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FAA Commercial Pilot practice questions

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Question 1Preflight Preparation

Which of the following must be carried aboard the aircraft during every flight?

  1. The aircraft registration certificate Correct answer.
  2. The pilot's logbook
  3. The aircraft maintenance manual
  4. The aircraft owner's insurance policy

Explanation

The registration certificate and the airworthiness certificate must be aboard the aircraft and available for inspection at all times. Logbooks, maintenance manuals, and insurance documents must be kept but need not be carried in flight.

Question 2Preflight Preparation

Under the International Standard Atmosphere, what temperature and pressure exist at sea level?

  1. 0 °C and 29.92 inHg
  2. 15 °C and 28.92 inHg
  3. 15 °C and 29.92 inHg Correct answer.
  4. 20 °C and 30.12 inHg

Explanation

The International Standard Atmosphere defines sea level as 15 °C and 29.92 inHg, with a lapse rate of about 2 °C per 1,000 feet. These values are the reference from which pressure altitude and density altitude are computed.

Question 3Preflight Preparation

A pilot exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate must hold at least a:

  1. third-class medical certificate
  2. statement of demonstrated ability
  3. first-class medical certificate
  4. second-class medical certificate Correct answer.

Explanation

Commercial pilot privileges require at least a second-class medical certificate. A first-class certificate is needed for airline transport privileges, and a third-class certificate supports private pilot privileges.

Question 4Preflight Preparation

For a VFR flight conducted at night, the fuel aboard must allow flight after the destination airport for at least:

  1. 20 minutes
  2. 45 minutes Correct answer.
  3. 60 minutes
  4. 30 minutes

Explanation

Part 91 requires enough fuel to reach the destination plus a reserve of 30 minutes during the day and 45 minutes at night. IFR operations also use a 45-minute reserve.

Question 5Preflight Preparation

Basic VFR weather minimums in Class E airspace at 4,500 feet MSL include a flight visibility of at least:

  1. 2 statute miles
  2. 3 statute miles Correct answer.
  3. 1 statute mile
  4. 5 statute miles

Explanation

In Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, basic VFR requires 3 statute miles visibility and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal. Above 10,000 feet MSL the visibility minimum increases to 5 statute miles.

Question 6Preflight Preparation

Fuel samples drawn from the sump drains before the first flight of the day are primarily checked for:

  1. The fuel's octane rating
  2. The fuel's specific gravity
  3. Water and sediment Correct answer.
  4. The fuel's vapor pressure

Explanation

Water is heavier than aviation fuel and collects at the low points of the system, so draining the sumps reveals water and sediment before they reach the engine. Fuel grade is confirmed separately by color, placards, and the delivery receipt.

Question 7Preflight Preparation

An aircraft loaded so that its center of gravity lies aft of the aft limit will tend to:

  1. require greater elevator pressure during the landing flare
  2. have greater longitudinal stability than at the forward limit
  3. be pitch unstable and difficult to recover from a stall Correct answer.
  4. have a shorter takeoff ground roll and improved longitudinal stability

Explanation

Moving the center of gravity aft reduces the static margin between the CG and the aerodynamic center, which degrades pitch stability, lightens control forces, and makes stall and spin recovery more difficult. Beyond the aft limit the aircraft may become uncontrollable.

Question 8Preflight Preparation

With a field elevation of 1,200 feet MSL and an altimeter setting of 29.62 inHg, the approximate pressure altitude is:

  1. 1,800 feet MSL
  2. 1,500 feet MSL Correct answer.
  3. 900 feet MSL
  4. 1,200 feet MSL

Explanation

Pressure altitude is the altitude indicated when the altimeter is set to 29.92 inHg. Each 0.01 inHg below standard adds about 10 feet, so the 0.30 inHg deficit adds roughly 300 feet to the 1,200-foot field elevation.

Question 9Preflight Preparation

The surface temperature is 18 °C with a dewpoint of 16 °C, and the temperature is forecast to decrease slowly overnight. The most likely weather development is:

  1. thunderstorm development
  2. clear skies with improving visibility
  3. fog or a low stratus deck forming Correct answer.
  4. scattered cumulus clouds building

Explanation

A small temperature-dewpoint spread means the air is close to saturation. Slight overnight cooling brings the temperature to the dewpoint, and the resulting condensation appears as fog or low stratus.

