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Key Facts: Aircraft Dispatcher Exam

80

Exam Questions

FAA ADX knowledge test

70%

Passing Score

FAA testing matrix

3.5h

Time Allotted

FAA testing matrix

$175

AKT Fee

PSI FAA airman knowledge testing

21 / 23

Age Requirements

14 CFR 65.53 (test age / certificate age)

200 hours

Minimum Course Instruction

14 CFR 65.61, with specified documented-credit provisions

The FAA testing matrix lists ADX with 80 questions, 3.5 hours, and a 70 percent passing score. Minimum age is 21 for ADX and 23 for the certificate. Certification also requires the practical test and qualifying experience or approved training; Part 121 carrier qualification is a separate requirement.

Sample Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Aircraft Dispatcher exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 153+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart C, what is the minimum age to hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate?
A.18 years old
B.21 years old
C.23 years old
D.25 years old
Explanation: 14 CFR 65.53 sets the minimum age at 23 to hold an Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate. Candidates may take the ADX knowledge test at age 21, but cannot be issued the certificate until 23.
2What is the passing score on the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) knowledge test?
A.60%
B.65%
C.70%
D.75%
Explanation: The FAA testing matrix sets the passing standard for the ADX Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test at 70 percent.
3Under Part 121, who exercises operational control over a flight?
A.The pilot in command alone
B.The aircraft dispatcher alone
C.The pilot in command and the aircraft dispatcher jointly
D.The FAA principal operations inspector
Explanation: In Part 121 domestic and flag operations, operational control is a joint responsibility of the pilot in command and the aircraft dispatcher. Both must agree on the dispatch release before the flight begins.
4How many questions are on the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) knowledge test?
A.50 questions
B.60 questions
C.80 questions
D.100 questions
Explanation: The FAA testing matrix lists the ADX Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test at 80 questions.
5Which FAA document specifies the Aircraft Dispatcher practical test standards?
A.FAA-S-8081-10E Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards
B.FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot Handbook
C.AC 00-6B Aviation Weather
D.FAA Order 8900.1
Explanation: The Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (FAA-S-8081-10E, effective May 31, 2024) defines the Areas of Operation and Tasks evaluated on the practical (oral and demonstration) portion of dispatcher certification. Unlike many pilot certificates, the dispatcher certificate is still tested against a PTS, not an Airman Certification Standards (ACS) document.
6A METAR reports '24015G25KT.' What does this indicate?
A.Wind from 240 degrees true, 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots
B.Wind from 240 degrees magnetic, 15 knots, variable to 25 knots
C.Wind from 024 degrees, 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots
D.Wind at 240 feet above ground, 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots
Explanation: In METAR wind groups, the first three digits are the wind direction in degrees true, next two digits are sustained speed in knots, and G## indicates gust speed. So 24015G25KT = 240 degrees true, 15 knots, gusting to 25 knots.
7Which icing type forms as a smooth, clear ice layer and is most hazardous because it adheres tightly and is hard to remove?
A.Rime ice
B.Mixed ice
C.Clear ice
D.Frost
Explanation: Clear ice forms when large supercooled water drops flow back along the airfoil before freezing, producing a smooth, glassy, dense layer that adheres strongly and is difficult to remove with deicing boots.
8A SIGMET is issued for which type of hazard?
A.Routine visibility restrictions
B.Light turbulence in mountain waves
C.Severe icing, severe turbulence, volcanic ash, or widespread dust/sandstorms
D.Isolated VFR-restricting ceilings
Explanation: A SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information) covers hazards dangerous to all aircraft, such as severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence, volcanic ash, and widespread dust or sand storms.
9What does the 1-2-3 rule under 14 CFR 91.169 require?
A.File an alternate when the destination is at least 1 mile from an airway and 2-3 hours away
B.File an alternate unless, from 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA, ceilings are at least 2,000 ft and visibility is at least 3 statute miles
C.File at least 1 alternate per 2 legs of a 3-leg flight
D.Require 1 hour of holding fuel, 2 hours of reserve, and 3 hours of contingency
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 91.169(a)(2) and (b), an airplane IFR flight plan must include an alternate unless the destination has a Part 97 standard instrument approach or an FAA-issued special approach for the operator, and reports or forecasts indicate a ceiling of at least 2,000 feet above airport elevation AND visibility of at least 3 statute miles throughout the period from 1 hour before to 1 hour after ETA. Failure of either weather threshold requires an alternate. Destination landing minimums and the alternate airport weather minimums in 91.169(c) are separate tests.
10Which weather product reports actual observed in-flight conditions from a pilot?
A.TAF
B.METAR
C.PIREP
D.FA
Explanation: A PIREP (Pilot Report) communicates actual conditions observed by a pilot in flight, such as turbulence, icing, cloud tops, and ride quality. It is one of the few real-time, in-flight verification sources dispatchers have.

