One way student pilots demonstrate the subject matter expertise required to hold a private pilot license (PPL) is by taking and passing a written exam. Some of the topics on this exam are particularly challenging, and certain questions tend to be answered incorrectly more than others.

What Is the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam?

The written exam, known as the PAR (private pilot airplane) or PPL written, is a multiple-choice timed knowledge test. Student pilots take this test after completing ground school. The written test is taken at a computer testing center and requires an endorsement from a CFI stating the student is ready to take the test.

How Many Questions Are on the Private Pilot Written Test?

The multiple-choice computer-based test includes 60 questions with three answer choices per question. Test takers are given 120 minutes to complete the exam. Once the exam is complete or the clock runs out, the test is automatically scored and results are printed at the testing center.

How to Pass the Private Pilot Written Test

You must answer at least 70 percent of FAA private pilot written exam questions correctly to pass. Since the PPL test includes 60 questions, at least 42 of your answers need to be right. Although the test is challenging, the PAR (Private Pilot Airplane) written exam has a 90 percent pass rate with an average score of 82 percent, according to the FAA’s 2023 statistics report.

How to Prepare for the Private Pilot Written Test

One of the best ways to get ready for the FAA PPL written exam is to complete a ground school course. Depending on where you do your flight training, your flight school or flight instructor may provide ground instruction as part of your training syllabus.

If ground school isn’t included in your training program, it’s a great idea to go through a reputable online program on your own. There are many self-paced online courses that teach all the basic concepts needed to pass your written test and be a safe pilot.

10 Hardest Questions on the PPL Written Test

While everyone will have their own unique challenges with ground and flight training, some training topics are more universally misunderstood than others. Also, some test questions are more complicated than others. They may involve charts or data, which can be time-consuming to work through, leaving more room for error.

The actual questions found on the exam and in private pilot written test prep materials are copyrighted. Consequently, while the following example questions are emblematic of those most frequently missed, they are not the exact ones you should expect to find on your PPL written exam. Regardless, if you’re looking for information on how to pass the private pilot written exam, our advice is to pay extra attention to these areas. 

1. Weather Report Interpretation

Weather interpretation is an important skill all pilots must develop to make safe and smart decisions. Decoding and interpreting weather reports can be tough in the beginning, but it’s best to start getting comfortable with the language now. There will likely be at least one or two coded reports on your written exam.

The best way to learn how to decode a meteorological aerodrome (or meteorological terminal air) report (METAR) is to pull up a decoder tool and work through sample reports section by section. You can also use the Weather Center METAR finder to generate real-time reports. 

First, give it your best attempt at decoding unassisted, but if you get really stumped, you can use the decoder for clarity. Obviously, you won’t be able to use a decoder in the exam, so it’s important not to become overly reliant on this tool. 

For extra support with METARs and weather interpretation, King Schools offers an 80-minute training workshop, exclusively on this topic. Check out more King Schools training programs here.

Example question: The remarks section of a METAR report reads RAB28. What does this mean?

2. Airspace Identification and Required Equipment

Written test questions about airspace and sectional charts are designed to test your ability to navigate safely and legally through the skies. Different classes of airspace have different rules, and it’s important to be familiar with the requirements for all airspace types.

To practice for these types of questions, pick an airport on a sectional chart and identify all layers of airspace from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. Check your work with a digital sectional like SkyVector or ForeFlight, or ask a CFI if you’re not sure.

Example question: Identify the airspace over X airport. (A reference image will be provided during the test.)

3. Center of Gravity Graphs and Tables

Weight and balance questions are a test of a pilot’s ability to load their aircraft correctly. Airplanes have a weight limit, and limitations on where weight is placed.

One step that can sometimes get missed on these types of questions is scanning the given chart or graph for all available information. For example, you’ll usually need to reference the chart to find the empty weight of the airplane, and add that to the weights provided in the question. If you add only the given weights (usually weights are defined for pilot, passengers, fuel, and cargo), the total will be far too low and your answer won’t make sense.

Another mistake that is often made here is forgetting to convert the fuel amount from gallons to pounds. Aviation fuel weighs six pounds per gallon. In the example below, the given fuel amount is 50 gallons, but you’ll need to know the weight. The weight (gallons x six pounds. = Weight) is 50 x six, or 350 pounds.

Platforms like Gold Seal and ASA offer some great resources within their ground school program to help students understand and practice weight and balance questions.

Example question: Find the location of the center of gravity on an airplane loaded with the following weights: 

Pilot = 200 pounds 

Passengers in the aft position = 300 pounds 

Baggage = 100 pounds

Fuel = 50 gallons 

(A chart or graph will be provided to plot this information.)