Question 10Preflight Preparation

If the pitot tube inlet becomes blocked by ice while the static port and the pitot drain hole remain open, the airspeed indicator will:

  1. indicate zero throughout the flight Correct answer.
  2. indicate a higher-than-actual airspeed in a climb
  3. behave like an altimeter
  4. continue to indicate the correct airspeed

Explanation

With the impact opening blocked but the drain hole clear, the pressure in the pitot line leaks out through the drain and the case pressure equalizes. The indicator then remains at or near zero regardless of actual airspeed.

Question 11Preflight Preparation

A NOTAM(D) is issued to announce:

  1. a temporary runway closure or navaid outage Correct answer.
  2. changes to the Chart Supplement published on a 56-day cycle
  3. permanent changes in airport lighting systems
  4. long-term changes to instrument approach procedures

Explanation

NOTAM(D), the distant NOTAM, distributes information of temporary operational significance that cannot be published far enough in advance, such as a closed runway or an out-of-service navaid. Regulatory and procedure amendments are handled by FDC NOTAMs.

Question 12Preflight Preparation

An aircraft operated for hire must have a 100-hour inspection within:

  1. 50 hours of time in service
  2. 12 calendar months
  3. 24 calendar months
  4. 100 hours of time in service Correct answer.

Explanation

Aircraft carrying persons for hire or used for flight instruction for hire require a 100-hour inspection within the preceding 100 hours of time in service. This is in addition to the annual inspection required every 12 calendar months.

Question 13Preflight Preparation

Compared with a cold morning at the same airport, taking off on a hot afternoon from a high-elevation field will produce:

  1. a longer takeoff roll and a reduced rate of climb Correct answer.
  2. a shorter takeoff roll and a higher service ceiling
  3. a shorter takeoff roll because of reduced air density
  4. the same performance if the altimeter setting is unchanged

Explanation

Higher temperature lowers air density, which reduces both engine power and propeller thrust while increasing the true airspeed needed to produce a given lift. The result is a longer ground roll and a lower rate of climb.

Question 14Preflight Preparation

In a terminal aerodrome forecast, the TEMPO group indicates:

  1. brief fluctuations, each lasting less than one hour Correct answer.
  2. conditions expected to occur for at least half the period
  3. a permanent change expected to begin at the stated time
  4. conditions that will prevail for the entire forecast period

Explanation

TEMPO denotes temporary fluctuations in the forecast, each lasting less than an hour at a time and totaling less than half of the forecast period. A permanent change is coded with BECMG or FM.

Question 15Preflight Preparation

Dynamic hydroplaning during landing is most likely when:

  1. the runway has a rough, porous surface
  2. the tires are overinflated on a dry runway
  3. standing water exists and touchdown speed is high Correct answer.
  4. the aircraft touches down at minimum speed

Explanation

Dynamic hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water on the runway cannot be displaced fast enough by the tires. Risk increases with water depth, higher touchdown speed, and lower tire pressure.

Question 16Preflight Preparation

An aircraft has an empty weight of 1,400 pounds with an empty-weight moment of 56,000 pound-inches. A 200-pound pilot and a 200-pound passenger are then loaded with a combined moment of 24,000 pound-inches. The resulting total weight and center of gravity are:

  1. 1,800 pounds and 44.4 inches Correct answer.
  2. 1,600 pounds and 50.0 inches
  3. 1,800 pounds and 40.0 inches
  4. 2,000 pounds and 44.4 inches

Explanation

Total weight is 1,400 + 200 + 200 = 1,800 pounds, and total moment is 56,000 + 24,000 = 80,000 pound-inches. Dividing total moment by total weight gives a center of gravity of 44.4 inches.

Question 17Preflight Preparation

When flying on the lee side of a mountain ridge with strong winds aloft, a pilot should expect:

  1. no hazard as long as the flight remains clear of clouds
  2. updrafts on the lee side and downdrafts on the windward side
  3. strong downdrafts and turbulence Correct answer.
  4. smooth air with a steady tailwind at all altitudes

Explanation

Mountain wave activity produces strong descending air, turbulence, and rotor eddies on the lee side of the ridge. The downdrafts can exceed the aircraft's maximum climb rate, especially near the surface.

