FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL): Aircraft Basics Questions
168 exam-style Aircraft Basics questions for the FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL) paper (PPL · IR · CPL · ATP). The first 12 are free below with answers and explanations — sign up free to practise all of them with progress tracking.
- Q1
On an airplane equipped with a constant-speed propeller, if the propeller control is moved aft toward the low-RPM (coarse pitch) position at constant throttle, what happens to engine RPM?
- ARPM increases
- BRPM decreases
- CMAP decreases
Show answer
Correct answer: B. RPM decreases
- Q2
How is the stroke-to-bore ratio of a reciprocating engine cylinder defined?
- ADiameter/number of cylinders
- BLength / diameter
- CArea x Length x Nrº of cylinders x Pressure x RPM
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Length / diameter
- Q3
What color is the position (navigation) light located on the right (starboard) wingtip of an aircraft?
- ATransparent
- BRed
- CGreen
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Green
- Q4
For a fixed-pitch propeller turning at a constant RPM, as the airplane's forward airspeed decreases, what happens to the angle of attack of the propeller blades?
- ADecreases
- BDepends on the type of propeller used
- CIncreases
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Increases
- Q5
How often should an aircraft's tires be inspected for wear, cuts, and proper inflation?
- AOnly if it is suspected that a blowout may have occurred, since otherwise it would be dangerous to land
- BDaily, before each flight
- CBefore the first flight of the day
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Daily, before each flight
- Q6
As an aircraft descends to a lower altitude, what happens to the ambient atmospheric (static) pressure?
- AStays the same
- BIncreases
- CDecreases
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Increases
- Q7
Static electricity discharging devices, also known as "static wicks":
- ADissipate the static charge in-flight and prevent interference with radio equipment
- BGround the aircraft and avoid sparks during refuelling
- CDissipate the static charge upon landing
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Dissipate the static charge in-flight and prevent interference with radio equipment
- Q8
What is the primary function of the mixture control lever in the cockpit?
- AAdjusting the amount of mixture/air entering the engine
- BAdjusting the mixture
- CAdjusting the cylinder temperature
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Adjusting the mixture
- Q9
Your aircraft’s alternator generates what?
- AHydraulic pressure
- BDirect current
- CAlternating current
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Alternating current
- Q10
On a constant-speed propeller system, moving the propeller control toward the coarse-pitch (low-RPM) setting causes what change in engine RPM?
- AMAP decreases
- BRPM increases
- CRPM decreases
Show answer
Correct answer: C. RPM decreases
- Q11
Your aircraft has a battery capacity 45 Amp hour with a usage of 10 Amp. When will the battery run out?
- A4 min 30 s
- B4 h and 30 min
- C45 min
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 4 h and 30 min
- Q12
Which part takes all of the load in a monocoque construction?
- AThe spars
- BThe skin
- CThe ribs
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The skin
156 more Aircraft Basics questions in the full bank
Create a free account to practise every Aircraft Basics question with instant scoring, chapter tests, previous FAA papers and full-length mock exams.
Start practising free