Definition
Written, computer-administered examinations developed by the FAA that a pilot applicant must pass to demonstrate the aeronautical knowledge required for a specific certificate or rating. They cover subjects such as regulations, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, and flight planning, and are normally taken before the practical (flight) test.
Plain English
The official FAA written exams a student must pass before going on to the flight test for a certificate or rating.
Context Anchor
Seen when preparing for a pilot certificate or rating and when a pilot examiner checks whether an applicant is eligible to take the final flying test.
Why Pilots Care
A pilot must pass the appropriate knowledge test before an examiner can administer the practical test; failure to do so halts training progress and requires retesting after a mandatory waiting period.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as any informal test of what you know. In this FAA context, knowledge tests means specific FAA exams required for the certificate, rating, or approval being sought.
Example Sentence 1
She passed her private pilot knowledge test before scheduling her checkride with the examiner.
Example Sentence 2
After passing the knowledge tests, the applicant could arrange the practical test with the designated pilot examiner.