Question 18Preflight Preparation

When cruising into a headwind, the airspeed that produces maximum range per gallon of fuel is:

  1. lower than the best-range speed in still air
  2. the minimum controllable airspeed
  3. identical to the best-range speed in still air
  4. higher than the best-range speed in still air Correct answer.

Explanation

A headwind increases the time spent exposed to it for each mile traveled, so flying faster reduces that exposure and improves range. A tailwind has the opposite effect and lowers the best-range speed.

Question 19Preflight Preparation

Under Part 91, required flight crewmembers must use supplemental oxygen continuously whenever the cabin pressure altitude is above:

  1. 10,000 feet MSL
  2. 14,000 feet MSL Correct answer.
  3. 12,500 feet MSL
  4. 15,000 feet MSL

Explanation

Crew oxygen use is required for the entire time above 14,000 feet MSL cabin pressure altitude. Between 12,500 and 14,000 feet, oxygen is required only for that portion of the flight exceeding 30 minutes.

Question 20Preflight Procedures

Which documents must be on board an aircraft for a flight to be legal?

  1. Registration and airworthiness certificate only, provided the flight remains local
  2. Registration, airworthiness certificate, and the pilot's current logbook
  3. Airworthiness certificate, registration, operating limitations, and W&B data Correct answer.
  4. Airworthiness certificate, registration, and a current aeronautical chart for the route

Explanation

The aircraft must carry an airworthiness certificate, a registration certificate, its operating limitations (the approved flight manual or equivalent placards), and weight and balance data. These documents show the aircraft is legal to fly and allow the pilot to verify loading limits.

Question 21Preflight Procedures

For a night VFR flight under Part 91, the minimum planned fuel reserve is enough to fly for

  1. 1 hour at normal cruising speed
  2. 20 minutes at normal cruising speed
  3. 45 minutes at normal cruising speed Correct answer.
  4. 30 minutes at normal cruising speed

Explanation

FAR 91.151 requires enough fuel to reach the first point of intended landing and then fly for 45 minutes at normal cruising speed at night, versus 30 minutes during the day. The reserve is measured in time at normal cruising speed, not in gallons.

Question 22Preflight Procedures

Before departing on a cross-country flight, FAR 91.103 requires the pilot to become familiar with all available information, including

  1. runway lengths and takeoff and landing distances at intended airports Correct answer.
  2. the aircraft's maintenance records covering the preceding 12 months
  3. the weight and balance of every passenger and item of baggage on board
  4. the communication and navigation frequencies to be used along the route

Explanation

For any flight not in the vicinity of an airport, the pilot must determine weather, fuel requirements, alternatives, runway lengths at airports of intended use, and takeoff and landing distance data. Frequencies, maintenance records, and individual passenger weights are not the items specified by that regulation.

Question 23Preflight Procedures

If an airplane is loaded so that its CG lies behind the aft limit, the most likely result is

  1. higher pitch stability and heavier control forces
  2. reduced static stability and difficult stall recovery Correct answer.
  3. a shorter takeoff roll and noticeably improved stall recovery characteristics
  4. lower stall speed and reduced landing distance

Explanation

An aft CG reduces the restoring moment of the tail, which decreases static and dynamic longitudinal stability and lightens control forces. In a stall the nose may be difficult to lower, and the airplane is more susceptible to spins and overstress.

Question 24Preflight Procedures

The field elevation is 4,000 feet, the altimeter is set to 29.92, and the temperature is 30 °C. Standard temperature at 4,000 feet is 7 °C. Approximately what is the density altitude?

  1. 4,000 feet
  2. 8,300 feet
  3. 5,200 feet
  4. 6,760 feet Correct answer.

Explanation

Density altitude is pressure altitude plus 120 feet for each degree Celsius the temperature is above standard. The temperature is 23 °C above standard, so the correction is 23 × 120 = 2,760 feet, giving 4,000 + 2,760 = 6,760 feet.

Question 25Preflight Procedures

When sampling fuel from the sumps during preflight, the pilot should

  1. drain a small sample from one sump and check the color
  2. drain the sumps only after the first flight of the day
  3. drain only the lowest point in the system, since water collects there
  4. drain each sump until the sample is clear of water and sediment Correct answer.

Explanation

Each sump specified in the pilot's operating handbook must be drained and the sample checked until it is free of water and sediment. Water can collect in more than one location, and contamination may appear after the aircraft has been sitting or after refueling.

