Task A – Pilot Qualifications Practice Questions & Answers

PA.I.A.K1 - Certification Requirements (20 Compound Scenarios)

Q: You're 16 and soloing a Cessna 172. The examiner asks what certificate you can hold at this age, and if you can carry passengers.

A: At 16, you can hold a student pilot certificate and solo under instructor endorsement. You cannot carry passengers until you're a private pilot at

Q: You're preparing for a checkride but your instructor forgot to endorse your logbook for the practical test. What happens?

A: Without the required endorsement, you cannot take the checkride. The examiner will not proceed until you have the instructor's sign-off.

Q: You hold a recreational pilot certificate but want to fly to an airport 60 NM away with passengers. What's required?

A: A recreational pilot is limited to 50 NM flights unless they receive additional training and an endorsement. Otherwise, they cannot legally make the flight.

Q: You're a private pilot applying for a commercial certificate. The DPE asks how your logged PIC time as a private applies.

A: All PIC time counts toward the total required for commercial. Must meet minimums specified under Part 61.

Q: You are applying for an instrument rating. Do you need a separate medical?

A: No, the same medical certificate applies. But instrument operations require at least a third-class medical for acting as PIC.

Q: You're a private pilot with 40 hours logged. Can you add on a glider rating?

A: Yes, provided you meet the aeronautical experience requirements specific to gliders and pass the required practical test.

Q: Can you exercise student pilot privileges without holding your physical student pilot certificate in your possession?

A: No. You must carry the certificate while exercising the privileges.

Q: You're a sport pilot who wants to fly at night in a Light Sport Aircraft. Legal?

A: No. Sport pilots are restricted to day VFR.

Q: You're a private pilot with 30 hours TT. Can you begin training toward an instrument rating

A: Yes, there's no minimum to start. But you must meet 50 hours cross-country PIC and 40 hours instrument training before the checkride.

Q: You're asked what a temporary airman certificate means.

A: A temporary certificate is valid for 120 days until a permanent certificate arrives. It carries the same privileges and limitations.

Q: You're a student pilot endorsed for solo cross-country. Can you carry a passenger?

A: No. Student pilots cannot carry passengers under any circumstance.

Q: You're a private pilot and you lose your certificate. Can you fly?

A: No. You must apply for a replacement. You cannot exercise privileges without holding the certificate.

Q: You're applying for BasicMed. Do you still need to hold at least a private pilot certificate?

A: Yes. BasicMed only applies if you already hold at least a private pilot certificate.

Q: You're asked if you can hold two pilot certificates at once.

A: Yes. You can hold multiple (e.g., private pilot airplane and glider). But only one medical at a time.

Q: You're a private pilot in training for an ATP. Can you use simulator time toward required hours?

A: Yes, but limited and specified by regulation.

Q: You're flying as a student pilot, but forgot your medical certificate at home. Can you fly solo?

A: No. You must have the medical in your personal possession while exercising privileges.

Q: Can you ever act as PIC without holding a pilot certificate?

A: No. It is required by 14 CFR 61.3 to have it in possession while exercising privileges.

Q: You hold a foreign pilot license. Can you fly in the U.S.?

A: Yes, with an FAA-issued foreign-based certificate under Part 61.75.

Q: You're a private pilot and your certificate is suspended. Can you act as SIC?

A: No. You cannot exercise any privileges of the certificate while suspended.

Q: A DPE asks how you stay eligible for your private pilot certificate after issuance.

A: Must comply with flight review, maintain medical eligibility, and follow all regulations.

PA.I.A.K2 - Privileges & Limitations (20 Compound Scenarios)

Q: You're current during the day but haven't flown at night for 6 months. Your friend asks for a flight at 10 PM in Class B airspace. Can you?

A: No. You must complete 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at night in the preceding 90 days to carry passengers at night.

Q: Your boss offers to cover all flight expenses if you fly him to a meeting tomorrow. You're on BasicMed. Can you accept?

A: No. Private pilots cannot act as PIC for compensation or hire. Must pay pro rata share if carrying passengers.

Q: You're a private pilot with glider towing endorsement. Can you tow your friend's glider for free?

A: Yes, if current and endorsed. It's permitted even for private pilots.

Q: Can you use your private pilot privileges to act as PIC in an aircraft demonstration for sale

A: No. That requires commercial privileges.

Q: You're on BasicMed. Can you take a Cessna 421 at 19,000 feet?

A: No. BasicMed limited to 6,000 lbs max takeoff weight, 250 knots, and 18,000 feet.

Q: You want to fly for a nonprofit's fundraising event. Can you accept money for it?

A: Yes, under 91.146 charitable events with proper authorization.

Q: You've not flown in 2 years. Can you fly solo to practice?

A: No. Flight review required within 24 calendar months to act as PIC.

