CGI Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CGI facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which method enhances student retention? → Active participation and engagement
2. What is the standard lapse rate of temperature in the standard atmosphere? → 2°C per 1,000 feet
3. What is the primary cause of convective turbulence? → Unequal surface heating causing rising thermals
4. Why is adapting teaching styles important? → To accommodate diverse learning preferences
5. What is the role of ailerons during flight? → They manage roll control
6. The DECIDE model in ADM stands for: → Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate
7. What is the first action a pilot should take when a complete engine failure occurs in flight? → Establish best glide speed immediately
8. Under 14 CFR Part 91, what is the minimum fuel reserve required for VFR day flight? → 30 minutes at cruise power
9. What does a yellow 'X' marking on a runway indicate? → Closed runway or taxiway
10. What is required before conducting a flight review? → Flight review with an instructor
11. What is 'best glide speed' (Vbg)? → Airspeed that provides maximum glide distance over the ground in an engine-out situation
12. What is density altitude, and why is it important? → Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature; affects aircraft performance
13. What is the purpose of the carburetor heat system? → Prevent or eliminate carburetor ice by routing warm air to the carburetor
14. What is drag in aviation? → Air resistance opposing motion
15. Which type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface? → Advection fog
16. The altimeter is set to the local altimeter setting. What does it then display? → Indicated altitude, which approximates MSL altitude in standard conditions
17. Which factor must be calculated for fuel planning? → Trip and reserve fuel requirements
18. Mountain wave turbulence is most likely to occur when winds aloft are: → Strong and perpendicular to the mountain ridge
19. What type of icing is the most hazardous to aircraft? → Clear (glaze) ice
20. What does the term 'ceiling' refer to in aviation weather? → The height above ground of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer
21. What equipment is required to operate within Class C airspace? → Two-way radio, Mode C transponder
22. What is the standard traffic pattern altitude for turbine-powered aircraft at an uncontrolled airport? → 1,500 feet AGL
23. Structural icing requires which two conditions to exist simultaneously? → Visible moisture and temperatures at or below 0°C
24. What are Special Use Airspace areas that pilots must obtain permission to enter? → Prohibited and Restricted areas
25. At what blood alcohol content (BAC) is a pilot legally prohibited from acting as pilot in command under 14 CFR 91.17? → 0.04%
26. A Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) may provide endorsements for which pilot certificate knowledge test? → Recreational pilot
27. How is wind correction angle used in navigation? → To stay on course despite wind
28. Under 14 CFR 61.213, which ground instructor rating authorizes endorsements for BOTH sport pilot AND private pilot knowledge tests? → Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
29. Which flight instrument is powered by the pitot-static system? → Airspeed indicator
30. What aviation weather product provides a narrative description of expected weather conditions for a route of flight? → Area Forecast (FA)