About the Aircraft Dispatcher Exam

ADX is the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher knowledge test, one component of the certificate pathway under Part 65 Subpart C. Independent OpenExamPrep practice supports regulations, weather, navigation, systems, performance, weight/balance, flight planning, communications, ATC, human factors, and emergency procedures.

Exam sponsor: FAA. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

80 questions

Time Limit

3.5h

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

USD 175 voucher plus applicable tax

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

No FAA percentage published

Regulations

Part 65 certification, applicable operating rules, manuals, and operational control.

No FAA percentage published

Meteorology

Weather theory, observations, forecasts, hazards, and approved weather services.

No FAA percentage published

Navigation

Earth/time/chart references, navigation equipment, approaches, and special/global operations.

No FAA percentage published

Aircraft

AFM, systems, MEL/CDL, aerodynamics, performance, and weight/balance.

No FAA percentage published

Communications

Voice/data protocols, NOTAMs, publications, and abnormal communication procedures.

No FAA percentage published

Air Traffic Control

Facilities, separation, domestic/international filing, priority, holding, and traffic management.

No FAA percentage published

Emergency and Abnormal Procedures

Ground/inflight security, FAA services, overdue aircraft, emergency authority, and NTSB requirements.

No FAA percentage published

Practical Dispatch Applications

Human factors, DRM, briefing, preflight planning, release, flight watch, and postflight procedures.

Preparing for the Aircraft Dispatcher Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 80 questions
  • Time limit: 3.5h
  • Exam / certification fees: USD 175 voucher plus applicable tax Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 153 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Aircraft Dispatcher: Suggested Study Strategy

1Treat weather as your biggest lever. Build fluency decoding METAR, TAF, PIREP, SIGMET, and AIRMET products quickly, and practice identifying icing, thunderstorm, and windshear threats on operational charts.
2Distinguish Part 91 alternate rules from domestic, flag, and supplemental Part 121 requirements (121.619, 121.621, 121.623). Alternate logic shows up in many scenario questions.
3Practice full dispatch-release scenarios, not isolated facts. Link weather + performance + alternate + fuel + MEL + NOTAMs together so you can reason through release and diversion decisions.
4Work weight and balance, runway analysis, and drift-down problems by hand. Dispatchers must validate performance decisions, not just read them off a computer printout.
5Internalize the dispatcher-PIC joint responsibility model under Part 121, including authority to refuse or amend a release, so abnormal-ops questions feel routine rather than surprising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher ADX knowledge-test format?

The FAA matrix lists 80 questions, 3.5 hours, and a passing score of 70 percent. ADX is the knowledge-test component, not the entire certificate process.

Who is eligible for the aircraft dispatcher certificate?

§ 65.53 requires age 23, English proficiency, the required knowledge and practical tests, and § 65.57 experience or training. ADX test eligibility begins at 21 and an initial attempt needs no written training authorization.

How much does testing cost?

PSI publishes FAA knowledge-test vouchers at USD 175 plus applicable tax. Verify booking charges when scheduling; approved-course tuition and practical-examiner fees are separate.

How long is the approved dispatcher course?

§ 65.61 requires at least 200 hours of instruction in Appendix A subjects, with documented credit allowed for comparable prior experience/training. Calendar duration depends on the approved school schedule.

What standard governs the practical test?

FAA-S-8081-10E, effective May 31, 2024, governs the Aircraft Dispatcher practical test. It includes manual flight planning and six Areas of Operation from release planning through abnormal/emergency procedures.

When may an unsuccessful applicant retest?

§ 65.19 permits retesting after 30 days or earlier with its specified certificated-airman statement confirming additional instruction in each failed subject and readiness for retesting.

Do all Part 121 flights use the domestic 1-2-3 alternate rule?

No. Domestic § 121.619, flag § 121.621, and supplemental § 121.623 have distinct requirements and exceptions. Alternates must also satisfy their applicable weather, performance, and operational conditions.