I guess I'll have to buy the White Album again

There's news from FAA for those of us seeking pilot certificates or additional ratings.

The FAA branch responsible for testing has just published an outline of updates and near-term changes in the Knowledge and Practical Tests and associated publications:

What's New and Upcoming in Airman Testing

We learn from this handy reference that:

• There will be new Knowledge Test questions.
• There is a new way to schedule Knowledge Tests.
• There is a new source of practice tests.
• there are (or soon will be) new versions of
  
  
  • Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge
  • Aviation Instructor Handbook
  • Risk Management Handbook
  • Airplane Flying Handbook
  
  
• There are no more "students."  We're all "learners" now.
• There are no more "cockpits."  Now the proper term is "flight deck."
• If you ain't got an FTN, you ain't nobody.

As for the practical side of things, you may recall that FAA plans to replace the Practical Test Standards (PTS) with the more modern Airman Certification Standards (ACS), one category at a time.  So far they have done this for airplanes and drones.  Next on the priority list are helicopters and balloons.  Gliders aren't even mentioned, so for now at least, we have the PTS.

PMSC Learners who are about to buy an FAA publication, make sure you get the latest edition!

I bought my first aviation handbook in 1965, and I still have it.

I suppose it's time to get the update.