www.ivaous.org) and is not intended for real world aviation
purposes. This practical test standards booklet, also refered to as PTS, is a
supplement of IVAO HQ PTS and marking standards and is used to assist with
localized standards in the IVAO USA Division and is not intended to replace the
IVAO HQ PTS.
This document is written by the US Training Department and subject to
approval by the Training Coordinator, Flight Operations Coordinator, and
Division Headquarters.

Record of Changes
- Initial Revision (July 2013)

Table of Contents
Introduction....7
General Information.7
Practical Test Standards Concept...7
Abbreviations7
Usage of US Division PTS9
Private Pilot Airplane Practical Test Prerequisites10
Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test..10
Applicant Responsibility..11
Trainer Responsibility,,,11
Examiner Responsibility..11
Satisfactory Performance..12
Unsatisfactory Performance12
Automatic Failure Conditions.12
Areas of Operation14
I. Oral Examination.14
II. Connection.18
III. VFR Flight Plan19
IV. VFR Flight Portion (Practical Examination).20
V. English and Phraseology22

Introduction
General Information
This guide is meant to be a supplement to the official IVAO private pilot exam
marking standards and practical test standards and should not be used as a
replacement. It is intended for the examiner, trainer, and student/applicant in
keeping a standardized workflow, understanding what is expected from
applicants, and a basis at which trainers can teach from.
Practical Test Standards Concept
The IVAO HQ Training Department as defined a global, universal testing
standards for this rating. However, due to the diverse environment, local
FAA/CAA/GACA procedures varying in different nations, and extra
requirements required by local division training and headquarters staff, IVAO
HQ has allowed divisions to localize standards for exams. In the United States
Division, we have standards that either meet or exceed IVAO HQ standards and
applicants are tested on knowledge based majority on FAA procedures.
Examiners must ensure these standards are met during practical and oral
exams in order to recommend the applicant for the rating. Marking sheets and
scores are provided by IVAO HQ Training Department and must be used during
the exam by all examiners. (This documents are confidential and only allowed
by IVAO Designated Examiners)
All material tested on will be found and available at the IVAO US Academy or
on the IVAO HQ website. Software related questions should be able to be
found in the software manuals supplied by the IVAO HQ Software Development
Department.
Abbreviations
AC
ACC
ADC
ADM
AGL
AMEL
AMES
APC

Advisory Circular
Area Controller
Aerodrome Controller
Aeronautical Decision Making
Above Ground Level
Airplane Multiengine Land
Airplane Multiengine Sea
Approach Controller
7

ARTCC
AS
ASEL
ASES
ATC
ATP
CFIT
CP
CRM
DA
DH
DP
FAA
FAF
FIR
FMS
FS
FS9
FSS
FSX
FTD
GCA
GLS
GNSS
GPS
HQ
IAP
IFR
ILS
INS
IVAO
LAHSO
LDA
LNAV
LOC
LPV
MDA
MSA
NAVAID
NDB

Area Control Center

ATC Student
Airplane Single Engine Land
Airplane Single Engine Sea
Air Traffic Control
Airline Transport Pilot
Controlled Flight Into Terrain
Commercial Pilot
Crew Resource Management
Decision Altitude
Decision Height
Departure Procedure
Federal Aviation Administration
Final Approach Fix
Flight Information Region
Flight Management System
Flight Student
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004
Flight Service Station
Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Flight Training Device
Guest Controller Approval
GNSS Landing System
Global Navigation Satellite System
Global Positioning System
Headquarters
Instrument Approach Procedure
Instrument Flight Rules
Instrument Landing System
Inertial Navigation System
International Virtual Aviation Organization
Land and Hold Short Operations
Localizer Directional Aid
Lateral Navigation
Localizer
Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance
Minimum Descent Altitude
Minimum Safe Altitude
Navigational Aid
Non-Directional Beacon

