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FAAadvancedCode: ADX

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) Exam Prep

The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test (ADX) has 80 questions with three answer choices each, 3.5 hours and a 70% passing score; 82.41% of 1,410 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

The exam at a glance

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test (ADX)
Test codeADX[1]
Scored questions80[1]
Time allowed3.5 hours (210 minutes)[1]
Passing score70%[1]
Answer choices3 per question (A, B, C)[2]
Test fee$175 plus tax per attempt (PSI voucher price)[3]
Minimum age to test21[1]
To take the testNothing for the first attempt: no instructor endorsement or written authorization (14 CFR 65.53).[1]
If you failWait 30 days, or retest sooner with a signed statement from a certificated dispatcher certifying additional instruction in each failed subject (14 CFR 65.19).[4]
Figures bookletFAA-CT-8080-7D[5]
StandardFAA-S-8081-10E (Practical Test Standards)[6]
2025 pass rate82.41% of 1,410 attempts (average score 80.62%)[7]
  1. [1] FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (revised Sep 25, 2026)
  2. [2] FAA airman knowledge test sample questions (Aug 2021)
  3. [3] PSI: FAA testing programs ($175 per knowledge test voucher)
  4. [4] 14 CFR 65.19: Retesting after failure
  5. [5] FAA airman knowledge testing supplements
  6. [6] FAA Airman Certification Standards
  7. [7] FAA CY2025 Airman Knowledge Test Volume Report

About the ADX exam

The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge Test is required for the Aircraft Dispatcher certificate. Dispatchers share operational control with pilots and must demonstrate airline-level knowledge of weather, performance, regulations, and flight planning.

Before you book: Minimum age 21 to take the knowledge test (23 to hold the certificate); no endorsement needed for the first attempt

Topics Covered

1Dispatcher regulations (14 CFR Parts 119, 121)
2Meteorology for dispatchers
3Navigation and flight planning
4Aircraft performance and limitations
5Emergency and abnormal procedures
6Communication and coordination
7Air traffic control procedures
8ETOPS and oceanic planning
9Weight and balance for transport aircraft
10Operational control and flight release

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

An airport approved by the Administrator for use by an air carrier certificate holder for the purpose of providing service to a community when the regular airport is not available is a/an

  1. Aalternate airport.
  2. Bprovisional airport.
  3. Cdestination airport.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. provisional airport.

14 CFR 119.3 defines a provisional airport as an airport approved by the Administrator for use by a certificate holder to provide service to a community when the regular airport is not available. An alternate airport is where a flight may proceed if landing at the destination becomes inadvisable.

Source: 14 CFR 119.3

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

Where are jetstreams normally located?

  1. AIn a break in the tropopause where intensified temperature gradients are located.
  2. BIn areas of strong low pressure systems in the stratosphere.
  3. CIn a single continuous band, encircling the Earth, where there is a break between the equatorial and polar tropopause.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. In a break in the tropopause where intensified temperature gradients are located.

The Aviation Weather Handbook explains that jet streams are found in breaks in the tropopause, where strong horizontal temperature gradients intensify the winds. They are not in the stratosphere's low-pressure systems, and they are segmented rather than a single continuous band.

Source: Aviation Weather Handbook

FAA sample question ADX #25 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
3

If a four-engine air carrier airplane is dispatched from an airport that is below landing minimums, what is the maximum distance that a departure alternate airport may be located from the departure airport?

  1. ANot more than 2 hours at normal cruise speed in still air with one engine inoperative.
  2. BNot more than 2 hours at cruise speed with one engine inoperative.
  3. CNot more than 1 hour at normal cruise speed in still air with one engine inoperative.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Not more than 2 hours at normal cruise speed in still air with one engine inoperative.

14 CFR 121.617(a) requires a takeoff alternate when departure weather is below landing minimums; for airplanes with three or more engines it must be within 2 hours of the departure airport at normal cruising speed in still air with one engine inoperative. One hour applies to two-engine airplanes.

Source: 14 CFR 121.617(a)

FAA sample question ADX #5 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
4

What minimum ground visibility may be used instead of a prescribed visibility criteria of RVR 16 when that RVR value is not reported?

