AQT Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the AQT exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 AQT Exam Format at a Glance
📚 AQT Topics to Study (21)
✍️ Sample AQT Questions & Answers
1. What is the purpose of the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)?
The NTSB is an independent federal agency that investigates civil aviation accidents, determines probable causes, and issues safety recommendations to the FAA and industry to prevent recurrence.
2. What is the primary action a pilot should take if an engine fails during takeoff?
An engine failure during takeoff, especially before reaching decision speed (V1), is a critical emergency. The primary and safest action is to immediately abort the takeoff, reduce power, and apply maximum braking. Attempting to continue the takeoff or restart the engine at low altitude and speed significantly increases the risk of a catastrophic accident due due to insufficient thrust and control.
3. What is the standard lapse rate of temperature with altitude?
In the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), temperature decreases approximately 2°C (3.5°F) per 1,000 feet of altitude gain up to the tropopause (~36,000 feet), which pilots use for performance planning.
4. An aircraft flies at 150 knots TAS heading 090°. Wind is from 180° at 30 knots (a pure crosswind). What is the approximate groundspeed?
With a pure 90° crosswind, GS = √(TAS² + wind²) = √(150² + 30²) = √23,400 ≈ 153 knots.
5. An aircraft has a groundspeed of 180 knots and must travel 90 nm. What is the ETE in minutes?
ETE = distance ÷ groundspeed = 90 ÷ 180 = 0.5 hours = 30 minutes.
6. What are the conditions for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight?
VFR requires specific minimums: generally 3 statute miles visibility and varying cloud clearance (500 below, 1000 above, 2000 horizontal in controlled airspace). Below these minimums, IFR rules apply.