Plain English Meaning
The official written exam a student must pass before they can take the in-person flight test for a pilot certificate. It checks what they know about flying — rules, weather, aircraft systems, navigation, and so on — through multiple-choice questions.
Full Definition
An FAA-administered written examination, taken at an approved testing center, that assesses an applicant's understanding of the aeronautical knowledge areas required for a specific pilot certificate or rating. A passing score is one of the prerequisites for taking the practical test.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when preparing for a pilot certificate or rating, especially when your instructor is deciding whether you are ready to be recommended for the FAA .