Question 26Preflight Procedures

An airplane has an empty weight of 1,400 lb at 40.0 in, pilot and front passenger 340 lb at 37.0 in, baggage 60 lb at 95.0 in, and fuel 240 lb at 48.0 in. What is the loaded CG?

  1. 44.3 in
  2. 40.0 in
  3. 38.6 in
  4. 42.1 in Correct answer.

Explanation

Total weight is 1,400 + 340 + 60 + 240 = 2,040 lb. Total moment is 56,000 + 12,580 + 5,700 + 11,520 = 85,800 lb-in, and dividing gives a CG of 42.06 in, or about 42.1 in.

Question 27Preflight Procedures

The IMSAFE checklist is used during preflight planning to evaluate

  1. route and alternate airports
  2. weather and runway conditions
  3. the pilot's fitness to fly Correct answer.
  4. aircraft systems and equipment

Explanation

IMSAFE stands for Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion, and it is a self-assessment of the pilot's readiness to fly. Aircraft, weather, and route factors are addressed by other risk-management tools.

Question 28Preflight Procedures

A pilot who has no prior weather information for a planned cross-country flight should request

  1. a standard briefing Correct answer.
  2. a terminal forecast
  3. an abbreviated briefing
  4. an outlook briefing

Explanation

A standard briefing is requested when the pilot has no previous weather information and needs a complete picture for a proposed flight. Abbreviated briefings update prior information, and outlook briefings are for flights departing six or more hours later.

Question 29Preflight Procedures

Changes to instrument approach procedures and other charted information are issued as

  1. AIRMET
  2. FDC NOTAM Correct answer.
  3. NOTAM(D)
  4. a Chart Supplement change

Explanation

FDC NOTAMs carry regulatory and procedural changes such as amendments to instrument approach procedures, airways, and other charted data. NOTAM(D) covers distant flight information, and AIRMETs are advisories for weather hazardous to light aircraft.

Question 30Preflight Procedures

A day-VFR airplane has an inoperative landing light that is not required by its equipment list, FAR 91.205, or an airworthiness directive. The airplane may be operated if

  1. a ferry permit is obtained from the local FSDO before departure
  2. the landing light is repaired before any further flight is made
  3. the circuit breaker is pulled and the flight remains local
  4. it is removed or placarded inoperative and the aircraft is safe Correct answer.

Explanation

Under FAR 91.213, inoperative instruments and equipment not required for the intended flight may be removed or deactivated and placarded, provided the pilot determines the aircraft is otherwise safe. No ferry permit is needed when the item is not required for the flight.

Question 31Preflight Procedures

The purpose of the magneto check during the engine run-up is to

  1. confirm the mixture is set properly for takeoff
  2. verify that the engine will start and run on either magneto alone
  3. check that the vacuum pump is producing suction
  4. verify each magneto is firing within published limits Correct answer.

Explanation

Switching to each magneto in turn confirms that both ignition circuits are producing spark and that the RPM drop stays within the limits in the pilot's operating handbook. An excessive drop, no drop, or a rough engine indicates an ignition problem that must be corrected before flight.

Question 32Preflight Procedures

The weight and balance data carried in the airplane must be updated

  1. whenever a new pilot begins flying the aircraft
  2. annually, at the time of the annual inspection
  3. after any change to the empty weight or empty-weight CG Correct answer.
  4. every 100 hours of operating time

Explanation

Weight and balance data must be current and reflect all alterations, repairs, or equipment changes that affect empty weight or empty-weight arm. Without an accurate empty-weight baseline, the pilot cannot compute a valid loading.

Question 33Preflight Procedures

An airplane's engine is designed to operate on 100 LL. If it is inadvertently serviced with a lower grade of fuel, the primary hazard is

  1. detonation and possible engine damage at high power Correct answer.
  2. vapor lock during the takeoff climb
  3. preignition caused by lead fouling of the plugs
  4. carburetor icing at low power settings

Explanation

A lower octane fuel cannot withstand the same cylinder pressures without autoigniting, so detonation can occur at high power settings and can damage pistons and cylinders. The approved grade is specified in the pilot's operating handbook and on the placard at the filler.