  1. A1/4 SM.
  2. B1/2 SM.
  3. C3/4 SM.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. 1/4 SM.

The RVR conversion table in 14 CFR 91.175(h) lists RVR 1,600 feet as equivalent to 1/4 statute mile, so 1/4 SM ground visibility may be used when RVR 16 is not reported. 1/2 mile corresponds to RVR 2,400 and 3/4 mile to RVR 4,000.

Source: 14 CFR 91.175(h)

FAA sample question ADX #22 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
5

What is the name of an area beyond the end of a runway which does not contain obstructions and can be considered when calculating takeoff performance of turbine-powered aircraft?

  1. AStopway.
  2. BObstruction clearance plane.
  3. CClearway.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Clearway.

14 CFR 1.1 defines a clearway as an area beyond the runway, free of obstructions, over which an airplane may make part of its initial climb, and which may be used in calculating turbine-powered airplane takeoff distance. A stopway is a surface for stopping during an aborted takeoff.

Source: 14 CFR 1.1

FAA sample question ADX #20 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
6

If squalls are reported at the destination airport, what wind conditions exist?

  1. ASudden increases in wind speed of at least 15 knots to a sustained wind speed of 20 knots, lasting for at least 1 minute.
  2. BRapid variation in wind direction of at least 20° and changes in speed of at least 10 knots between peaks and lulls.
  3. CA sudden increase in wind speed of at least 16 knots, the speed rising to 22 knots or more for 1 minute or longer.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. A sudden increase in wind speed of at least 16 knots, the speed rising to 22 knots or more for 1 minute or longer.

A squall (SQ) is defined as a sudden increase in wind speed of at least 16 knots, with the speed rising to 22 knots or more and lasting at least 1 minute. The other definitions do not match the squall criteria; the variations in direction and peak/lull describe variable or gusty winds.

FAA sample question ADX #27 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
7

What are some characteristics of an airplane loaded with the CG at the aft limit?

  1. ALowest stall speed, lowest cruise speed, and highest stability.
  2. BHighest stall speed, highest cruise speed, and least stability.
  3. CLowest stall speed, highest cruise speed, and least stability.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. Lowest stall speed, highest cruise speed, and least stability.

With the CG aft, the tail needs less downward force, so the wing carries less total load: stall speed is lower and cruise speed higher, but longitudinal stability is reduced (PHAK Chapter 10). A forward CG gives the opposite: higher stall speed, lower cruise speed, more stability.

Source: PHAK Chapter 10

FAA sample question ADX #33 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
8

What is the effect of alcohol consumption on functions of the body?

  1. AAlcohol has an adverse effect, especially as altitude increases.
  2. BAlcohol has little effect if followed by an ounce of black coffee for every ounce of alcohol.
  3. CSmall amounts of alcohol in the human system increase judgment and decision- making abilities.
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Alcohol has an adverse effect, especially as altitude increases.

AIM 8-1-1 explains that alcohol impairs the body's functions and that its effects are magnified at altitude, where even small amounts reduce tolerance to hypoxia. Coffee does not counteract alcohol, and small amounts impair rather than improve judgment.

Source: AIM 8-1-1

FAA sample question ADX #37 (Aug 2021)Open on its own page
See 35 FAA questions with answers on one page

Expert Study Tips

1

This exam is similar to the ATP but from the dispatch perspective

2

Focus on operational control — the dispatcher shares responsibility with the PIC

3

Know flight release requirements and redispatch procedures

4

Study transport category aircraft performance charts thoroughly

5

Understand alternate airport requirements and fuel planning

6

Master meteorology — dispatchers must evaluate weather for entire routes

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 119 and 121
  • FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards
  • AC 60-28A — FAA English Language Standard
  • Various airline dispatch training manuals

More practice by subject

Air Law

Browse questions →

Meteorology

Browse questions →

Flight Planning

Browse questions →

Performance

Browse questions →

Operational Procedures

Browse questions →

FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX): FAQ

How many questions are on the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) exam?

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

What is the ADX pass rate?

82.41% of 1,410 attempts passed in 2025, with an average score of 80.62% (FAA CY2025 Airman Knowledge Test Volume Report).

What do I need to take the ADX test?

Nothing for the first attempt: no instructor endorsement or written authorization (14 CFR 65.53).

What happens if I fail the ADX test?

Wait 30 days, or retest sooner with a signed statement from a certificated dispatcher certifying additional instruction in each failed subject (14 CFR 65.19).

How much does the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) 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?

Study the FAA sample questions
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.

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