NOTAM
NPO
POH
PP
PT
PTS
RNAV
RNP
SEC
SELCAL
SPP
STAR
TAA
TA
US
V
V
VDP
VFR
VOR
VR
VREF
VX
VY
WATRS

Notice to Airman
Non Profit Organization
Pilots Operating Handbook
Private Pilot
Procedure Turn
Practical Test Standards
Area Navigation
Required Navigation Performance
Senior Controller
Selective Calling
Senior Private Pilot
Standard Terminal Arrival
Terminal Arrival Area
Training Advisor (Examiner)
United States (Division)
Takeoff Decision Speed
Takeoff Safety Speed
Visual Descent Point
Visual Flight Rules
Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range
Rotation Speed
Reference Landing Approach Speed
Best Angle of Climb Speed
Best Rate of Climb Speed
West Atlantic Route System

Usage of US Division PTS

The US Division requires that all exams must be conducted in accordance to the
divisional PTS. The order of this book is broken down in chronological order of
the exam as it progresses. It is advisable that examiners use this PTS while
giving the exam and trainers use it to assist in training applicants for the
practical exam.
This document is not confidential or restricted in its use.
Special Emphasis Areas
Examiners shall place special emphasis upon areas of aircraft operations
considered critical to the exam and standards for the sought rating. If an

applicant lacks skill in these areas, deductions should weigh heavier. For the
private pilot exam, these are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

English Knowledge
Phraseology (FAA)
IVAP Software Knowledge
IVAO Rules and Regulations
Automatic Failure Conditions
Following ATC Instructions

The primary focus of this exam is to evaluate the pilots ability to perform
under visual flight rules.
Private Pilot Airplane Practical Test Prerequisites
As per Section 1 of the IVAO HQ Training Departments Private Pilot PTS, the
applicant is required to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

be a member of the United States Division (R/R 4.6.2.1)

have an Advanced Flight Student (FS3) rating
minimum of 50 pilot hours (ATC hours dont count)
complete the theoretical exam administered by IVAO HQ
have a legal copy of any IVAO approved Flight Simulation software where
the exam will be conducted on
6. have a microphone, unless a doctors note is provided to the Division HQ
showing a disability in the usage of voice communications
7. have an account status of Active User (not be suspended/inactive)
Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test
As per Section 4.3.1 of the IVAO HQ Training Departments Private Pilot PTS,
the applicant is required to use an aircraft for the exam that is:
1. a light (L) single engine propeller aircraft (such as a C172, C182, PA28,
M20, or similar)
2. equipped with a VOR and ADF
3. able to perform all the required tasks

10

Applicant Responsibility
The applicant is responsible to review all the material on the Academy related
to the Private Pilot (PP) rating and below, this PTS, the IVAO HQ Briefing Guide
(PTS), US Divisional Policies, IVAO Rules and Regulations, aircraft specifications,
and charts appropriate to the area that the exam will take place in.
The applicant should do the following to prepare for the exam:
1. Contact the examiner to confirm a date and time
2. Select a departure and destination. The departure should be an
untowered airport (class G) and the destination should be a class C or D
airport and towered. Navigation should be done visually. (The applicant
can ask the examiner to select the airports to be used. The examiner has
the final say on where the exam will be conducted, however, examiners
should do their best to meet the needs and requests of the applicant)
3. Inform the examiner of the aircraft to be used. (The examiner cannot
select, recommend, or confirm an aircraft valid to be used on the exam)
4. Obtain the appropriate VFR sectionals (www.skyvector.com)
5. Obtain the appropriate airport diagram (www.airnav.com)
Trainer Responsibility
Certified IVAO Trainers who choose to train applicants specifically for their
practical exam should follow this PTS and the IVAO HQ Briefing Guide. In the
event where an applicant gets a question or task wrong and insists that their
trainer told them otherwise, the trainer will be asked for an explanation,
therefore, care should be taken that information being provided to the
applicant is true and accurate.
Examiner Responsibility
The examiner conducting the practical test is responsible for determining that
the applicant meets the acceptable standards of the knowledge and skill of
each task within the appropriate practical test standard. The examiner must
use this PTS to evaluate the applicant.
The examiner should perform the following before the exam:
1. Contact the applicant within 48 hours of being assigned an exam

