If you’ve ever gazed at a plane passing by high overhead or seen “Top Gun,” you’ve probably yearned to fly into the clouds with your hands on a control wheel. Unlike a car, you can’t just take a short DMV test and then hop into the cockpit and streak toward the heavens. First, you’ll have to pass the Federal Aviation Administration pilot’s examination. That means understanding a broad range of knowledge about flight rules and regulations, along with basic airplane operation. Do you think you can pass this basic pilot’s quiz?
Before you even set out to receive FAA approval, you have to decide what sort of aircraft you want to fly. The rules for flying a glider are much different than those for piloting a huge commercial airliner. Yet there’s also a lot of overlap between these knowledge bases – pilots must have a firm grasp on the physics of flight, as well as the way aircraft leverage things like lift, drag, thrust, airspeed, attitude, and much more.
Pilots must also know all of the FAA’s various rules and regulations regarding their particular aircraft type. All of those variables change depending on whether you want a sport, recreation, commercial, remote, or another type of license. Take off in this exciting FAA pilot's test now!
In order to obtain a pilot's license, candidates must do what?
Learn to drive a tractor
Bribe instructors after failing the knowledge test
Receive medical clearance
Before you receive that coveted pilot's license, you have to visit a doctor. Without medical clearance, you won't be taking off anytime soon.
It's not uncommon for certain types of aircraft to stall. It's not necessarily time to panic, but you do need to pitch the nose down to regain airspeed.
Spoilers are hinged plates integrated into the top area of the wings. When raised, they can help the plane descend, and they can also reduce the aircraft's speed.
The attitude indicator shows the aircraft's location relative to what?
The horizon
Pilots constantly evaluate the position of the aircraft with regard to the horizon. The attitude indicator shows which direction the plane is tilted and to what degree.
Think of the longitudinal axis as a piece of twine through the center of the plane from tail to nose. It allows the plane to roll as it remains horizontal, while the body rotates diagonally.
Relays your position and altitude to air traffic control
The transponder is a critical communications tool. It uses radio signals to send your altitude and position to air traffic controllers, helping them to keep the skies safe for everyone.
The fuselage is the main body of the plane. Pilots are taught to visually inspect the fuselage of their aircraft to make sure it's not cracked or damaged.
Many pilots practice TGL (touch-and-go landings) in their early days. This continual repetition of landing and taking off again helps them to better control their aircraft.
In the old days, pilots used the yoke and pedals to literally move the parts of the plane. These days, these controllers are all electronic, and the computer instead activates motors that move the rudders, wings, etc.
What's the name for winds that are perpendicular to the plane's direction of travel?
Tailwind
Headwind
Crosswind
Pilots must always be aware of current weather conditions. A crosswind is any wind that moves perpendicular to the aircraft's direction, and it can have a major impact on flight dynamics.
In a standard circuit, pilots turn left. But for many reasons, it's often necessary to perform a right-hand circuit, so you must be well-versed in both.
Every runway has a two-digit number on it. What does the number stand for?
Simply denotes the airstrip number at the airport
Runway length
Compass direction
Every American runway features a two-digit number. That number refers to the compass direction, and is listed as degrees magnetic. Three-digit numbers are rounded to two digits (i.e. 220 degrees would be 22).
VOR stands for VHF omnidirectional range, a type of short-range radio guidance system. The system helps the pilot use a series of ground-based radio beacons to pinpoint location.
VOR ground stations help pilots determine their location, and without them, things can get dicey in certain situations. The stations only have a signal range of about 200 miles.
If you’ve ever gazed at a plane passing by high overhead or seen “Top Gun,” you’ve probably yearned to fly into the clouds with your hands on a control wheel. Unlike a car, you can’t just take a short DMV test and then hop into the cockpit and streak toward the heavens. First, you’ll have to pass the Federal Aviation Administration pilot’s examination. That means understanding a broad range of knowledge about flight rules and regulations, along with basic airplane operation. Do you think you can pass this basic pilot’s quiz?
Before you even set out to receive FAA approval, you have to decide what sort of aircraft you want to fly. The rules for flying a glider are much different than those for piloting a huge commercial airliner. Yet there’s also a lot of overlap between these knowledge bases – pilots must have a firm grasp on the physics of flight, as well as the way aircraft leverage things like lift, drag, thrust, airspeed, attitude, and much more.
Pilots must also know all of the FAA’s various rules and regulations regarding their particular aircraft type. All of those variables change depending on whether you want a sport, recreation, commercial, remote, or another type of license. Take off in this exciting FAA pilot's test now!