4. Density Altitude

Questions about density altitude range from computing the effects of changes in air temperature to evaluating the best response in a given flight scenario. The important thing to remember with these questions is that density altitude changes inversely with altitude. As altitude increases, density altitude decreases.

Make sure to bring an E6B flight computer into your exam in case you need to calculate density altitude or find a temperature conversion. Sporty’s electronic E6B is an approved tool you can take into the exam and is faster and easier than the classic sliding E6B.

Example question: How does an increase in temperature from 30 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to 45 F affect the density altitude if the pressure altitude remains at 4,000 feet msl?

5. VFR Weather Minimums

It can be tough to keep all of the different requirements straight when it comes to visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums. Each class of airspace has its own rules, and sometimes the rules change for night vs. day flying. 

A great visual aid to study is Rod Machado’s VFR triangle, check out his training programs! It can be particularly helpful if you’re a visual learner and would like to see the information rather than just reading it out of a textbook.

Example question: What is the minimum distance from clouds required in VFR flight at night in uncontrolled airspace at 9,500 feet msl?

6. Time En Route Calculations

Similar to density altitude calculations, time en route calculations can be done on an E6B flight computer. These questions are easy to miss if you aren’t careful with the many variables and conversions that go into solving the problem. 

Some questions will also intentionally include additional information that isn’t necessary to solve the problem. Don’t let this confuse you. If information doesn’t seem relevant to a question, it may have been added as a distraction.

Example question: How long will it take to travel 35 nautical miles at a ground speed of 105 knots?

7. Landing and Takeoff Distance Calculations

Questions about takeoff and landing distance will almost always be paired with a relevant performance graph. These graphs will look very similar to graphs found in your aircraft’s pilot operating handbook that are used for flight planning. You’ll need to know how to calculate and plot information on these charts accurately to understand how much space you actually need to land and takeoff.

As with other chart- and graph-based questions, overlooking information is a common mistake. There are usually prescribed conditions that are important for an accurate result.

Example question: What is the total distance required for takeoff? (A graph will be provided, and the question will offer details about weather and the aircraft.)

8. VOR Indications

Some VHF omnidirectional range (VOR)-related questions ask you to identify your position on a map based on the indication on the instrument. A great way to better understand these types of questions is to see the VOR in action, either in the airplane, or via simulation. 

You don’t need a full sim to practice using VORs, though. Download a desktop or mobile app, and change up the variables in a controlled environment.

Example question: When using a VOR test signal, if the course deviation indicator is centered, what should the to/from indicator display?

9. Stall Speed

If aerodynamics have your head spinning, you’re not alone. Questions about load factor, stall speed, and center of gravity can appear in the form of charts, graphs, and scenarios.

Visualizing how aerodynamic forces are working on an aircraft can be a powerful way to wrap your head around these types of problems. Courses like those offered by Angle of Attack provide visual examples and explanations of basic aerodynamic principles and more advanced concepts.

It’s helpful to get the same information in multiple ways to create a more well-rounded picture. If staring at the load factor chart just isn’t making it all come together, try watching some videos about wind tunnels, Bernoulli’s principle, and the critical angle of attack.

Example question: What happens to the stall speed of an aircraft when its weight increases?

10. Aircraft Systems and Flight Instruments

If you are taking the written exam before starting any kind of flight training, you might find instrument and system questions particularly challenging. They do become easier with time and experience, but when you’re brand new to flying, the information can be hard to grasp. 

Fly 8MA has a free introductory ground school course full of informative videos, some of which explain and show actual flight instruments and systems. Watching instruments and systems in action will help you understand how they function.

Example question: Which instruments would be affected if the static port became blocked?

Plan to Pass the Private Pilot Written Exam

The best way to prepare for this test is to set a date, ideally no more than two to four weeks after finishing ground school while the material is fresh in your mind. Once you’ve set that date, devote regular time to study and run through practice questions to make the certification process that much smoother, and your flying that much safer.

And keep in mind that regardless of whether you’ve already started flight training, going through an approved ground school will set you up for success— both in the airplane and on your PPL exams. 

FAQ

How much is a PPL written test?

The PPL written exam costs $175 for both first-time tests and retakes. If a passing score of at least 70 percent isn’t reached on the first try, it will cost $175 to retake it.

Is the PPL exam hard?

The written exam is challenging and requires a lot of study and preparation ahead of time. Still, if you take your studies seriously, you have a good chance of passing on the first try. The FAA reports a 90 percent pass rate on the PPL written exam.

Where can I take the FAA written exam?

