Aviation - FAA Written Exam Review

Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR)

The federal laws that govern aviation activity, including pilot privileges, limitations, aircraft requirements, and operating rules.

Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

The official guide describing basic flight information, ATC procedures, and aviation safety for pilots in the United States.

Private Pilot Certificate

The entry-level FAA certificate that allows you to act as pilot-in-command of aircraft for non-commercial operations.

Eligibility Requirements

The age, health, English proficiency, training, and knowledge requirements to qualify for a private pilot certificate.

Medical Certificate

Proof that you meet FAA health standards; 3rd-class required for private pilots.

Aeromedical Factors

Physiological issues—like hypoxia, hyperventilation, dehydration, spatial disorientation, alcohol/drug effects—that can impair pilot performance.

IMSAFE Checklist

A mnemonic for personal risk (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion/Eating).

Aviation Physiology

Study of how flight affects the human body (e.g., vision, hearing, G-forces).

Aerodynamics

The science of how air moves around objects and the forces of lift, drag, thrust, and weight.

Angle of Attack

The angle between the wing’s chord line and the direction of the relative wind.

Lift

An upward force created by air pressure difference above and below the wing.

Drag

The resistance force that opposes aircraft motion through the air.

Thrust

A forward force created by the aircraft propulsion system.

Weight

Gravity’s force pulling the aircraft downwards.

Stalls

A loss of lift when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, resulting in uncontrolled descent.

Spins

A dangerous spiral descent caused by stall combined with yaw; requires special recovery technique.

Aircraft Systems

All the mechanical, electrical, and structural components—engine, landing gear, avionics, etc.

Flight Controls

Primary controls (ailerons, elevator, rudder) for maneuvering; secondary (flaps, trim, spoilers).

Propulsion System

How power is generated and transmitted by the engine and propeller.

Fuel System

How fuel is stored, routed, and managed in the airplane.

Oil System

Ensures proper engine lubrication and cooling.

Electrical System

Powers lights, avionics, starters, and other aircraft components.

High Performance Aircraft

An aircraft with more than 200 horsepower or retractable gear, special handling requirements.

Aircraft Limitations

The official minimums and maximums defined in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM/POH).

Preflight Procedure

A systematic check of the airplane, documents, and weather before each flight.

Weight & Balance

Calculation to ensure the aircraft’s center of gravity and total weight are within safe limits.

Performance Charts

FAA/POH tables for estimating takeoff, landing, climb, and cruise capabilities.

METAR

A coded aviation weather report obtained hourly at airports.

TAF

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast—an airport-specific weather prediction.

Weather Theory

Basic processes of fronts, air masses, pressure systems, clouds, and precipitation.

Weather Hazards

Include turbulence, thunderstorms, icing, wind shear, microburst—all critical risks for pilots.

Weather Forecast Sources

Where to get aviation weather info: METAR, TAF, Flight Service Station, online tools.

Meteorological Charts

Visual charts: Surface Analysis, Radar Summary, Winds Aloft, etc.

Aeronautical Chart

User’s map of airspace, airports, navaids, obstacles; used for flight planning and navigation.

Sectional Chart

The standard VFR navigation chart for US pilots.

Airspace Classes

The division of US airspace into classes A, B, C, D, E (controlled) and G (uncontrolled); each has specific rules.

Controlled Airspace

Airspace requiring ATC clearance and communication (Classes A, B, C, D, E).

Uncontrolled Airspace

Airspace with few restrictions—no ATC (Class G).

Special Use Airspace

Designated areas: Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, Alert, Controlled Firing.

Airport Operations

Procedures for taxiing, runup, operating near other aircraft, and using airport signs/markings.

Traffic Pattern

The standard flight path in and around an airport to land or depart safely.

Right-of-Way Rules

Who has priority in various flight scenarios—important for collision avoidance.

ATC Communications

The correct phraseology, etiquette, and rules for radio communication.

Radio Frequencies

Common frequencies (CTAF, Ground, Tower, ATIS, Departure, Arrival).

Lost Communication Procedures

Steps to follow if you lose radio contact (squawk 7600, return to airport, follow light guns).

Navigation Methods

Pilotage (terrain/features), dead reckoning, radio navigation (VOR, DME, GPS).

Navigation Log

The record of planned route, waypoints, headings, distances, and times.

VOR System

A ground-based radio navigation aid that gives bearing information.

GPS Navigation

Satellite-based positioning, supplanting older navaids on many flights.

E6B Flight Computer

A mechanical calculator for solving time, speed, fuel, wind, and distance problems.

Heading vs. Course

Heading is the direction airplane points; course is the intended path over ground.

