Pre Solo Written exam

Question 1

General
What personal documents and endorsements are you required to have before you fly solo?

Answer 1

Required Personal Documents:
1. Student Pilot Certificate
2. Government-Issued Photo ID
3. FAA Medical Certificate
4. Logbook (with required endorsements)

Required Endorsements (Per 14 CFR § 61.87):
1. Pre-Solo Aeronautical Knowledge Endorsement
2. Pre-Solo Flight Training Endorsement
3. Solo Flight Endorsement (valid for 90 days)
4. Solo Cross-Country Endorsement (if applicable) 14 CFR § 61.93

Question 2

General
What are your limitations as a student pilot regarding carrying off passengers or cargo and flying for compensation or hire?

Answer 2

A student pilot cannot carry passengers, property for compensation or hire , and cannot act as PIC for compensation or hire under any circumstances.

Question 3

General
Who has the final authority and responsibility for the operation of the aircraft when you are flying solo?

Answer 3

Regulatory Basis:
* 14 CFR § 91.3(a) states that the PIC has the final authority over the operation of the aircraft and is responsible for the safety of the flight.
* 14 CFR § 61.89(a) allows a student pilot to act as PIC during authorized solo flights, but only under the limitations set by their instructor.

Key Responsibilities as PIC:
1. Ensuring Flight Safety – Making all necessary decisions for a safe flight.
2. Following Regulations – Adhering to FAA rules, including student pilot limitations.
3. Executing Emergency Procedures – Handling unexpected situations appropriately.
4. Complying with Instructor’s Endorsements – Only flying within the authorized conditions.

Question 4

General
Explain student pilot limitations regarding visibility, ceilings and flight above the clouds.

Answer 4

KHEG
Below 700 feet AG:
*1SM visibility
*Clear of clouds

Above 700 feet AG:
* 3SM visibility
* 500 below, 1000 above, 2000 horizontal from clouds

Question 5

Discuss what preflight action concerning the airport and aircraft performance is specified in the regulations for a local flight.

Answer 5

A.W.K.R.A.F.T.
All pertinent information
Weather
Known ATC delays
Runway lengths
Alternates (if leaving vicinity of airport)
Fuel - Amount required past destination - Day 30m - Night 45m
Takeoff and landing distances

Question 6

What are the general requirements pertaining to the use of safety belts and shoulder harnesses?

Answer 6

Safety belts must be worn at all times.
Shoulder harnessses must be worn during take and landing. (if equipped)

Question 7

What is the minimum fuel reserve for a day VFR flight and in what cruise speed is fuel reserve based?

Answer 7

30 minutes beyond destination. Determined from the cruise power chosen for the flight

Question 8

General
What aircraft certificates and documents must be on board when you are flying solo?

Answer 8

A.R.R.O.W.
Airworthiness Certificate
Registration Certificate
Radio Station License (if operating outside the U.S.)
Operating Limitations (POH, placards)
Weight & Balance Data

Question 9

General
Discuss the right-of-way rules regarding overtaking another aircraft, approaching head-on and another aircraft converging from the other side.

Question 10

General
Who has the right-of-way when two aircraft are on final approach to land at the same time?

Question 11

General
Discuss the regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol and operating an aircraft.

Question 12

General
At and around your home airport, where is an operating mode C transponder required?

Question 13

General
If your aircraft has an operating mode C transponder, where is an operating mode C transponder required?

Question 14

General
Except when necessary for takeoffs and landings, what are the minimum safe altitudes when flying over congested and other than congested areas?

Question 15

General
List at least three sources for the local altimeter setting at an airport and another alternative if none is available.

Answer 15

ATIS, AWOS/ASOS
ATC if towed
Nearby METAR if necessary

If no altimeter setting is available you can set to field elevation.

Question 16

General
When practicing steep turns, stalls and maneuvering during slow flight, the entry altitude must allow a recovery to be completed no lower than how many feet AGL?

