Definition
In the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and Practical Test Standards (PTS), areas of operation are the major phases or subject groupings of a practical test, listed in a logical sequence that generally follows the order of a flight — for example, preflight preparation, takeoffs and landings, performance maneuvers, navigation, and postflight procedures. Each area of operation contains a set of specific tasks the applicant must demonstrate to the examiner.
Plain English
The big chapters of your checkride. The FAA groups everything you'll be tested on into broad categories, and inside each category there are specific tasks you have to perform.
Context Anchor
Seen in the Airman Certification Standards and Practical Test Standards when reviewing what will be evaluated on a pilot practical test.
Derivation
Area comes from a Latin word meaning an open space or defined place. Operation comes from a Latin word meaning work or activity. Together, the phrase points to defined sections of pilot work being evaluated.
Why Pilots Care
They define exactly what skills will be tested, so pilots know what to prepare for and what standards they must meet.
Intuition Check
Do not read “areas” here as geographic areas on a map. In this FAA testing context, areas of operation are sections of the test, not places where the airplane flies.
Example Sentence 1
Before her checkride, she reviewed every task within each area of operation listed in the Private Pilot ACS.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing each area of operation helps ensure you are prepared for every section of the practical test.