Checkride-ready
See how you measure up to FAA standards with questions from the AOPA Pilot Information Center.
1. What ATC facility should the pilot contact to receive a special VFR departure clearance in Class D airspace?
A. Air route traffic control center.
B. Automated flight service station.
C. Air traffic control tower.
2. The boundary between two different air masses is referred to as a
A. frontogenesis.
B. frontolysis.
C. front.
3. If the aircraft’s radio fails, what is the recommended procedure when landing at a towered airport?
A. Flash the landing lights and cycle the landing gear while circling the airport.
B. Observe the traffic flow, enter the pattern, and look for a light signal from the tower.
C. Enter a crosswind leg and rock the wings.
4. When operating under VFR below 18,000 feet msl, unless otherwise authorized, what transponder code should be selected?
A. 7700
B. 7600
C. 1200
5. If it is necessary to set the altimeter from 29.85 to 30.55, what change occurs?
A. 700-foot increase in indicated altitude.
B. 70-foot increase in density altitude.
C. 70-foot increase in indicated altitude.
Ace
Can you correctly answer these questions from retired TWA captain and 28,000-hour pilot Barry Schiff?
6. True or false: A private pilot is on a VFR cross-country flight and is 99 nautical miles from his destination. While passing over an en route airport, a large bug enters the pitot tube and renders the airspeed indicator inoperative. The pilot may continue to his destination.
7. Suspended cables and wires are not shown on sectional aeronautical charts unless they are at least:
A. 100 feet agl.
B. 200 feet agl.
C. 400 feet agl.
D. 500 feet agl.
8. Most pilots are aware of the hazard caused by a broken or disconnected P-lead (its magneto cannot be turned off). What is the meaning of the letter P?
9. During flight, a pilot determines that a circuit breaker has tripped (popped). What procedure does the FAA recommend be followed?
10. True or false: A pilot taxis up to and holds short of a runway because of a red illuminated stop bar across the taxiway. The ground controller clears the aircraft to cross the runway, but the stop bar remains illuminated. The pilot may taxi across the runway.
Illustrations by Ryan Snook
Final Exam Answers
1. The correct answer is C. Class D is typically found around a towered airport. For a special VFR departure clearance from Class D airspace, contact the air traffic control tower. (Aeronautical Information Manual 3-2-5)
2. The correct answer is C. The boundary layer between two types of air masses is known as a front. There are four types of fronts that are named according to the temperature of the advancing air relative to the temperature of the air it is replacing—cold, warm, stationary, and occluded. An approaching front always signals imminent weather changes. (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 12)
3. The correct answer is B. Yield the right of way, if necessary; observe any known traffic; follow it and enter the pattern; then look for a light signal from the tower instructing you how to proceed. Light signals are detailed in FAR 91.125. (Aeronautical Information Manual 4-3-13)
4. The correct answer is C. The standard VFR transponder squawk code is 1200, and should be set whenever flying VFR, unless ATC has assigned another code for control or separation purposes. (Aeronautical Information Manual 4-1-20)
5. The correct answer is A. Altimeters show indicated altitude. Using the adjustment knob to increase the pressure setting in the window will result in an increase in indicated altitude. Each one-inch change equates to 1,000 feet, so an increase of 0.7 inch will yield a 700-foot increase. To adjust the altimeter for variation in atmospheric pressure, the pressure scale in the altimeter setting window, calibrated in inches of mercury, is adjusted to match the given altimeter setting. (Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 8)
6. False. According to FAR 91.7(b), the pilot in command “shall discontinue the flight when unairworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.”
7. The correct answer is B. This is but one reason why flying below 200 feet agl can be hazardous.
8. The letter P represents the primary lead (or circuit) of the magneto.
9. Do not reset a tripped breaker unless advised by the pilot’s operating handbook or required for safe flight. Resetting a breaker (especially more than once) without knowing the cause of the trip can lead to an electrical fire.
10. False. A pilot should never cross a red illuminated stop bar even if cleared to do so. The lights must be turned off by the controller before proceeding. (Aeronautical Information Manual 2-1-11)
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