Answer 16

1,500 feet above ground level (AGL), as required by 14 CFR § 91.119

Question 17

General
When is a go around appropriate?

Answer 17

A go-around is appropriate anytime a landing cannot be safely completed. Common situations that require a go-around include:
1. Unstable Approach:
• Excessive airspeed, altitude, or descent rate
• Poor alignment with the runway
2. Runway Occupied or Obstructed:
• Another aircraft, vehicle, or person on the runway
• Wildlife or debris on the runway
3. ATC Instructions:
• Air traffic control directs you to go around due to traffic conflicts
4. Loss of Landing Clearance:
• If clearance was received but is later canceled
5. Weather or Wind Conditions:
• Sudden wind shift, strong gusts, or wind shear
• Poor visibility or unexpected turbulence
6. Aircraft Performance Issues:
• Bounce, ballooning, or an unstable flare
• Mechanical issues that affect landing
7. Personal Safety Concerns:
• If something doesn’t feel right, the safest option is to go around

A go-around is a normal procedure and should be executed smoothly and confidently to maintain control and safety.

Question 18

General
Discuss the steps in the go around process.

Answer 18

The go-around process involves several key steps to ensure a safe transition from the landing phase back to controlled flight. Here’s the proper procedure:

1. Apply Full Power
   • Smoothly advance the throttle to full power to establish a positive climb.
   • If flying a complex aircraft, ensure propeller (full forward) and mixture (rich) settings are appropriate.
2. Establish a Climb Attitude
   • Pitch up to a safe climb attitude (typically Vy – Best Rate of Climb speed for optimal altitude gain).
   • Avoid excessive nose-up inputs to prevent a stall.
3. Retract Flaps Incrementally
   • If full flaps were used, retract to an intermediate setting (e.g., 20° or 10°).
   • As a positive rate of climb is established, retract flaps gradually to prevent a sudden loss of lift.
4. Ensure a Positive Rate of Climb
   • Check vertical speed indicator (VSI) and altimeter for a positive climb.
   • If equipped, confirm with the radar altimeter or other reference.
5. Retract Landing Gear (if applicable)
   • If flying a retractable-gear aircraft, retract the gear once positive climb is confirmed to reduce drag.
6. Maintain Proper Flight Path
   • Continue climbing while maintaining runway alignment.
   • If necessary, follow the missed approach procedure or traffic pattern instructions given by ATC.
7. Communicate
   • If at a towered airport, announce the go-around:
   Example: “Tower, [Aircraft Call Sign] is going around.”
   • If at an uncontrolled airport, broadcast on CTAF to alert traffic.
8. Plan Your Next Action
   • Decide whether to attempt another landing, depart the area, or follow ATC instructions for sequencing back into the pattern.

By following these steps smoothly and decisively, you ensure a safe and controlled go-around while maintaining situational awareness.

Question 19

General
What general steps should you follow after an engine failure in flight?

Question 20

General
During flight, you begin to see a gradual decrease in power. What is a likely cause and what should be done to remedy the situation?

Answer 20

A gradual decrease in power during flight can be caused by several factors, but a common culprit is carburetor ice (in aircraft with a carbureted engine).

Likely Cause:
• Carburetor Icing: Moisture in the air freezes inside the carburetor, restricting airflow and reducing engine power. This is most common in temperatures between 20°F and 70°F (-7°C to 21°C) with high humidity.

Steps to Remedy the Situation:
1. Apply Carburetor Heat Immediately
• Turn on carb heat to melt the ice.
• Expect an initial drop in RPM/power as the melting ice enters the engine, followed by a gradual increase as normal operation resumes.
2. Monitor Engine Performance
• If power does not return, carb ice may not be the cause.
3. Check for Other Possible Causes:
• Fuel Mixture: Adjust for proper fuel/air ratio (richen at lower altitudes, lean at higher altitudes).
• Fuel Supply: Ensure the fuel selector is on a tank with fuel.
• Ignition Issues: Check magnetos (switching to one at a time to see if performance improves).
• Air Intake Blockage: Verify that the air filter or intake is not obstructed.
4. Prepare for a Precautionary Landing (if necessary)
• If power continues to decrease, consider diverting to the nearest airport or preparing for an emergency landing.

