FAA FAA Private Pilot (PPL): Performance Questions

87 exam-style Performance 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.

  1. Q1

    Under the ground effect the aircraft generates:

    • AMore lift and less induced drag
    • BMore lift and more total drag
    • CMore lift and less parasite drag
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. More lift and less induced drag

  2. Q2

    Density altitude:

    • AIt is the pressure altitude corrected for temperature errors
    • BIt is measured with a separate instrument called radio altimeter
    • CIt can be read in the altimeter if we apply a pressure correction
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. It is measured with a separate instrument called radio altimeter

  3. Q3

    Which of the following would increase the amount of time an aircraft can remain airborne (glide endurance) in a power-off glide?

    • AReducing the weight of the airplane
    • BGliding with a headwind
    • CGliding with a tailwind
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. Reducing the weight of the airplane

  4. Q4

    A distance of 13 inches is equivalent to approximately how many centimetres?

    • A33 cm
    • B34 cm
    • C30 cm
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. 33 cm

  5. Q5

    The maximum angle of climb an aircraft can achieve depends primarily on the ratio between which two forces?

    • AT, D and W
    • BW and D
    • CW and T
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. W and T

  6. Q6

    What effect will landing with a tailwind have during an engine-out approach and landing?

    • ADecreased landing distance
    • BIncreased landing distance
    • CResults in lower energy after the touchdown
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. Increased landing distance

  7. Q7

    How much time does it take to fly 8.25 NM with a GS of 90 kt?

    • A6 min and 45 s
    • B5 min and 30 s
    • C3 min and 30 s
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. 5 min and 30 s

  8. Q8

    You are putting 26 gallons of AVGAS 100LL in your plane. How much will it weigh?

    • A163 lbs
    • B156 lbs
    • C160 lbs
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. 156 lbs

  9. Q9

    In a sequence where each value is the sum of the two preceding values, which set of four numbers correctly continues the pattern that begins 2, 3?

    • A2, 3, 5, 8
    • B2, 3, 5, 7
    • C2, 4, 6,7
    Show answer

    Correct answer: A. 2, 3, 5, 8

  10. Q10

    What is the effect on pitch (elevator) control feel when an aircraft is loaded with a forward centre of gravity?

    • AIt will be lighter and the plane will be more difficult to manoeuvre on the pitch
    • BIt will be stiffer and the plane will be easier to manoeuvre on the pitch
    • CIt will be stiffer and the plane will be more difficult to manoeuvre on the pitch
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. It will be stiffer and the plane will be more difficult to manoeuvre on the pitch

  11. Q11

    What is the effect of a reduction in aircraft weight on climb performance, all other factors being equal?

    • AIncrease the ROC in proportion to the tailwind component
    • BIncrease the ROC
    • CDecrease the angle of climb relative to the ground
    Show answer

    Correct answer: B. Increase the ROC

  12. Q12

    You have flown 15 NM in 10 minutes. What is your GS?

    • A80 kt
    • B60 kt
    • C90 kt
    Show answer

    Correct answer: C. 90 kt

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