FAA Approved PSI Testing Center

At Pacific Flight Academy, we're more than a flight school—we’re your one-stop aviation hub on Oahu. As an FAA-approved PSI Testing Center, we offer a professional, secure, and convenient facility for FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKT). Whether you're pursuing a pilot certificate, mechanic rating, or remote pilot certification for drones, you can take all levels of written exams right here in Honolulu.

What We Offer

  • Pilot Knowledge Tests: From Sport Pilot and Private Pilot to Commercial, Instrument Rating, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)—covering airplane, helicopter, rotorcraft, and more.

  • Mechanic Tests: Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) exams, including General (AMG), Airframe (AMA), Powerplant (AMP), and Inspection Authorization (IA).

  • Remote Pilot Tests: Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG) for Part 107 drone operations.

  • All Test Levels: Initial, added ratings, and retests (with applicable waiting periods).

  • Convenient Location: Located at our modern facility at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), offering a comfortable testing environment and on-site support from our expert staff.

Our PSI Testing Center uses secure, computer-based systems to ensure fair and accurate results. Tests are proctored by certified PSI examiners, adhering to all FAA and PSI protocols for integrity and accessibility.

The FAA Written Knowledge Test Process

The FAA Airman Knowledge Test is a key step in earning your aviation certificate or rating, administered exclusively through PSI Services LLC, the FAA’s official testing partner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Eligibility and Authorization

Before scheduling, ensure you meet FAA requirements:

  • Age Minimums: Vary by test—e.g., 14 for Sport Pilot Balloon Gas (PBG) or Recreational Pilot Glider (RPG), 16 for Private Pilot Glider (PLG), 17 for Private Pilot Airplane (PAR), 18 for most Commercial and ATP tests, and 23 for some ATP multi-engine variants (e.g., ACM Airplane Multi-Engine).

  • Prerequisites: Complete required ground training or flight training. For pilots, this often requires an endorsement from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) or a graduation certificate from an FAA-approved school like Pacific Flight Academy.

  • Federal Tracking Number (FTN): Obtain one via the FAA’s IACRA system . Your FTN is printed on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).

  • Authorization Documents:

    • Pilot tests: Instructor endorsement, school graduation certificate, or military competency letter.

    • Mechanic tests: FAA Form 8610-2 or Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) certificate.

    • Drone (UAG): No endorsement required for initial or retests.

  • Retests: If you fail, wait 30 days (e.g., for ADX Instrument or FNX Fundamentals of Instructing) or 14 days (for UAG). Bring your failed AKTR and additional endorsement for retraining.

Check the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (PDF) for test-specific codes, question counts, time limits, and passing scores (typically 70%).

2. Preparation Tips

  • Study Resources: Use FAA handbooks (e.g., Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge), Airman Certification Standards (ACS), and sample questions from the FAA website. Apps like Sporty’s or King Schools offer practice exams.

  • Test Content: Expect questions on regulations (14 CFR Parts 61, 91), aerodynamics, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and human factors. For example, the Private Pilot (PAR) test includes 60 questions on airspace, performance, and emergency procedures.

  • Practice: Take FAA sample tests at faa.gov. Aim for consistent 80-90% scores in mock exams.

  • Allowable Aids: Non-programmable calculators, plotters, E6B, charts, and FAA supplements are permitted—see Allowable Testing Materials.

3. What to Bring on Test Day

Arrive 30 minutes early with:

  • Two Forms of ID:

    • Primary: U.S. driver’s license, passport, or government-issued photo ID with signature and address.

    • Secondary: If primary lacks address, bring a utility bill or lease; for non-U.S. citizens, passport + alien card.

  • Authorization: Printed endorsement, IACRA confirmation, or school certificate.

  • FTN: From IACRA.

  • Personal Items: Only approved aids—no notes, phones, or smartwatches (testing rooms are secure).

Under 18? A parent/guardian must accompany and verify identity.

4. What to Expect on Test Day

  • Check-In: Proctors verify ID and documents (scanned for FAA records).

  • Format: Computer-based, multiple-choice (some multi-select). Questions may include unscored validation items for FAA analysis.

  • Duration and Scoring: Varies—e.g., Private Pilot (PAR): 60 questions, 2.5 hours, 70% pass; Mechanic General (AMG): 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% pass; UAG: 60 questions, 2 hours, 70% pass.

  • Environment: Quiet, proctored room with computers. Breaks aren’t timed, but you can’t pause the clock.

  • Results: Immediate AKTR printout—passing scores are valid indefinitely (use within practical test timelines). Failed? Review weak areas via ACS codes on the report.

Scheduling and Account Creation

Getting started is easy:

  1. Create a PSI Account: Visit the FAA PSI Portal. Click "Create an Account," enter your personal details, FTN, and contact info.

  2. Schedule Your Test: Log in, select your test code (e.g., PAR for Private Pilot Airplane), choose Pacific Flight Academy as your location, and pick a date/time. Fees are $150-$175 depending on the test (payable online).

  3. Confirm and Prepare: You’ll receive a confirmation email. Reschedule/cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund (if within one year).