FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Study Session #1

I am already thinking ahead to the FAA airmen knowledge test, which is the “written portion” of the private pilot exam. I know there are going to be 60 multiple choice questions and I will have to have to get a score of 70% to pass. From everything I’ve read, this multiple choice portion of the test isn’t that hard, and the subject matter itself is the equivalent to junior high coursework. But just because I’ve learned something once, doesn’t mean I’ll always remember it. And only knowing 70% of the information I should know doesn’t feel like a good plan. So, along with my ground school Cessna flight training, I’m going to start reviewing and planning for the knowledge test. The FAA publishes a sample exam, so I will be including information from that as well as the Private Oral Exam Guide by Michael D. Hayes.

Sample Questions and Analysis

The term `angle of attack` is defined as the angle between the

A) chord line of the wing and the relative wind.
B) airplane`s longitudinal axis and that of the air striking the airfoil.
C) airplane`s center line and the relative wind.

The correct answer is A. The angle of attack is the difference between the wing’s chord line and the flight path – not the ground. Relative wind, which is defined as the direction of the airflow over a wing in flight, parallels the flight path.

When activated, an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) transmits on

A) 118.0 and 118.8 MHz.
B) 121.5 and 243.0 MHz.
C) 123.0 and 119.0 MHz

The correct answer is B. The newer ELTs also transmits a 406 MHz encoded digital message to the Cospas/Sarsat satellite system, which allows for rapid identification and reduces Search and Rescue response time. Mandatory ELT laws were instituted in January 1968.

Unless otherwise authorized, if flying a transponder equipped aircraft, a recreational pilot should squawk which VFR code?

A) 1200.
B) 7600.
C) 7700.

The correct answer is A. You can find more information about transponder requirements and ATC Transponder phraseology on the AOPA website.

When making routine transponder code changes, pilots should avoid inadvertent selection of

which code?

A) 7200.
B) 4000.
C) 7500.

The corrector is C. This is the Hijack code, and a way for the pilot or flight crew to silently alert air traffic control that it is under duress. If you input this in the transponder, the air traffic controller will has you to confirm you input the code.

Deviation error of the magnetic compass is caused by

A) northerly turning error.
B) certain metals and electrical systems within the aircraft.
C) the difference in location of true north and magnetic north.

The correct answer is B. Magnetic deviation should not be confused with Magnetic Variation, which is the difference between the Compass North and True North. Learn more about the mag compass at pilotfriend.com.

That’s all for tonight… more to come soon.

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