To sign up to take the written exam, first create an account with FAA PSI Exams. Once your account is set up, you can select the exam type (the three-letter code for private pilot certification is PAR) and choose a testing location near you. Exam slots only open up to two weeks in advance, so it’s best to wait until you’re ready to take the exam before scheduling a time.

The post What Are the 10 Hardest FAA Private Pilot Written Exam Questions? appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

ASA has been helping pilots achieve certification for decades. The Instrument Pilot Oral Exam Guide, now in its 11th edition, is arranged by topic, and provides a question-and-answer format very similar to the way the oral portion of the checkride is presented.

• READ MORE: ASA Launches 11th Edition of Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide

Blair aligns the guide with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) that went into effect on May 31, 2024. 

This edition has new and expanded content for the pilot to apply during the preflight, and discussion of the departure, en route, and arrival phases of instrument flight. There is an increase in application of scenario-based training, along with additional study material for Instrument Instructor (CFII) candidates. There’s also guidance for instrument proficiency checks (IPC) which to be effective, should be much more than shooting approaches.

The Instrument PilotOral Exam Guide can be found at pilot supply shops, online retailers, or at ASA2fly.com.

Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on flyingmag.com. 

The post New IFR Oral Exam Guide on Offer from ASA appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

After more than 30 years of guiding pilots through their check rides, the work of author Michael Hayes is expanded by the capable hands of Jason Blair. A distinguished figure in the aviation community and periodic contributor to Plane & Pilot, Blair brings extensive experience as an active single- and multiengine instructor and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), having issued more than 1,000 pilot certificates.

The 11th edition aligns seamlessly with the Airman Certification Standards (ACS), ensuring that it meets the latest industry standards and regulations. The guide adopts a user-friendly, Q&A format, presenting the most likely questions evaluators may pose during the practical exam. In addition to concise responses, FAA references are strategically incorporated, allowing for further in-depth study.

One of the significant highlights of this edition is the expanded content covering pilot regulations, airworthiness, weather, airplane systems, emergency procedures, performance and limitations, cross-country flight, human factors, flight maneuvers, and scenario-based training. This holistic approach makes the Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide not only a key preparation tool for a check ride but also a valuable general refresher for seasoned pilots.

Measuring 5.25-by-8.25 inches and spanning 352 pages, the guide comes in a convenient softcover format. The user-friendly layout and comprehensive content make it an ideal study companion for those pursuing a commercial pilot certificate.

Aviation learners and professionals can find the Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide at their local FBO, preferred online retailers, or directly on the ASA website. Whether you’re embarking on your journey to become a commercial pilot or seeking to enhance your existing knowledge, this latest edition can become an essential companion in mastering the skies.

The post ASA Launches 11th Edition of Commercial Pilot Oral Exam Guide appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

The Classics: Headsets, Gear bags, and Watches

A Good Headset

Many pilots begin their training by renting a headset from the FBO or borrowing a hand-me-down from another pilot. If you’d like to give that pilot a headset of their own, there are plenty from which to choose.

The David Clark Company (the headsets with the distinctive green ear cups) has been protecting pilots for decades. The model H10-30 is still a beginning pilot favorite, and at less than $400 it does the job. On the higher end, you’ll find their automatic noise reduction models available from $745 to $895.

The two most popular ANR headsets on the market are the Bose A30 and Lightspeed Delta Zulu. Both will set you back about $1,200, which isn’t cheap, but both are aviation safety wearables, and most pilots will tell you they are comfortable, even on long flights.The Lightspeed also features a built-in carbon monoxide detector. The Bose and Lightspeed headsets also come with protective cases.

Pilot Gear Bags

They come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, but all have the same job—to hold the pilot’s supplies. You can find them in man-made fabrics that resist tearing and are relatively easy to repair, as well as in leather. The bag should be large enough to hold a headset, kneeboard, iPad, notepad, water bottle, writing implements, E6-B flight computer, and anything else your pilot needs or carries with them on flights.

Look for a bag with multiple pockets and compartments to keep the pilot organized. Some bags come with specially designed spaces for personal electronic devices. Some are designed to be carried with a shoulder strap like a duffle bag, while others are backpacks. Some are a hybrid of the two.

Prices start around $75 and go up from there. Companies that carry them include ASA, Sporty’s, and Flight Outfitters.

Pro tip: Look for a bag that has a reinforced bottom or corners because it’s going to be put down on cement ramps. You may also see if there is an option for monogramming. Most of the bags are black and tend to look alike, so do what you can to set your aviator’s gear apart from the rest.

