← All Exam Prep Guides
FAAadvancedCode: ATM

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Exam Prep

The FAA Airline Transport Pilot Multiengine Airplane knowledge test (ATM) has 125 questions with three answer choices each, 3.5 hours and a 70% passing score; 99.82% of 9,972 attempts passed in 2025. This guide covers what it tests, how to study, a week-by-week plan and 8 FAA sample questions with answers.

Renzo MadueñoRenzo MadueñoFormer Airbus A320 First Officer (Avianca), FAA commercial pilotLast reviewed

Check your FAA written fundamentals — free

5 hard questions on the airspace, weather and regs every rating builds on. Instant score, no signup.

Take the free test

The exam at a glance

FAA Airline Transport Pilot Multiengine Airplane knowledge test (ATM)
Test codeATM[1]
Scored questions125 (plus 5 unscored validation questions)[2]
Time allowed3.5 hours (210 minutes)[1]
Passing score70%[1]
Answer choices3 per question (A, B, C)[3]
Test fee$175 plus tax per attempt (PSI voucher price)[4]
Minimum age to test18[1]
To take the testThe graduation certificate of an ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP, 14 CFR 61.156).[1]
If you failAn instructor endorsement certifying additional training (14 CFR 61.49). No waiting period.[5]
Figures bookletFAA-CT-8080-7D[6]
StandardFAA-S-ACS-11A[7]
2025 pass rate99.82% of 9,972 attempts (average score 94.79%)[8]
  1. [1] FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (revised Sep 25, 2026)
  2. [2] PSI ATM/ATS applicant information bulletin
  3. [3] FAA airman knowledge test sample questions (Aug 2021)
  4. [4] PSI: FAA testing programs ($175 per knowledge test voucher)
  5. [5] 14 CFR 61.49: Retesting after failure
  6. [6] FAA airman knowledge testing supplements
  7. [7] FAA Airman Certification Standards
  8. [8] FAA CY2025 Airman Knowledge Test Volume Report
Where the points are
  • I. Preflight Preparation32%
  • II. Preflight Procedures18%
  • III. Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds11%
  • IV. Inflight Maneuvers3%
  • V. Stall Prevention7%
  • VI. Instrument Procedures18%
  • VII. Emergency Operations10%
  • VIII. Postflight Procedures1%

Share of the 125 scored questions per area. Source: PSI ATM/ATS applicant information bulletin.

About the ATM exam

The FAA Airline Transport Pilot Knowledge Test is the highest level of pilot certification in the United States. It focuses on airline-level operations, transport category aircraft, advanced aerodynamics, and crew resource management. Required to serve as a pilot in Part 121 airline operations; you take it after an ATP Certification Training Program.

Before you book: Commercial pilot certificate, instrument rating, 1500 hours total time (with exceptions for military and Part 141 graduates)

Topics Covered

1Airline operations regulations (14 CFR Parts 117, 119, 121)
2High-altitude aerodynamics and jet performance
3Crew resource management (CRM)
4Transport category aircraft systems
5Advanced weather and turbulence
6ETOPS and oceanic operations
7Advanced navigation (RNAV, RNP, PBN)
8Fatigue risk management
9Dispatch and flight release procedures
10Emergency and abnormal procedures

8 FAA sample questions with answers

Published by the FAA itself, word for word. Try each one, then open the answer: the explanation and its source are ours.

1

As required by Part 121, an airport may be listed as an alternate in the flight release only if the weather forecast indicates that conditions will be at or above the

  1. Aalternate weather minima specified in the operation specifications at the time of arrival.
  2. Blowest available IAP minima at the time of arrival.
  3. Clowest available IAP minima for 1 hour before to 1 hour after the time of arrival.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. alternate weather minima specified in the operation specifications at the time of arrival.

14 CFR 121.625 allows an airport to be listed as an alternate in the dispatch or flight release only if forecasts indicate conditions will be at or above the alternate weather minimums specified in the certificate holder's operations specifications for that airport when the flight arrives. The lowest approach minima apply to the destination, not the alternate, and the 1-hour window is a Part 91 destination concept.

Source: 14 CFR 121.625ACS AA.I.G.K4

FAA sample question ATM #1 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
2

Which is a common symptom of hyperventilation?

  1. AVisual acuity.
  2. BDecreased breathing rate.
  3. CTingling sensations.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Tingling sensations.

Hyperventilation, excessive breathing that lowers carbon dioxide in the blood, commonly produces tingling sensations, dizziness and visual impairment (PHAK Chapter 17). It increases, not decreases, the breathing rate.

Source: PHAK Chapter 17ACS AA.I.F.K1b

FAA sample question ATM #7 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
3

While on an ILS approach, what is the proper way to recover from an impending stall?

  1. AEngage the autopilot.
  2. BChanging flap settings.
  3. CReducing the angle of attack.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Reducing the angle of attack.

The FAA's stall recovery guidance (AFH Chapter 5, AC 120-109) makes reducing the angle of attack the first and essential action, whatever the phase of flight. Engaging the autopilot or changing flaps does not break the stall.

Source: AC 120-109ACS AA.V.C.K5

FAA sample question ATM #19 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
4

The crew monitoring function is essential,

  1. Aparticularly during high altitude cruise flight modes to prevent CAT issues.
  2. Bparticularly during approach and landing to prevent CFIT.
  3. Cduring RNAV departures in class B airspace.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. particularly during approach and landing to prevent CFIT.

AC 120-71 stresses that crew monitoring is especially critical during approach and landing, where most CFIT and loss-of-control accidents occur, and that the pilot monitoring must actively track flight path, energy and automation modes. It is not limited to cruise or to RNAV departures.

