Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) knowledge test
The airline dispatcher knowledge test — Part 121 dispatch, fuel and alternate rules, airline weather, transport-jet loading and performance, in 80 three-choice questions.
About the exam
The Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX) test is the knowledge test for an FAA aircraft dispatcher certificate — the certificate held by airline dispatchers who share operational control of every flight with the captain. Most applicants take it during an FAA-approved dispatcher course of at least 200 hours; others qualify through specified aviation experience. It covers the knowledge areas listed in 14 CFR 65.55: regulations, meteorology and weather products, navigation and air traffic control, aircraft loading and performance, aerodynamics, and human factors and emergency procedures.
The test has 80 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours 30 minutes, each with three answer choices (A, B, C), and you need 70% to pass. It's taken on computer at a PSI test center; transport-jet performance and fuel tables, loading tables, IFR charts and weather products come from the FAA ATP and dispatcher testing supplement (FAA-CT-8080-7D) handed to you at the center. You must be at least 21 to take the test, and you need an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA; the testing matrix lists no endorsement for a first attempt. A passing result stays valid for 24 calendar months.
Our practice covers every knowledge area with original questions mapped to the dispatcher standards, with step-by-step worked solutions for every calculation — CG in percent of MAC and cargo shifts, takeoff and landing runway requirements, fuel planning with domestic and flag reserves, flight time and fuel from tables, crosswind components, Mach and true airspeed. Add flashcards for Part 121 rules and weather codes, worked case walkthroughs of complete flight releases, illustrated guides to weather systems and charts, and timed practice tests at the real length with a score.
How we track your progress
Every blueprint domain moves through five levels as you study:
- Not startedNo questions answered in this domain yet.
- Getting startedFirst questions answered — not enough yet to judge.
- DevelopingAt least 5 answered and 50% or better on your recent questions.
- ProficientAt least 15 answered and 70% or better on your recent questions.
- Exam readyAt least 25 answered, 80% or better recently, and holding up on hard questions.
The exam blueprint
FAA-S-8081-10E, Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (April 2024; effective May 31, 2024), with the knowledge areas of 14 CFR 65.55 — The 14 CFR 65.55 knowledge areas — regulations, meteorology and weather products, navigation and ATC, loading and performance, aerodynamics, and human factors and emergencies. Domain weights are QuizMe estimates — the FAA does not publish them. Tap a domain to see its topics.
1 Regulations about 25% (est.) of the exam
87 practice questions in this domain so far
2 Meteorology and Weather Products about 25% (est.) of the exam
87 practice questions in this domain so far
3 Navigation and Air Traffic Control about 15% (est.) of the exam
53 practice questions in this domain so far
4 Loading, Weight & Balance and Performance about 20% (est.) of the exam
70 practice questions in this domain so far
5 Aerodynamics about 5% (est.) of the exam
18 practice questions in this domain so far
6 Human Factors, ADM and Emergencies about 10% (est.) of the exam
35 practice questions in this domain so far
What you get when you access this exam
Free with your QuizMe account.
Questions built on the official standard
Every question is tagged to an ADX knowledge area from 14 CFR 65.55 — original three-choice questions in the FAA style, with described performance and fuel tables, loading tables, IFR charts and weather products.
Hints that teach the concept
Reveal the regulation, weather principle or formula behind the question when you're stuck. Every answer comes with the full rationale, and every calculation a step-by-step worked solution.
Adaptive practice
Questions steer toward your weakest areas, weighted like the real test, and get harder as you get stronger.
Timed practice tests
Full-length tests at the real pace — 80 questions in 3 hours 30 minutes — with a pacing indicator, full review and an estimated score against the 70% pass mark.
Flashcards, walkthroughs and guides
Flashcards for Part 121 dispatch, fuel and alternate rules and weather codes, worked case walkthroughs that reason through harder questions step by step, and interactive illustrated guides you explore hotspot by hotspot.
Progress in every area
Each area moves from Not started to Exam ready, so you know exactly what to study next.
Test at home or at a center
The ADX test is scheduled and taken through PSI, the FAA's knowledge-testing provider. Get your IACRA FAA Tracking Number (FTN), then choose a PSI test center and time — many dispatcher schools schedule it for you near the end of the course. Remote testing is not offered for FAA airman knowledge tests.
At a PSI test center
- Book through PSI's FAA scheduling site; the fee is paid to PSI, not the FAA — about $175 at PSI (confirm when you book).
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID that meets FAA identification rules, and your FTN.
- The center gives you the FAA-CT-8080-7D testing supplement — the same one ATP applicants use — with the tables, charts and figures.
- You may use an FAA-approved flight computer (E6B) and calculator under the test center's rules; PSI's testing system also includes an on-screen E6B.
Before you book
- You must be at least 21 to take the test; the dispatcher certificate itself needs age 23.
- The testing matrix lists no instructor endorsement or other authorization for a first attempt — check the current matrix before you book.
- To get the certificate you'll also need an approved dispatcher course (at least 200 hours) or qualifying experience, plus the practical test.
- After a failure you wait 30 days, or retest sooner with a signed statement from a certificated dispatcher who gave you additional instruction.
Exam-day game plan
How to walk in ready — and how to pace 80 questions in 3 hours 30 minutes.
Pacing checkpoints
Our timed test uses the real length and time — 80 questions in 3 hours 30 minutes — as one block of three-choice questions. Figures that the real test shows from the FAA-CT-8080-7D testing supplement or as embedded images are reproduced as described text, tables or simple diagrams — not the official FAA charts.
The week before
- Take one full-length timed practice test 4–7 days out, then shorter sets and rest.
- Drill the Part 121 rules by operation type: domestic, flag and supplemental fuel, alternates and release requirements.
- Rehearse the table work: CG in percent of MAC, cargo shifts, fuel and time from flight-planning tables.
- Confirm your PSI appointment, your FTN, your ID and the flight computer and calculator you'll bring.
During the test
- You have over 2½ minutes a question — use it on the multi-step table problems, but don't stall on any one item.
- For table questions, confirm the figure, the operating condition and the units before you interpolate.
- Read regulation questions for the operation type — domestic, flag or supplemental changes the answer.
- With three choices, eliminate the one you know is wrong first; your odds jump to 50–50.
- Mark hard questions, answer every one and come back if time allows — there's no penalty for guessing.
Keep your head
- A long test brings a mid-test slump — take a few slow breaths and stretch in your seat at each checkpoint.
- You need 70% — that's 56 of 80; a few tough tables won't sink you.
- Missed subject areas are listed on your report so you know what to review before the practical.
After you test
- You get your Airman Knowledge Test Report at the test center; it shows your score and codes for the subject areas you missed, and you'll show it to your examiner.
- A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months — you must pass the dispatcher practical test within that window.
- Next comes the practical test: an oral and practical exam with a dispatcher examiner, including planning and releasing a flight, after your approved course or qualifying experience.
Official sources and further reading
- Aircraft Dispatcher Practical Test Standards (FAA-S-8081-10E) ↗The current dispatcher standard and its areas of operation.
- 14 CFR Part 65 Subpart C — Aircraft Dispatchers ↗Eligibility, the knowledge areas the test covers, and the course requirements.
- FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix ↗Official question count, time, minimum age and the authorization each test requires.
Ready to start?
350 questions and scenarios across the blueprint — and growing.
QuizMe is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA or PSI. All questions are original. Details are summarized from FAA sources (ACS, testing matrix, 14 CFR); rules and policies change — always confirm at faa.gov. Estimated scores are rough guides.