Q: A DPE asks if you can tow banners as a private pilot.

A: No. Banner towing requires commercial privileges.

Q: You hold a private pilot certificate. Can you act as SIC in a turboprop requiring two pilots

A: Yes, if properly trained and qualified, since you are not acting as PIC.

Q: You're asked if you can fly a friend to Mexico in your 172 if they pay all expenses.

A: No. You must pay your pro rata share.

Q: You want to carry passengers at night. Your last night landing was 91 days ago. Legal?

A: No. Must have 3 full-stop landings in the preceding 90 days.

Q: Can you rent an aircraft and have passengers cover all costs?

A: No. Must pay your proportional share.

Q: You want to do a corporate flight for your company's executives. Legal?

A: No. That's considered for hire and requires commercial privileges.

Q: You're asked to act as PIC of a plane that needs repositioning for an FBO. Can you?

A: No. That's compensation. Requires commercial privileges.

Q: You're asked if you can take part in a Part 135 operation with only a private pilot certificate.

A: No. Part 135 requires commercial certificate and additional training.

Q: You're asked if you can accept free lodging and meals as payment for flying.

A: No. That's considered compensation.

Q: You want to demonstrate spins for fun with your friend. Can you?

A: No, unless you're a CFI providing training and using parachutes.

Q: Can you exceed the 250 KT limitation in BasicMed?

A: No. BasicMed strictly limits to 250 KT or below.

Q: You're asked what medical class is required for private pilot privileges.

A: At least a third-class medical or BasicMed.

Q: A DPE asks how long you can fly as a private pilot if you never do a flight review.

A: Only until 24 calendar months after your last review. After that, you're not legal to act as PIC.

Scenario: You're PIC but haven't flown in 3 months. Weather is marginal VFR. Do you fly?

Answer: Assess personal proficiency; if not confident, delay flight. Safety over currency.

Scenario: You're flying unfamiliar aircraft with unfamiliar avionics. GPS fails en route.

Answer: Revert to pilotage/dead reckoning; maintain situational awareness; communicate with ATC if necessary.

Scenario: Fatigue sets in during a long cross-country flight.

Answer: Evaluate capability; consider diversion, landing, or rest; fatigue is a risk factor.

Scenario: You're asked to fly passengers into an unfamiliar airport with short runways.

Answer: Assess aircraft performance, personal proficiency, environmental factors; proceed only if safe.

Scenario: Unexpected turbulence reported at destination.

Answer: Adjust airspeed, consider alternate airport; prioritize safety.

Scenario: Passenger requests a direct route through restricted airspace.

Answer: Refuse; maintain legal compliance; reroute safely.

Scenario: Marginal fuel reserve for flight.

Answer: Increase fuel reserve, identify alternates, consider delaying or refueling.

Scenario: Night flight after recent illness.

Answer: Evaluate personal health and readiness; delay flight if impaired.

Scenario: ATC requests deviation that will fly you into mountains.

Answer: Assess aircraft performance, terrain, and proficiency; comply safely or request alternative.

Scenario: Passenger motion sickness mid-flight.

Answer: Adjust altitude/airspeed; provide comfort; consider diversion.

Scenario: You're asked to operate above BasicMed altitude limits.

Answer: Refuse; exceed legal/medical limits; ensure safety.

Scenario: GPS fails and radios malfunction.

Answer: Revert to backup navigation; maintain VFR; declare emergency if necessary.

Scenario: Strong crosswind develops on approach.

Answer: Evaluate skill and aircraft capability; consider go-around; use proper technique.

Scenario: Unexpected weather front develops en route.

Answer: Reassess route; consider diversion; monitor weather and communicate.

Scenario: You haven't practiced landings in 90 days, but carrying passengers.

Answer: Currency not met; regain proficiency before carrying passengers.

Scenario: DPE asks: "What if you encounter icing with carburetor heat inoperative?"

Answer: Assess risk; consider diverting or delaying flight; understand aircraft limitations.

Scenario: ATC reports nearby traffic in congested airspace.

Answer: Maintain separation; adjust altitude/heading; communicate intentions.

Scenario: Pilot unsure of runway lengths at destination airport.

Answer: Review POH, calculate takeoff/landing distance; ensure safety margins.

Scenario: Distracting passenger during critical phase of flight.

Answer: Prioritize aircraft control; manage distraction safely.

Scenario: Weather worsens after departure.

Answer: Reassess route, diversion, or return; maintain VFR minimums; prioritize safety.

PA.I.A.S1 - Skills Questions (20)

Scenario: You're PIC, autopilot fails mid-flight in unfamiliar aircraft.

Answer: Prioritize aircraft control; stabilize flight manually; follow emergency checklist.

Scenario: Strong unexpected crosswind on final approach.