Question 34Preflight Procedures

The takeoff distance published in an airplane's pilot's operating handbook is based on

  1. typical loading and average wind conditions at the airport of departure
  2. gross weight, sea level, standard day, no wind, level dry runway Correct answer.
  3. a 50-foot obstacle and a runway with a 1 percent upslope
  4. the aircraft's empty weight and a smooth, dry, level runway surface

Explanation

Handbook takeoff distances assume maximum gross weight, sea level pressure altitude, standard temperature, no wind, and a level, dry, paved runway. The pilot must apply corrections for weight, pressure altitude, temperature, wind, and runway slope and surface.

Question 35Preflight Procedures

An emergency locator transmitter battery must be replaced or recharged when

  1. the unit has been tested during the preceding 12 calendar months
  2. the battery has not been recharged during the previous 12 months
  3. cumulative use exceeds 1 hour or 50 percent of battery life is gone Correct answer.
  4. the airplane has been flown 100 hours since the battery was installed

Explanation

The battery must be replaced or recharged when the transmitter has been used for more than 1 cumulative hour or when 50 percent of its useful life has expired, whichever comes first. The expiration date is also marked on the outside of the transmitter.

Question 36Preflight Procedures

A flight is planned at 14,500 feet MSL for about one hour. What supplemental oxygen is required for the required flight crew?

  1. Oxygen is required for the crew only after the first 30 minutes
  2. No oxygen is required for the crew below 15,000 feet
  3. The crew must use oxygen for the entire time at that altitude Correct answer.
  4. Oxygen is required for all occupants whenever above 12,500 feet

Explanation

Above 14,000 feet and up to 15,000 feet, the required flight crew must be provided with and use supplemental oxygen for the entire flight time at those altitudes. The 30-minute provision applies only between 12,500 and 14,000 feet, and occupant oxygen is required above 15,000 feet.

Question 37Preflight Procedures

Which statement about takeoff distance and groundspeed is most accurate?

  1. A headwind lengthens the ground roll in proportion to the wind speed
  2. A 10 percent increase in liftoff groundspeed adds about 21 percent to the distance Correct answer.
  3. Takeoff distance varies in direct proportion to the liftoff groundspeed
  4. Takeoff distance is unaffected by wind as long as the airspeed at liftoff is the same

Explanation

Takeoff distance varies approximately as the square of the groundspeed, so a 10 percent increase produces roughly a 21 percent increase in distance (1.10 squared equals 1.21). This is why a tailwind, a higher density altitude, or a heavier load lengthens the ground roll sharply.

Question 38Preflight Procedures

An airplane used to carry passengers for hire had its last 100-hour inspection at 1,250.0 tachometer hours. The tachometer now reads 1,258.3, and the airplane is at its home base. Which statement is correct?

  1. The airplane may be flown only if a special flight permit is obtained
  2. The airplane may not be flown until the inspection is completed Correct answer.
  3. The airplane may be flown for up to 10 more hours to reach a repair station
  4. The airplane may be flown because the annual inspection is still current

Explanation

An aircraft carrying passengers for hire must have a 100-hour inspection within the preceding 100 hours of time in service, so the limit was reached at 1,350.0 hours here only if the last inspection was at 1,250.0 and there are fewer than 100 hours since. Because the aircraft is at its home base, the 10-hour overflight allowance, which applies only to flying to a place where the inspection can be done, is not available.

Question 39Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

Runway holding position signs, such as one displaying '18-36', have which color scheme?

  1. Black background with yellow characters
  2. Yellow background with black characters
  3. Red background with white characters Correct answer.
  4. White background with red characters

Explanation

Runway holding position signs use a red background with white characters and identify the runway ahead. They mark the holding position at which an aircraft must stop before entering the runway, and the position may not be crossed without an ATC clearance.

Question 40Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

A rotating airport beacon that alternately flashes white and yellow identifies which type of facility?

  1. A military airfield
  2. A civilian land airport
  3. A seaplane base Correct answer.
  4. A heliport

Explanation

Alternating white and yellow flashes identify a water airport, such as a seaplane base. Land airports use white and green, military fields use two white flashes followed by green, and heliports use green, yellow, and white.

Question 41Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

A flashing green light signal directed from the control tower to an aircraft on the ground means the aircraft is

  1. Cleared to return to the starting point
  2. Cleared for takeoff
  3. Cleared to cross the runway in use
  4. Cleared to taxi Correct answer.

Explanation

For an aircraft on the ground, a flashing green light gun signal means the aircraft is cleared to taxi. A steady green signal is the one that authorizes takeoff when the aircraft is on the ground.

