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. In the standard atmosphere, what is the temperature at 5,000 feet MSL? → 5°C
2. Which method enhances student retention? → Active participation and engagement
3. What is the standard lapse rate of temperature in the standard atmosphere? → 2°C per 1,000 feet
4. What is the primary cause of convective turbulence? → Unequal surface heating causing rising thermals
5. Why is adapting teaching styles important? → To accommodate diverse learning preferences
6. What is the role of ailerons during flight? → They manage roll control
7. If a VFR flight plan is not closed or extended, how soon after the ETA does Flight Service normally begin search procedures? → 30 minutes
8. The DECIDE model in ADM stands for: → Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate
9. What is the first action a pilot should take when a complete engine failure occurs in flight? → Establish best glide speed immediately
10. Under 14 CFR Part 91, what is the minimum fuel reserve required for VFR day flight? → 30 minutes at cruise power
11. What does a yellow 'X' marking on a runway indicate? → Closed runway or taxiway
12. What is required before conducting a flight review? → Flight review with an instructor
13. What is 'best glide speed' (Vbg)? → Airspeed that provides maximum glide distance over the ground in an engine-out situation
14. What is density altitude, and why is it important? → Pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature; affects aircraft performance
15. What is the purpose of the carburetor heat system? → Prevent or eliminate carburetor ice by routing warm air to the carburetor
16. What is drag in aviation? → Air resistance opposing motion
17. Which type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface? → Advection fog
18. Using the rule of thumb that TAS rises about 2% per 1,000 feet over IAS, what is the approximate TAS at 10,000 feet with an IAS of 120 knots? → 144 knots
19. The altimeter is set to the local altimeter setting. What does it then display? → Indicated altitude, which approximates MSL altitude in standard conditions
20. Which factor must be calculated for fuel planning? → Trip and reserve fuel requirements
21. Mountain wave turbulence is most likely to occur when winds aloft are: → Strong and perpendicular to the mountain ridge
22. What navigation method relies mainly on visual reference to landmarks? → Pilotage
23. What type of icing is the most hazardous to aircraft? → Clear (glaze) ice
24. What does the term 'ceiling' refer to in aviation weather? → The height above ground of the lowest broken or overcast cloud layer
25. When plotting a long true course on a sectional chart, where should the course angle be measured? → At the meridian nearest the midpoint of the course
26. When is DME slant-range error greatest? → At high altitude close to the station
27. In the Northern Hemisphere, on an easterly or westerly heading, what does the magnetic compass show when the airplane accelerates? → A turn toward the north
28. What equipment is required to operate within Class C airspace? → Two-way radio, Mode C transponder
29. What is the standard traffic pattern altitude for turbine-powered aircraft at an uncontrolled airport? → 1,500 feet AGL
30. Structural icing requires which two conditions to exist simultaneously? → Visible moisture and temperatures at or below 0°C