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FAA Updates the ATP Multiengine Knowledge Test: What Changed on October 26, 2026

· ATP CTP · Gib Minor

FAA ATP Knowledge Test Update graphic: a pilot in uniform studies a chart on a laptop at night, with an airliner climbing past the window

If you are working toward your Airline Transport Pilot certificate, the FAA knowledge test you will sit is not quite the same as it was a week ago. Beginning October 26, 2026, the FAA made two changes that affect the Airline Transport Pilot Multiengine Airplane (ATM) knowledge test. Both were announced by the FAA Testing Standards Section in its Airman Testing Community Advisory (August 2026 edition and September 2026 Special Edition).

Change 1: Dash 8 Q400 questions are gone

According to the FAA, test questions about the Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 were removed from the ATM knowledge test beginning October 26, 2026, and the FAA no longer tests applicants on the Q400. The FAA explains that the ATM test is based on 14 CFR part 121 air carrier operations, and that turboprop aircraft, including the Q400, are no longer used by part 121 operators. The change came out of public inquiry.

Bombardier CRJ900 questions are staying. The FAA describes the CRJ900 as a common entry-level aircraft for pilots working for a part 121 operator, so plan to know that material well.

Change 2: Figures now appear inside the question

Through its Graphics Conversion Project with testing vendor PSI, the FAA is embedding images directly in knowledge test questions. Effective October 26, 2026, the Airline Transport Pilot exams (along with the Flight Instructor exams) feature questions with embedded images. Instead of flipping to a figure in the printed testing supplement, you will see the image on screen with the question.

A few details straight from the FAA:

  • The specific images used in live test questions cannot be previewed, because that would compromise exam integrity.
  • Where a question requires a measuring tool, applicants will have the tools they need to answer.
  • Printed testing supplements stay available at test centers until the FAA sets a removal date, and the FAA says the public will get ample notice first.
  • The FAA encourages candidates to visit the PSI site for sample questions to get comfortable with the new format.

What did not change

The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026 version) still lists the ATM test at 125 questions, 3.5 hours and a 70 percent passing score, with a validity period of 60 calendar months. You still need a graduation certificate from an authorized ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) before you can take it.

How Sheppard Air helps you prepare

Every GCAS ATP CTP enrollment includes access to Sheppard Air ATM knowledge test prep. When you enroll, we register you with Sheppard Air ourselves, just as we have for our recent ATP CTP students, so your study course is ready when you are.

Sheppard Air says its ATP courseware receives automatic updates to keep pace with FAA changes, so updates like this one reach your study material through the program rather than through a new printed edition. Its instructors are also available by phone every day from 0800 to 2000 Central time if an explanation or regulation does not click.

Our advice for the revised test:

  1. Start Sheppard Air at least two weeks before day one of ground school. The ATP CTP is required before the ATM test, but the FAA notes it is not designed to teach the ATM test.
  2. Follow the study strategy built into the Sheppard Air program and let it update whenever you are online.
  3. Learn to read charts and performance figures, not just recognize them. With the figure now on screen beside the question, understanding the data matters more than knowing where it sits in the supplement.
  4. Try the PSI sample questions so the on-screen format is familiar before test day.

Ready to start your ATP?

GCAS offers an FAA Part 142 ATP CTP with live virtual ground school and full-motion simulator training, with Sheppard Air ATM prep included. See course details, dates and pricing on our ATP CTP page, or send us your questions here and we will help you plan your path to the left seat.

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