Over the last several years of observation, we’ve generally been pleased with the manner in which implementation of the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for each certificate or rating has brought more standardization and objectivity to practical tests. We remember the bad old days of sending pilots for checkrides with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE—individuals not employed by the FAA but having completed FAA training and designated as a pilot examiner) when it was essential to cater to the whims and quirks of a particular DPE.
We are of the opinion that the ACS concept has made it much clearer to applicants as to what they must know and do—and to what standard—on a practical test.