Question 42Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

A yellow X displayed at each end of a runway indicates that

  1. Arresting gear is installed
  2. A precision approach is in use
  3. A displaced threshold is in effect
  4. The runway is closed Correct answer.

Explanation

A yellow X placed at each end of a runway means the runway is closed and must not be used for takeoff or landing. The marking may appear alone or in combination with other markings painted over the closed pavement.

Question 43Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

A pilot on a two-bar VASI who sees red over white is

  1. Above the glidepath
  2. Well above the glidepath
  3. Below the glidepath
  4. On the glidepath Correct answer.

Explanation

With a two-bar VASI, red over white means the aircraft is on the desired glidepath. White over red indicates above the path, red over red indicates below the path, and white over white indicates well above the path.

Question 44Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

A displaced threshold on a runway means that

  1. The pavement before the threshold may be used only for landing rollout
  2. The displacement applies only during instrument approach operations
  3. Touchdown is not permitted before the threshold; taxi and takeoff are Correct answer.
  4. The full published runway length is available for landing distance

Explanation

Pavement behind a displaced threshold is available for taxiing, takeoff, and landing rollout, but touchdown may not occur on it. The landing distance available is therefore measured from the displaced threshold, not the physical runway end.

Question 45Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

Before accepting a land and hold short (LAHSO) clearance, the pilot must

  1. Be able to land and stop within the available landing distance Correct answer.
  2. Have the hold short point in sight from the final approach fix
  3. Request a separate clearance to cross the intersecting runway later
  4. Advise the tower of the aircraft's landing weight and approach speed

Explanation

A LAHSO clearance may be accepted only when the pilot is certain the aircraft can touch down and stop within the available landing distance and hold short of the specified point. The clearance must be declined in advance if that performance cannot be assured.

Question 46Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

Which ATC transmission must be read back in full?

  1. Traffic two o'clock, five miles
  2. Hold short of runway 27 Correct answer.
  3. Cleared to taxi to parking
  4. Wind 250 at 12

Explanation

Runway hold short instructions must be read back verbatim so the controller knows the instruction was received and understood correctly. Runway crossing clearances should likewise be acknowledged, and pilots are encouraged to read back other taxi and landing clearances.

Question 47Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

When landing on the same runway behind a heavy jet, the pilot of a light airplane should

  1. Land on the upwind side of the runway centerline
  2. Touch down well before its touchdown point to reduce exposure time
  3. Follow closely behind to use the wake as a ground-effect cushion
  4. Touch down past its touchdown point and stay above its path Correct answer.

Explanation

Wake vortices sink below and behind the generating aircraft, so a following aircraft should plan to touch down beyond the heavy jet's touchdown point and remain above its flight path. An earlier touchdown point places the light aircraft in air the heavy jet has already disturbed.

Question 48Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

A yellow sign with black characters showing a letter and an arrow, such as 'B with arrow', tells a pilot

  1. The location of the airport beacon
  2. The designation and direction of a taxiway Correct answer.
  3. The distance remaining on the taxiway
  4. The direction to the runway holding position

Explanation

Yellow taxiway direction signs with black characters give the designation of the taxiway and an arrow showing the direction to turn to reach it. They do not themselves authorize crossing any runway.

Question 49Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

At an airport without an operating control tower, the standard traffic pattern consists of

  1. Right turns unless left traffic is indicated
  2. Left turns for large aircraft and right turns for small aircraft
  3. Turns in whichever direction keeps the wind on the left wing
  4. Left turns unless right traffic is indicated Correct answer.

Explanation

Unless the airport has published right-hand traffic, all turns in the traffic pattern are made to the left. Pilots should consult the chart supplement or the segmented circle indicators for any nonstandard pattern direction.

Question 50Airport and Seaplane Base Operations

Two seaplanes are approaching each other head-on on the water. Under the right-of-way rules for aircraft on the water, each pilot should

  1. Alter course to the right and pass clear Correct answer.
  2. Turn to the left and pass port side to port side
  3. Maintain course and speed because the aircraft on the right has the right-of-way
  4. Climb to an altitude that provides separation

Explanation

Aircraft approaching head-on on the water each alter course to the right so they pass clear of one another. The rule that gives way to the aircraft on the right applies when two aircraft are converging, not meeting head-on.