PA.IX.C — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions

What does ACS code PA.IX.C cover?

ACS Code PA.IX.C covers "Systems and Equipment Malfunctions" under Area of Operation IX (Emergency Operations) for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane certificate (FAA-S-ACS-6C). Candidates are tested on knowledge elements and risk management factors defined in 14 CFR regulations and FAA handbooks (PHAK / AFH).

Task Specification & Required References

• ACS Document: FAA-S-ACS-6C (Private Pilot Airplane)
• Area of Operation: Area IX — Emergency Operations
• Task: Task C — Systems and Equipment Malfunctions
• Primary FAA Sources: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) / Helicopter Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-21), Aviation Weather Handbook (FAA-H-8083-28), 14 CFR Parts 61, 91 & 107, Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Airman Certification Standards Elements

Knowledge Elements

• PA.IX.C.K1: Causes of partial or complete power loss related to the specific type of powerplant(s).
• PA.IX.C.K1a: a. [Archived]
• PA.IX.C.K1b: b. [Archived]
• PA.IX.C.K1c: c. [Archived]
• PA.IX.C.K1d: d. [Archived]
• PA.IX.C.K2: System and equipment malfunctions specific to the aircraft, including:
• PA.IX.C.K2a: a. Electrical malfunction
• PA.IX.C.K2b: b. Vacuum/pressure and associated flight instrument malfunctions
• PA.IX.C.K2c: c. Pitot-static system malfunction
• PA.IX.C.K2d: d. Electronic flight deck display malfunction
• PA.IX.C.K2e: e. Landing gear or flap malfunction
• PA.IX.C.K2f: f. Inoperative trim
• PA.IX.C.K3: Causes and remedies for smoke or fire onboard the aircraft.
• PA.IX.C.K4: Any other system specific to the aircraft (e.g., supplemental oxygen, deicing).
• PA.IX.C.K5: Inadvertent door or window opening.

Risk Management Elements

• PA.IX.C.R1: Checklist usage for a system or equipment malfunction.
• PA.IX.C.R2: Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
• PA.IX.C.R3: Undesired aircraft state.
• PA.IX.C.R4: Startle response.

How do I study PA.IX.C?

1. Read each element for PA.IX.C in FAA-S-ACS-6C and note any you cannot explain in your own words.
2. Study each one in the FAA source it points to: the handbook chapter, the 14 CFR section or the AIM paragraph.
3. Practice with questions tagged PA.IX.C, and read the explanation for every miss.
4. Retest, then review the ACS codes you still miss on your practice test report.

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Related ACS tasks

• Previous task: PA.IX.B — Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated)
• Next task: PA.IX.D — Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
• Same area: PA.IX.A — Emergency Descent
• Same area: PA.IX.B — Emergency Approach and Landing (Simulated)
• Same area: PA.IX.D — Emergency Equipment and Survival Gear
• Same area: PA.IX.E — Engine Failure During Takeoff Before VMC (Simulated)
• Same area: PA.IX.F — Engine Failure After Liftoff (Simulated)
• Same area: PA.IX.G — Approach and Landing with an Inoperative Engine (Simulated)