Source: AC 120-71ACS AA.I.E.K12

FAA sample question ATM #21 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
5

Which of the following is a visual indication of conditions favorable to supercooled large droplet icing?

  1. ADroplets that splash or splatter on impact at temperatures below +5°C.
  2. BClear ice accumulation on the active part of the deicing boot.
  3. CRapid ice accumulation on the propeller hub.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Droplets that splash or splatter on impact at temperatures below +5°C.

AC 91-74B lists as SLD cues visible rain at temperatures below freezing and droplets that splash or splatter on impact at temperatures below about +5 degrees C, plus ice forming aft of the protected areas. Ice on the active part of the boot or on the propeller hub is not the SLD indicator.

Source: AC 91-74BACS AA.I.C.K3i

FAA sample question ATM #51 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
6

When using a flight director system, what rate of turn or bank angle should a pilot observe during turns in a holding pattern?

  1. A3° per second or 25° bank, whichever is less.
  2. B1-1/2° per second or 25° bank, whichever is less.
  3. C3° per second or 30° bank, whichever is less.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 3° per second or 25° bank, whichever is less.

AIM 5-3-8 says turns in holding are made at 3 degrees per second, 30 degrees bank, or 25 degrees bank if a flight director system is used, whichever requires the least bank. With a flight director that is 3 degrees per second or 25 degrees, whichever is less.

Source: AIM 5-3-8ACS AA.VI.J.K1

FAA sample question ATM #9 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
7

What is the absolute ceiling of an airplane?

  1. AThe point where the minimum rate of climb becomes lower than the optimum L/DMAX speed.
  2. BThe altitude at which the aircraft is unable to climb at more than 100 feet per minute.
  3. CWhen the maximum rate of climb and the maximum angle of climb speeds converge.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. When the maximum rate of climb and the maximum angle of climb speeds converge.

As altitude increases, VX rises and VY falls until they meet at the absolute ceiling, where the airplane can no longer climb (PHAK Chapter 11). 100 feet per minute defines the service ceiling, not the absolute ceiling.

Source: PHAK Chapter 11ACS AA.I.B.K2c

FAA sample question ATM #11 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
8

In advanced avionics aircraft, proper automation management requires

  1. Arelying on flight management systems to navigate in order for the pilot to perform other tasks.
  2. Ba thorough understanding of how the autopilot interacts with other systems.
  3. Cthe pilot to refrain from monitoring the automation after initial programming.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. a thorough understanding of how the autopilot interacts with other systems.

The Advanced Avionics Handbook says proper automation management requires a thorough understanding of how the autopilot interacts with the other systems (navigation sources, flight director, modes). Relying on the FMS while attention wanders, or not monitoring after programming, are the pitfalls it warns against.

Source: Advanced Avionics HandbookACS AA.I.F.K3

FAA sample question ATM #53 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
See 60 FAA questions with answers on one page

Expert Study Tips

1

Focus on Part 121 and Part 117 (flight/duty time limitations)

2

Study transport category performance: takeoff, en route, landing

3

Know swept-wing aerodynamics, Mach tuck, and high-altitude coffin corner

4

Understand ETOPS planning and fuel requirements

5

Master CRM concepts — they appear frequently

6

Review dispatch procedures and MEL/CDL requirements

Suggested Study Timeline

1

Weeks 1-4

Cover all exam topics systematically with detailed notes

2

Weeks 5-8

Deep study of complex subjects, work advanced practice problems

3

Weeks 9-12

Full-length practice exams under timed conditions

4

Weeks 13-15

Focus on weak areas, revisit difficult concepts

5

Week 16

Final comprehensive review and exam scheduling

Recommended Resources

  • 14 CFR Parts 117, 119, and 121
  • FAA ATP Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-11)
  • FAA Advisory Circular AC 120-53A (CRM)
  • Transport Category Aircraft Performance Handbook

More practice by subject

Air Law

Browse questions →

Performance

Browse questions →

Principles of Flight

Browse questions →

Operational Procedures

Browse questions →

Human Performance

Browse questions →

FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP): FAQ

How many questions are on the FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam?

125 questions plus 5 unscored validation questions, 3.5 hours (210 minutes) and 70% to pass, with three answer choices per question (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix).

What is the ATM pass rate?

99.82% of 9,972 attempts passed in 2025, with an average score of 94.79% (FAA CY2025 Airman Knowledge Test Volume Report).

What do I need to take the ATM test?

The graduation certificate of an ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP, 14 CFR 61.156).

What happens if I fail the ATM test?

An instructor endorsement certifying additional training (14 CFR 61.49). No waiting period.

How much does the FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam cost?

PSI sells FAA knowledge test vouchers at $175 plus tax per attempt; the FAA quotes about $175 for the Part 107 test. Study materials and training are extra.

Ready to start studying?

Five hard questions, an instant score and every answer explained. No signup.

Take the free test
Renzo Madueño

Written and reviewed by Renzo Madueño

Former Airbus A320 First Officer (Avianca), FAA commercial pilot · Founder, Rotate Pilot

The questions are the FAA's own words. The FAA does not publish an answer key, so each answer here was worked out against the regulations and handbooks in force today, and every explanation names its source so you can check it yourself. Questions whose answer changed with newer rules were left out. Found something wrong? Tell us and we fix it.

Last reviewed . Rotate Pilot is independent and not affiliated with the FAA, PSI or any aviation authority.

More FAA Exams

FAA Private Pilot (PAR)

60 questions · 89.6% passed in 2025

FAA Instrument Rating (IRA)

60 questions · 94.4% passed in 2025

FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX)

100 questions · 99.2% passed in 2025

FAA Certified Flight Instructor (FIA)

100 questions · 95.3% passed in 2025

FAA test questions with answers

Every FAA-published sample question, by exam

Aviation Glossary

Essential aviation terms defined