Train Like the Pros: Inside the FAA Air Marshal Pistol Qualification Drill
The FAA Air Marshal Pistol Qualification Drill is one of the most difficult handgun tests in the United States. It’s not just a shooting drill — it’s a comprehensive stress test of accuracy, speed, and composure under strict time pressure. Designed to ensure Air Marshals are ready to respond to in-flight threats, this drill demands perfection.
If you shoot regularly, you’ll quickly realize how tough this is. And if you’re new to defensive firearms, this serves as a gold standard to work toward — even if you’re not aiming to be an Air Marshal.
⚠️ WARNING: Most commercial shooting ranges are not equipped to run this drill.
- Stage 5 involves shooting across lanes — something most ranges prohibit.
- Stage 6 requires 180° turning and shooting at three targets, which is only possible at specialized training facilities.
📋 FAA Qualification Drill Overview
| Stage | Action | Reps | Start Position | Time (Sec) | Total Shots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Draw & fire 1 round | 2 | From concealment | 3.30 total | 2 |
| 2 | Double tap (2 shots) | 2 | Low ready | 2.70 total | 4 |
| 3 | 6 rounds rapid | 1 | Low ready | 3.00 | 6 |
| 4 | 1 shot, reload, 1 shot | 2 | Low ready | 6.50 total | 4 |
| 5 | 1 round at 2 targets, 3 yds apart | 2 | Low ready | 3.30 total | 4 |
| 6 | 180° pivot: fire at 3 targets | 2 | From concealment | 7.00 total | 6 |
| 7 | 1 shot, slide lock, kneel, reload, 1 shot | 2 | Low ready | 8.00 each | 4 |
🧠 Breakdown and Challenges
- Stage 1: Fired twice from concealment. Both shots combined must be within 3.30 seconds. Example: if the first takes 2.00, the second must happen in 1.30 or less.
- Stage 2: Two 2-shot strings. Average of 1.35 seconds per string.
- Stage 3: 6-shot string with no more than 0.60 seconds between each shot.
- Stage 4: Reload under pressure. Each pair of shots must average 3.25 seconds.
- Stage 5: Target transition across lanes — average 1.65 seconds per pair. Not allowed at most public ranges.
- Stage 6: 180° pivot to engage 3 targets. Requires a specialized range.
- Stage 7: First mag holds 1 round (slide locks back). Shooter drops to a knee, reloads, and fires again. Repeated twice.
🎯 Accuracy Standards
- Target: FBI “QIT” bottle silhouette
- Shots Fired: 30
- Scoring:
- 5 points = hits inside the bottle
- 2 points = hits on the line or outside
- Total Time: 33.8 seconds
- Max Score: 150
- Passing Score: 135 — but you must pass every stage
- Reminder: “If you don’t qualify, you don’t fly.”
Why This Matters for Armed Citizens
Even if you never plan to become an Air Marshal, this test pushes your skills in every area that counts:
- Drawing from concealment
- Recoil control
- Target transitions
- Emergency reloads
- Movement and positional shooting
- Shooting under time pressure
Take Your Skills to the Next Level
Want to learn how to train to this level? Start with the basics and build real defensive shooting skills in our live-fire concealed carry classes. You’ll cover use-of-force law, accuracy under pressure, and real-world shooting drills.
Ready to Train Like the Pros?
At Concealed Carry Classes of Denver, we help everyday citizens train to a higher standard, just like elite professionals. Our live-fire CCW courses are designed to build confidence, improve skill, and ensure you understand the laws of self-defense.
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Final Thoughts
The FAA Air Marshal Qualification isn’t just a drill — it’s a real-world stress test. It teaches discipline, speed, and control. And whether you’re guarding a plane or protecting your family, those are skills worth mastering, and readiness to defend and protect in the most demanding situations.