11

2. Confirm the date, time, departure and destination, and provide the
applicant links to charts, the IVAO HQ briefing guide, and this PTS
3. The examiner should download the appropriate sector file to use on IVAC
4. The examiner should locate at least one NDB and one VOR ahead of time
5. Advise the applicant to use the cc.ts.ivao.aero Teamspeak channel for
the exam
The examiner has the final say on the location of the exam; however, the
examiner is expected to meet the request of the applicant, if able and within
policy.
The examiner should use the Excel Marking Sheet provided by the IVAO HQ
Training Department found in the staff panel. This sheet should be saved on
the examiners computer/storage device until the exam is validated, but it is
strongly recommended to not delete the marking sheet. The examiner should
take all notes as practical on the Excel Marking Sheet.
Satisfactory Performance
Satisfactory performance to meet the requirements for the rating is based on
the applicants ability and proficiency to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

perform the tasks specified in the areas of operation to standards

demonstrate proper judgment of all decisions relating to the exam
speak and understand English and use proper phraseology
follow all IVAO Rules and Regulations
score at least a 75% on the examiners marking sheet

Unsatisfactory Performance
If, in judgment of the examiner, the applicant does not meet standards for a
given task, the examiner can deduct one point. If multiple deficiencies or a
special emphasis area in a given task is unsatisfactory, the examiner can deduct
2 or more points. All deductions should be explained in the comments to the
validator as per the Training Staff SOP (confidential document). If the final
score is less than 75%, the exam is deemed unsatisfactory.
Automatic Failure Conditions
There are certain conditions that will cause an automatic failure of the exam.

12

1. Oral Exam, insufficient knowledge in: (49/100)

a. IVAO software knowledge
b. Basic VFR knowledge
c. Connection to the IVAO network
2. Applicant decides to stop the exam (0/100)
3. Not having charts for the exam (49/100)
4. Connecting on the runway (49/100)
5. Entering the runway, taking off or landing without clearance (49/100)
6. Inability to properly execute VFR patterns (49/100)
7. Inadequate radio communications or English proficiency (49/100)
8. Crashing due to terrain collision or aircraft overstress (49/100)
9. Applicant enters class B airspace without clearance (49/100)
10. Any violation against rules and regulations (49/100)
If an automatic failure condition should occur, the exam will end. If the
applicant does not show up for the exam without a valid reason within 48
hours, the exam will be a failure of 0/100.
If the applicants computer or flight simulator crashes at any time during the
exam, the examiner can decide whether or not to continue the exam or do it at
another time (reschedule). An applicant should not fail due to a flight simulator
or PC crash. The examiner should use judgment if the crash is legitimate.

13

Areas of Operation
I.

Oral Examinaton
NOTE: The examiner shall select the following tasks and analyze
according to their marking sheet an appropriate score of the applicants
knowledge of each task

Task 1: IVAO Software Knowledge

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge of the elements and basic functions of working with IVAO
software, IVAP, and simple functions and features used through it
1. Understanding what an ATIS is, how to obtain one, and how to
decipher an ATIS (the examiner can supply an ATIS excerpt if the
applicant is not logged on the IVAO network during the time of the
oral examination, as long as the examiner has confirmed that the
applicant knows how to obtain a distant ATIS)
2. Know what the GUARD frequency is and what it is used for
3. Know what the UNICOM frequency is and what it is used for
4. How to obtain a METAR and TAF (will decipher later)
5. How to request help from a supervisor (use of the .wallop command)
6. Squawk Commands on IVAP and when to use it
Task 2: Air Law and United States Specific Regulations
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge of the elements related to air law in the United States
1. Explaining with basic knowledge of
a. basic differences between IFR and VFR flight rules
b. the national airspace system, explaining the requirements of
each class for VFR flight (visibility and cloud requirements are
not needed to be analyzed)
c. what is special use airspace and give some examples