Avionics

All electronic systems aboard aircraft (navigation, comms, GPS, displays); G1000 is a leading example.

G1000 Primary Flight Display (PFD)

Shows attitude, heading, airspeed, altitude, vertical speed, etc.

G1000 Multi Function Display (MFD)

Displays moving map, systems info, checklists, engine data.

Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM)

The strategies pilots use to balance workload, manage risks, and fly safely alone.

Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)

The systematic process pilots use to assess options and choose safest courses of action.

Risk Management

Identifying, assessing, and minimizing hazards in aviation.

Emergency Procedures

The critical actions for engine failure, electrical failure, fire, crash landing, etc.

Slow Flight

A maneuver at low speeds near stall, used to practice control sensitivity.

Steep Turns

A maneuver for practicing turning at high bank angles—requires careful coordination.

Takeoff Procedure

Standard steps for runway alignment, power application, rotation, initial climb.

Landing Procedure

Sequence for approach configuration, descent, flare, and touchdown.

Go-Around Procedure

The proper recovery if a landing cannot be safely made.

Ground Reference Maneuvers

Maneuvers to practice locating and turning over features on the ground.

Night Operations

Key differences for flying after dark: lighting, visual illusions, sleep/fatigue management.

Visual Scanning Systematic use of eyes—in motion—to look for traffic and hazards.

Spatial Disorientation

Confusion or loss of situational awareness due to vestibular illusions or poor visibility.

Clearing Turns

Maneuvers to verify no other airplanes in vicinity before starting other maneuvers.

Alcohol Regulations

No alcohol use within 8 hours of flight; FAA BAC limit of 0.04%.

Weather Minimums

The minimum visibility and cloud clearance for VFR in different airspace classes.

Minimum Safe Altitudes

Altitudes guaranteeing obstacle and population clearance in all phases of flight.

Aircraft Certification

How airplanes are approved and registered with the FAA.

Required Documents for Flight

Pilot certificate, medical certificate, government-issued ID, airworthiness certificate, registration.

Required Aircraft Documents

ARROW: Airworthiness, Registration, Radio license, Operating limitations, Weight & Balance.

Required Inspections

ADs, annual, 100-hour, ELT test, transponder check.

Maintenance Responsibilities

Who is responsible for ensuring the airplane is maintained and legal for flight.

Hazardous Attitudes

Five dangerous attitudes: anti-authority, impulsivity, invulnerability, macho, resignation.

5P Model (SRM)

Plan, Plane, Pilot, Passengers, Programming—used to evaluate risk during flight.

Engine Failure in Flight

Best procedures: trim for best glide, pick landing spot, troubleshoot, communicate, prepare for emergency landing.

Lost Procedures

How to get help if you become lost: climb, circle, communicate, confess, (and comply with instructions).

Runway Incursion

Any event involving incorrect presence of aircraft, vehicle, or person on runway area; how to avoid.

Flight Planning

Steps for safe flight planning: determine route, weather, fuel, performance, alternate airports.

Cockpit Resource Management (CRM)

Coordinating all available resources (equipment, people, procedures) to ensure safe flight.

Situational Awareness

Being constantly aware of current position, weather, traffic, and aircraft status.

Sterile Cockpit Rule

No unnecessary activity or conversation below 10,000 feet during critical flight phases.

Wake Turbulence

Disrupted air behind large aircraft; avoid by rotating/landing beyond their point.

Wind Shear

Sudden change of wind speed and/or direction; very hazardous for takeoff and landing.

Microburst

Intense, localized downward gush of wind; extremely dangerous—avoid if present.

Icing Conditions

Formation of ice on aircraft, especially dangerous to lift and control surfaces—know types and avoidance.

Precipitation Types

Rain, drizzle, snow, sleet, hail—all affect visibility, control, and landing surfaces.

NOTAM

Notice to Airmen; essential updates on airport conditions or hazards.

TFR

Temporary Flight Restriction; areas temporarily closed for special events/operations.

Special VFR Clearance

Allows VFR flight in controlled airspace in less than VFR weather; requires request.

Fuel Requirements

FAA minimum for VFR: enough to destination plus 30 minutes (day) or 45 minutes (night).

Light Gun Signals

ATC signals used during radio failure—know colors and meanings.

LAHSO

Land and Hold Short Operations—ATC instruction to land and stop before crossing runway intersection.

Pitot-Static System

Uses air pressure for airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed instruments.

Magnetic Compass

Primary heading indicator; affected by acceleration, turning errors.

Slip and Skid

Slip: turn rate too slow for bank angle; Skid: turn rate too fast—learn causes/corrections.

Spin Recovery

Follow PARE: Power idle, Ailerons neutral, Rudder opposite, Elevator down.