Answer: Apply crosswind landing technique; consider go-around if unsafe.

Scenario: Engine instruments indicate abnormal reading en route.

Answer: Follow abnormal checklist; maintain control; prepare for precautionary landing.

Scenario: Wake turbulence encountered on takeoff.

Answer: Increase separation, maintain control, adjust heading/airspeed.

Scenario: Night flight, partial instrument failure.

Answer: Use backup instruments; maintain VFR; divert if unsafe.

Scenario: GPS fails in unfamiliar area.

Answer: Revert to VFR navigation; use charts and pilotage; communicate with ATC if needed.

Scenario: Strong turbulence on approach to mountainous airport.

Answer: Slow to maneuvering speed; maintain control; consider go-around.

Scenario: Passenger wants to take control during a busy pattern.

Answer: Only under supervision; PIC remains responsible for safety.

Scenario: High-density altitude affects takeoff performance.

Answer: Recalculate performance; reduce weight/fuel if necessary; consider delay.

Scenario: Electrical failure affects radios/instruments.

Answer: Maintain aircraft control; use backup instruments; declare emergency if needed.

Scenario: Request to perform steep turns in unfamiliar aircraft.

Answer: Assess proficiency; only perform if safe; ensure altitude and airspeed limits.

Scenario: Sudden wind shear during approach.

Answer: Apply recovery procedures; go-around if necessary; maintain safe altitude.

Scenario: Passenger urges continuation despite worsening weather.

Answer: Prioritize safety; divert or turn back; PIC responsible for final decision.

Scenario: Fuel leak detected en route.

Answer: Divert immediately; prepare precautionary landing; communicate emergency.

Scenario: Unforecasted low visibility at destination.

Answer: Divert to alternate; maintain VFR minimums; communicate with ATC.

Scenario: Strong crosswind reported on departure.

Answer: Adjust technique; consider delay if unsafe.

Scenario: ATC requests immediate altitude change in turbulence.

Answer: Comply safely; prioritize aircraft control; adjust airspeed.

Scenario: Passenger distracts during takeoff.

Answer: Maintain control; manage distraction; ensure safe operation.

Scenario: Engine temperature rises unexpectedly.

Answer: Follow POH emergency procedures; reduce power; consider precautionary landing.

Scenario: Approaching congested airport at night, runway lights partially obscured.

Answer: Use pattern entry procedures; maintain safe approach; consider go-around if unsafe.

Carrying Passengers

BREAK

Scenario: You haven't made three takeoffs and landings in 92 days. A friend asks you to take them flying. Can you?

Answer: No. Currency requires 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days.

Scenario: Same situation, but the flight would be during night hours. You have day currency. Can you?

Answer: No. Night currency requires 3 full-stop landings at night within the preceding 90 days.

Scenario: You're current during the day but haven't flown at night in 6 months. Can you take passengers at night?

Answer: No, not until night landing currency is regained.

Scenario: You did your 3 landings in a tailwheel airplane, but now you're flying a tricycle gear. Are you current?

Answer: Yes. Currency carries over, but tailwheel currency is specific and must be in a tailwheel for tailwheel PIC passenger flights.

Scenario: You've only flown ultralights for the last year. Can you take passengers in a C172 tomorrow?

Answer: No. Must be current in category, class, and type (if applicable).

Compensation & Business

Scenario: A buddy wants to pay you to fly him to a meeting. Can you accept?

Answer: No. Private pilots cannot act as PIC for compensation or hire.

Scenario: A local realtor offers you free fuel if you'll fly him over some property listings. Can you?

Answer: No. That's compensation. Not permitted.

Scenario: You're flying with a friend. He insists on paying for the entire fuel bill. Can you accept?

Answer: No. Must pay pro rata share (fuel, oil, airport expenses, rental).

Scenario: Your boss asks you to fly the company airplane on business, paid as part of your job. Can you?

Answer: No. That's compensation/hire. Requires commercial certificate.

Scenario: You fly to a fishing trip with friends. Each pays for their portion of the airplane rental. Allowed?

Answer: Yes. If PIC pays pro rata share of expenses.

Scenario: A photographer asks you to fly so they can take aerial photos, and they'll pay you.

Allowed? Answer: No. That's compensation.

Scenario: Can you tow a glider as a private pilot?

Answer: Yes, with proper training, endorsement, and currency.

Scenario: Can you act as PIC of an aircraft towing a banner as a private pilot?

Answer: No. That requires a commercial certificate.

Scenario: You're a private pilot and a farmer. Can you use your airplane to fly supplies between your own properties?

Answer: Yes, if incidental to your business and no compensation is received.

Scenario: Can you demonstrate an aircraft to a prospective buyer?

Answer: No. That's a commercial privilege.