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.
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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?
- A RPM increases
- B RPM decreases
- C MAP decreases
Show answer
Correct answer: B. RPM decreases
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Q2
How is the stroke-to-bore ratio of a reciprocating engine cylinder defined?
- A Diameter/number of cylinders
- B Length / diameter
- C Area x Length x Nrº of cylinders x Pressure x RPM
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Length / diameter
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Q3
What color is the position (navigation) light located on the right (starboard) wingtip of an aircraft?
- A Transparent
- B Red
- C Green
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Green
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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?
- A Decreases
- B Depends on the type of propeller used
- C Increases
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Increases
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Q5
How often should an aircraft's tires be inspected for wear, cuts, and proper inflation?
- A Only if it is suspected that a blowout may have occurred, since otherwise it would be dangerous to land
- B Daily, before each flight
- C Before the first flight of the day
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Daily, before each flight
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Q6
As an aircraft descends to a lower altitude, what happens to the ambient atmospheric (static) pressure?
- A Stays the same
- B Increases
- C Decreases
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Increases
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Q7
Static electricity discharging devices, also known as "static wicks":
- A Dissipate the static charge in-flight and prevent interference with radio equipment
- B Ground the aircraft and avoid sparks during refuelling
- C Dissipate the static charge upon landing
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Dissipate the static charge in-flight and prevent interference with radio equipment
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Q8
What is the primary function of the mixture control lever in the cockpit?
- A Adjusting the amount of mixture/air entering the engine
- B Adjusting the mixture
- C Adjusting the cylinder temperature
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Adjusting the mixture
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Q9
Your aircraft’s alternator generates what?
- A Hydraulic pressure
- B Direct current
- C Alternating current
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Alternating current
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Q10
On a constant-speed propeller system, moving the propeller control toward the coarse-pitch (low-RPM) setting causes what change in engine RPM?
- A MAP decreases
- B RPM increases
- C RPM decreases
Show answer
Correct answer: C. RPM decreases
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Q11
Your aircraft has a battery capacity 45 Amp hour with a usage of 10 Amp. When will the battery run out?
- A 4 min 30 s
- B 4 h and 30 min
- C 45 min
Show answer
Correct answer: B. 4 h and 30 min
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Q12
Which part takes all of the load in a monocoque construction?
- A The spars
- B The skin
- C The ribs
Show answer
Correct answer: B. The skin
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