14

2. Able to explain
a. what various ATC stations exist and what kind of service do
they provide
b. the significance of certain special use transponder codes and
what do they mean
c. what kind of squawk code is prohibited and strictly forbidden to
use on the IVAO network and why
d. when to squawk IDENT
Task 3: Charts and VFR Procedures
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge of the elements related to chart reading, interpreting,
understanding, and detailed VFR procedures
1. Chart reading the applicant should
a. be able to obtain a VFR sectional chart of the area that the
exam will be taking place in
b. how to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in
directories and steering (ASES applicants only)
c. be able to interpret the chart by answering questions from the
examiner
d. have knowledge of airspace class and departure and arrival
procedures of the given airport based on the sectional
e. know the airspace base and ceiling
f. be able to obtain an airport diagram of any airport within the
United States territory using FAA NACO charts only (no
Jeppesen although Jeppesen charts may be used during the
flying portion of the exam, the oral examination will be based
off of FAA NACO charts only)
g. know how to interpret and read various information on the
airport diagram chart, including the basics of runway weight
bearing capacity data
2. VFR procedures and knowledge the applicant should
a. be able to describe a VFR traffic pattern circuit in its entirety

15

b. know what cleared the option means and entails

Task 4: Navigation
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge of the elements related to VFR navigation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Describe semi-circular rules and determining VFR cruising altitudes

Tell what the transition altitude is in the United States
How will the applicant be navigating during a VFR flight
VFR fuel requirements for calculating fuel on board
How to calculate EET and fuel consumption estimates
Other proper preflight and planning techniques

Task 5: Meteorology and Weather Information

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge of the elements related to weather information and basic
meteorology
1. Given a METAR of an airport within the United States and FAA
jurisdiction to decipher up to the remarks (RMK) section. (Examiner
should not ask the applicant to interpret the RMK section)
2. Given a TAF of an airport within the United States and FAA jurisdiction
to decipher certain segments of the TAF that are not found in the
METAR. (Examiner should not ask the applicant to interpret the entire
TAF)
3. What the difference is between a METAR and a TAF (basic knowledge)
Task 6: Instruments and Aircraft Knowledge
Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge in basic aircraft instruments and knowledge
1. Explain the standards altimeter setting and how to adjust it in the
altimeter
2. Has basic knowledge of the aircraft chosen for the exam and can
explain

16

a. basic V speeds such as Vx, Vy, Vr, Vfe, and what they mean (do
not ask V1 and V2)
b. explain the never exceed speed and what would happen if
exceeded
c. what is the basic differences between IAS, TAS, and GS
d. weight and balance of the aircraft, what is a CG and what
happens if the CG is too far forward or aft
e. the basic empty weight of the aircraft and the maximum
takeoff weight
f. what is the service ceiling of the aircraft
g. what is the purpose of the prop lever and the difference
between a constant speed and fixed pitch propeller (if using a
complex aircraft like a C182)
h. what are the basic 6 instruments on the panel and describe
briefly what each does
3. Seaplane characteristics (if a seaplane is being used)
Note: Task 6 sections 1 and 2 should all be satisfactory before
moving onto this section. This section is not included on the
marking sheet and is a pass or fail only. If an unsatisfactory
performance should occur in this section, the examinee is no longer
eligible for use a seaplane for the exam and can decide whether to
discontinue the exam (resulting in a failure 0/100) or continue the
exam using a tricycle style landing gear. The applicant is no longer
eligible for a Seaplane Award if the exam will be continued.
a. what are water rudders and where are they located
b. how to determine wind direction via use of water and how to
determine if the water is too rough for a takeoff
c. why nose should be kept up during normal water taxi
d. use of ailerons during sailing
e. briefly describe nose attitude in rough water landing
f. why are glassy water landings dangerous
g. engine usage during docking and beaching

17

II.

Connection
NOTE: The examiner shall determine if the oral examination is sufficient
and no tasks from the automatic failure are unsatisfactory before
proceeding to the connection tasks.

