Airworthy Prep

Private Pilot Airplane test code

PA.IX.E.K1Emergency Operations: Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)

Private Pilot Airplane test standard, area of operation IX, task E

Written as pa.ix.e.k1 or PA.IX.E.K1 on your score report.

The FAA's wording

Factors affecting minimum control airspeed with an inoperative engine (VMC).

FAA-S-ACS-6C, Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (November 2023, effective May 31, 2024), IX. Emergency Operations, Task E. Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)

What it means

PA.IX.E.K1 is a knowledge element in the Emergency Operations area of operation of the Private Pilot Airplane test standard. A knowledge element is something the FAA expects you to know, and the written test asks questions on it.

PA
Private Pilot Airplane ACS
IX
Area of operation IX: Emergency Operations
E
Task E: Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated) (AMEL, AMES)
K1
Knowledge element 1

Seeing it on your score report

Your Airman Knowledge Test Report lists a code for each area where you missed a question. Seeing PA.IX.E.K1 there means at least one of your wrong answers was on this element. If you are taking the practical test next, expect the examiner to ask about it. Retaking the written? Start with this code and the others on your report.

Sources: FAA-S-ACS-6C, Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS (November 2023, effective May 31, 2024); FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (revised 9/25/26), p. 2.

Can be printed on 4 tests
  • Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)
  • Private Pilot Airplane Canadian Conversion (PCP)
  • Private Pilot Airplane EU Part-FCL Conversion (PEP)
  • Private Pilot Airplane Foreign Pilot via BASA (61.71) (PFB)

Got more than one code on your report?

Paste them all into the free study planner and it groups them by subject, most missed first.