For Fuel-Injected Engines:

Fuel-injected engines do not experience carburetor ice. In this case, check for:
• Fuel starvation or contamination
• Induction system blockages
• Ignition problems (magneto failure, spark plug fouling, etc.)

If the issue persists and power continues to decline, declare an emergency with ATC and land as soon as possible.

Question 21

General
During engine run-up, you cause rocks, debris and propeller blast to be directed toward another aircraft or person. Could this be considered careless or reckless operation of an aircraft? Why or why not?

Question 22

General
What altitudes should you use when operating VFR in level cruising flight at more than 3000 feet AGL and what determines those altitudes?

Question 23

General
What is the emergency frequency?

Answer 23

121.5

Question 24

Aircraft Questions
List the minimum equipment and instruments that must be working properly in your aircraft for day VFR flight.

Answer 24

For day VFR flight, the minimum required equipment and instruments must comply with 14 CFR § 91.205 (b), commonly remembered by the acronym ATOMATOFLAMES:

Required Equipment for Day VFR Flight:
1. A – Airspeed Indicator
2. T – Tachometer (for each engine)
3. O – Oil Pressure Gauge (for each engine using an oil system)
4. M – Manifold Pressure Gauge (for altitude-adjustable engines)
5. A – Altimeter
6. T – Temperature Gauge (for liquid-cooled engines)
7. O – Oil Temperature Gauge (for air-cooled engines)
8. F – Fuel Gauge (for each tank)
9. L – Landing Gear Position Indicator (for retractable gear aircraft)
10. A – Anti-Collision Lights (for aircraft certified after March 11, 1996)
11. M – Magnetic Compass
12. E – ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) (if required by regulations)
13. S – Seat Belts (for all occupants, shoulder harnesses required for front seats in aircraft manufactured after 1978)

Additional Considerations:
• If any of these required instruments or equipment are inoperative, the aircraft may not be legal for flight unless properly addressed under an approved Minimum Equipment List (MEL) or a Special Flight Permit is issued.
• Some aircraft may have additional required equipment based on aircraft type certification or specific operational requirements (e.g., Class B airspace requirements).

Always verify the aircraft’s POH (Pilot’s Operating Handbook) and conduct a thorough preflight inspection to ensure compliance with VFR equipment regulations.

Question 25

Aircraft Questions
Fill in the v-speed definitions and the corresponding speed for your training airplane.

Answer 25

Vso - 49
Vs1
Vx - 66
Vy - 80
Va - 114
Vno - 140
Vne - 174

MPH

Question 26

Aircraft Questions
What is the best glide speed for your training airplane? MPH/KIAS

Question 27

Aircraft Questions
Describe the changes in Vg and Va with changes in the gross weight of an aircraft.

Question 28

Aircraft Questions
What flap settings should be used in your training airplane for the following operations?
Takeoff: normal, short field, soft field
Landing: normal, short field, soft field

Question 29

Aircraft Questions
Describe any limitations on flapping use in your training airplane.

Question 30

Aircraft Questions
What grade or grades of fuel can be safely used in your aircraft? What are the colors of the recommended fuels? What happens to the color of two grades are mixed?

Question 31

Aircraft Questions
What are the minimum and maximum oil capacities for your training airplane?

Question 32

Aircraft Questions
Under what circumstances should you use carburetor heat?

Question 33

Aircraft Questions
If during a flight, you experience carburetor ice and full carburetor heat is applied, what changes in engine performance would you expect?

Question 34

Aircraft Questions
Under what circumstances could a spin occur in your training aircraft?

Question 35

Aircraft Questions
Describe the spin recovery procedures for your training aircraft.

Question 36

Aircraft Questions
What is the stall speed of your training airplane in a 60 degree bank with flaps up?

Question 37

Aircraft Performance