Task 7: Connection to the IVAO Network

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge in elements related to connecting properly to the IVAN
1. Logs on with the correct callsign as described in the IVAO HQ Briefing
Guide (EXM plus last four digits of exam number)
2. Has proper transponder setting
3. Connected at proper location (stand, apron, dock if seaplane is used)

18

III.

VFR Flight Plan (ICAO)

NOTE: The examiner shall determine if the oral examination is sufficient
and no tasks from the automatic failure are unsatisfactory before
proceeding to the flight plan tasks.

Task 8: VFR Flight Plan

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory
knowledge in elements related to a VFR flight plan in an ICAO format
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Top portion properly filled out, flight should be general aviation

Correct and realistic equipment
Proper filling of airspeed and altitude (VFR or cruise altitude)
Valid VFR route (no GPS)
Fuel and endurance
Relevant information only in item 18

19

IV.

VFR Flight Portion (Practical Examination)

NOTE: The examiner shall determine if the oral examination is sufficient
and no tasks from the automatic failure are unsatisfactory before
proceeding to the flight portion.

Task 9: Ground movements, takeoff, and departure

Objective: To determine that the applicant can operate the aircraft
safely and properly during ground, takeoff, and departure operations
1. Proper taxi (sailing for seaplanes) to assigned runway (direction of
takeoff considering wind for seaplanes and at unmarked grass strips
for land planes)
2. Transponder usage (note airports that have ASDE-X Ground Radar and
their function in regards to transponder settings)
3. Uses proper uncontrolled/untowered airport/seabase operations and
communications
4. Proper departure and levels off at altitude (follows examiners
instructions)
Task 10: VFR Navigation
Objective: To determine that the applicant can navigate by using
proper VFR navigation and following examiner instructions in flight
1. The examiner should give heading and altitude changes
2. The examiner should confirm the applicant has proper altimeter set
the entire flight
3. The examiner should assign a VOR frequency for the applicant to track
and have the applicant confirm when it is tracked
4. The examiner should assign an NDB frequency for the applicant to
track and have the applicant confirm when it is tracked
5. Applicant should be able to estimate the arrival time at a given point
at request of the examiner
Task 11: Arrival and VFR patterns
Objective: The determine that the applicant can safely and correctly
execute proper VFR arrival procedures

20

Note: After the applicant has completed Tasks 9 and 10, the examiner
will simulate a TWR position of the arrival airport and inform the
applicant to treat as ATC
1. Contacts ATC in a timely manner and does not bust airspace (entering
class B airspace without a clearance is an automatic failure)
2. Follows ATC instructions and enters a precise traffic pattern
3. Calls at requested or required position reports in the pattern
4. Executes a proper touch and go (low approach if seaplane is being
used)
5. Follows correct traffic pattern after being cleared the option and
makes a proper full stop and taxi to the assigned ramp (ASEL only)
6. After pattern, navigates to an assigned seaplane/maritime base, lake,
inlet, or unprotected area and perform a proper landing and
docking/beaching procedure (ASES only)
Note: Task 11.6 for Seaplane landing should be evaluated the same
way as the Land plane is evaluated on during the second traffic
pattern.

21

V.

English and Phraseology

Task 12: Radio Communications and English Proficiency

Objective: To determine that the applicant can speak and understand
the English language and use proper radio phraseology during the
simulated ATC portion of the flight
1. English proficiency:
0 virtually no English ability whatsoever
1 difficulty in communicating and understanding
2 communication is understood and received with minor
mistakes and misunderstandings
3 near native level, very well spoken and understood
4 native English speaker or a non native with virtually no
mistakes both grammatical and in phraseology and very well
understood
2. Radio communications proficiency:
8 perfect phraseology, not one single mistake
7 very few mistakes in phraseology
6 some mistakes made and mumbling or uhhs a lot
5 constant usage of non American phraseology
4 combination of the above mentioned points
3 not using virtually any correct phraseology
2 no proper phraseology with use of slangs and informal speech
1 no proper phraseology with use of cursing and swearing
0 no English ability whatsoever
Note: Phraseology should be evaluated during the simulated ATC portion
of the flight only. English is evaluated during the entire examination

22