Final Exam

Final Exam

Final Exam is composed of questions similar to those a student may expect on the private pilot knowledge test. Answers are researched by members of the AOPA Pilot Information Center staff.

1. If the pitot tube and outside static vents become clogged, which instruments would be affected?

A) The altimeter, airspeed indicator, and turn-and-slip indicator.
B) The altimeter, airspeed indicator, and vertical speed indicator.
C) The altimeter, attitude indicator, and turn-and-slip indicator.

2. What are the minimum requirements for airplane operations under special VFR in Class D airspace at night?

A) The airplane must be under radar surveillance at all times while in Class D airspace.
B) The airplane must be equipped for IFR with an altitude reporting transponder.
C) The pilot must be instrument rated, and the airplane must be IFR equipped.

3. Which is the correct traffic pattern departure procedure to use at a an airport without an operating control tower?

A) Depart in any direction consistent with safety, after crossing the airport boundary.
B) Make all turns to the left.
C) Comply with any FAA traffic pattern established for the airport.

4. A person may not act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft if alcoholic beverages have been consumed by that person within the preceding

A) 8 hours.
B) 12 hours.
C) 24 hours.

5. During flight, when are the indications of a magnetic compass accurate?

A) Only in straight-and-level unaccelerated flight.
B) As long as the airspeed is constant.
C) During turns if the bank does not exceed 18 degrees.

6. A special VFR clearance authorizes the pilot of an aircraft to operate VFR while within Class D airspace when the visibility is

A) less than one mile and the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet.
B) at least one mile and the aircraft can remain clear of clouds.
C) at least three miles and the aircraft can remain clear of clouds.

Final Exam answers

1. 1. The correct answer is B. All three of the instruments listed use the static port to detect air pressure changes with altitude, and the airspeed indicator uses the pitot tube to detect ram air for determining velocity (airspeed). The turn-and-slip indicator and the attitude indicator are gyroscopes, neither of which use the pitot-static system.
   
   
2. The correct answer is C. As safety is a primary consideration while operating in special VFR weather conditions (one statute mile visibility and clear of clouds), pilots are required to be instrument rated in an instrument-equipped airplane if operating under special VFR at night (FAR 91.157). Being under radar surveillance is not one of the requirements listed under FAR 91.157. An altitude reporting transponder is not required for special VFR at night.
   
   
3. The correct answer is C. Even though most traffic pattern consist of left turns, sometimes for safety or noise abatement purposes, right-hand traffic patterns are established. A quick check of the Airport/Facilities Directory, a call to unicom for airport advisories, or a safe overflight of the segmented circle will help you determine the correct pattern to use. Answer A is incorrect because the correct departure from the pattern is a straight-out climb following the extended centerline of the runway or a 45 degree turn in the direction of the traffic pattern. Answer B is incorrect because not all traffic patterns are left turns.
   
   
4. The correct answer is A. Legally, you may not act as a crewmember within eight hours of consuming alcohol (see FAR 91.17). Regardless of when alcohol was last consumed, no person may act as crewmember of a civil aircraft while under the influence of alcohol.
   
   
5. The correct answer is A. The magnetic compass only reads correctly when the airplane is stabilized on a constant heading and at a constant airspeed. Because of magnetic dip errors the compass will indicate inaccurate headings when you change heading or airspeed. Answer B is incorrect because even though it says we're at a constant airspeed, it does not state that we're holding heading (like answer A). Answer C is incorrect because a change in heading will lead to magnetic dip errors.
   
   
6. The correct answer is B. The weather minimums for special VFR are flight visibility of at least one statute mile and for the aircraft to be able to operate clear of clouds (FAR91.157). Answer A is incorrect because there is no ceiling requirement and the visibility should certainly not be "less than 1 mile" according to 91.157. Answer C is incorrect because the requirement is for at least one statute mile, not three miles.

AOPA members can discuss these or any aviation questions with Pilot Information Center staff by calling 800-USA-AOPA or sending an e-mail.