Flight Jacket

A flight jacket may become a pilot’s most prized possession and often a family heirloom. Fabric jackets such as the nylon MA-1 with its baseball styling is an aviation classic and available for around $90. The interior of the jacket is come-find-me-now orange, which could come in handy if the wearer has an unscheduled off-airport landing and needs to be spotted from the air.

The leather jackets, notably an A-2 look-alike from a department store will run you about $140, while an A-2 military spec flight jacket from companies that specialize in them (Sporty’s Pilot Shop, U.S. Wings) starts at about $250. The jackets with the sheepskin lining are considerably more, $930 and up for the real thing.

Pro tip: When it comes to the flight jacket, always order one size up from what the person usually wears. That way they will be able to layer it in the winter.

Watches

There is a running joke that you can always tell a pilot by the size of their watch, but that has morphed into that you can tell if someone is a pilot because they wear a wristwatch rather than use their cellphone as a time-check device. The higher-end watches, like the Breitling designs, sell for $2,000 and up, and are beautiful chronographs. They are often worn by military demonstration teams.

Garmin D2 varieties continue to be popular. The Garmin D2 can help you check weather, monitor your vital signs, navigate via GPS, and when paired with your smartphone, take and make calls and send texts.

The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro does all these things and more, and has a built-in LED flashlight with white light, strobe, and red light for flight deck operations. For the sports minded, it has multiple functions to keep your training on track. The Garmin watches sell for $500 to $1,399.

For women, the Abingdon Co. continues to produce beautiful aviation-inspired timepieces (the bezel doubles as a flight computer) that look good on a slightly smaller wrist. Designed for women by a woman, they start at $485 and go up from there. This year, the Abingdon WASP watch to honor the Women Airforce Service Pilots is creating a lot of buzz in aviation circles.

Hand-held Radios

There is a reason that so many pilot gear bags come with a pocket specifically designed to carry an aviation radio. It is a good item to have, providing a pilot with a backup should the aircraft’s radio fail in flight and providing a flight instructor the means to monitor a learner’s first solo flight from the ramp.

Sporty’s PJ2+ Com ($249) is a popular unit this year. If you would rather go with ICOM, expect to pay $269.95 to $579.95.

Pro tip: Remove the batteries from the device if it won’t be used for a while. This keeps it from going critical and corroding.

Oil Dipstick Remover

It’s  one of those gifts most pilots don’t think to get for themselves, but there will come a time when everyone needs one. Usually this is after someone with gorilla-like strength has put the oil cap back on and tightened it with such force that you would think it insulted their parentage. Instead of wrestling with the recalcitrant cap or using a tool not designed for this purpose, resulting in damage to both the tool and cap, reach for the specialty tool.

From Aircraft Spruce: $13.95

Flashlights

Aviation flashlights with multiple-colored lenses are always appreciated. Some are designed to clip on to something so they can be angled. Some are so bright they can turn night into day. Some have the ability to strobe. Expect to pay around $12.95 to $99.95 for one, depending on the size and options you choose. Don’t forget to include batteries.

Screwdrivers

Screwdriver sets, Phillips or flathead or those with replaceable bits or with a magnet or claw tip, are always appreciated, as they tend to grow legs. Brass screwdrivers that can be used to swing a compass are particularly valued by avionics technicians.

Aircraft Spruce has a selection available.

Tool Supplier Gift Cards

Because most mechanics are very particular about their tools, going with a gift card from their favorite tool supplier, such as Snap-on or Matco, is always in good taste.

Time Gift Certificates

If the flight school or FBO allows it, put some money on account for your aviator to use toward their training. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Pilots who are doing all sorts of things to economize, such as living off of ramen and hot dogs so they have more money to pay for flying, will appreciate this. Caveat: Before you do this, check to see if the flight school has an administrative fee for money on account. If the learner has to drop out of training for a time, it is very discouraging to learn that $300 that was put on their account has been eaten up by administrative fees. This is not uncommon when the school is known for questionable business practices.

Aviation Supply Gift Cards

You can’t go wrong with a gift certificate, as this allows the person to make their own selection, be it apparel, book, model, fuel strainer, or even parts for the airplane they are building in the hangar. They might even use it toward the purchase of an online ground school.

Go for the Whimsy

For the more fanciful gifts, Sporty’s has its Wright Bros. Collection. Colorful and comprehensive, it is a good resource for history buffs looking for that perfect gift from the dawn of aviation to the space program. You’ll find T-shirts, artwork, models, and books, and you’ll find a nice selection of holiday decorations as well, including the inflatable Santa in an airplane and the aviator nutcracker.

There are gifts of nearly every size and at every price point for the aviator or enthusiast in your life. With a little thought and a little searching, you should be able to find something that is just right. 

The post Aviation Gifts that Take Flight appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.