CPL Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the aerodynamic significance of the 'propeller slipstream effect' on a single-engine aircraft? → It increases dynamic pressure over the tailplane, enhancing elevator effectiveness
2. When flying direct from one VOR to another, a pilot notices the CDI deflects 10° left. What correction should be made? → Turn right to correct toward the course
3. While flying outbound on the 180° radial (OBS 180°, FROM indication), the CDI deflects to the left. To intercept the 180° radial, the pilot should turn: → Left
4. During a coordinated level turn at a constant bank angle, as airspeed decreases the required angle of attack: → Increases to maintain the increased load factor needed for level flight
5. When must a pilot report an accident to the NTSB? → Immediately after the accident
6. What is 'Vmc' in the context of multi-engine aircraft performance? → The minimum control speed in the air with the critical engine inoperative
7. A pilot declares a MAYDAY. What does this signal to ATC and other aircraft? → The aircraft is in a state of distress requiring immediate assistance
8. Under 14 CFR 135.267, what is the maximum duty period for a single-pilot flight crew member in Part 135 VFR operations? → 14 consecutive hours
9. Which METAR sky condition code indicates a ceiling that makes VFR flight illegal under FAA regulations in controlled airspace? → BKN025
10. What is meant by 'balanced field length'? → The condition where accelerate-stop distance equals accelerate-go distance
11. Which cloud type is most associated with severe turbulence, lightning, and heavy precipitation? → Cumulonimbus
12. The diagram below is a rough incomplete graph of induced drag. → When speed is high, induced drag is low, and parasitic drag is high
13. When should a pilot read back an ATC clearance containing a runway-in-use instruction? → Always, without exception
14. Under 14 CFR 91.117, the maximum speed permitted below 10,000 feet MSL is: → 250 KIAS
15. During flight planning, 'ATIS' information is used primarily to obtain: → Current conditions and active runway at an airport
16. Which type of drag is NOT a component of parasite drag? → Induced drag
17. What is the primary purpose of a hydraulic accumulator in an aircraft hydraulic system? → To store pressurized fluid for emergency use and dampen pressure fluctuations
18. What information is typically NOT included in an ATIS broadcast? → Detailed traffic flow information
19. When planning an IFR alternate airport, the standard alternate minimums require a precision approach to have a ceiling of at least: → 600 feet and 2 SM visibility
20. Which document must be carried to legally operate an aircraft? → Airworthiness certificate
21. What is the correct phonetic alphabet word for the letter 'W'? → Whiskey
22. What does 'SPECI' designate when issued between routine METAR observations? → A special weather observation reporting a significant change in conditions
23. Two powered aircraft are converging at approximately the same altitude, but not head-on. Which aircraft has the right-of-way? → The aircraft on the left shall give way to the aircraft on the right.
24. Which transponder code should a pilot squawk when experiencing a radio communications failure? → 7600
25. Which type of drag increases as airspeed decreases during slow flight? → Induced drag
26. When the ADF needle points to 000° on the relative bearing indicator, it means: → The NDB station is directly ahead of the aircraft
27. What is the 'P-factor' (asymmetric blade effect) and when is it most pronounced? → The greater thrust from the descending propeller blade at high angles of attack
28. Dihedral in a wing design primarily provides stability about which axis? → Longitudinal (roll)
29. If an aircraft enters a 60-degree banked level turn, the stall speed increases by a factor of approximately: → 1.41
30. When flying in oceanic airspace without ATC radar coverage, how do pilots typically report their position? → Via HF radio position reports to an oceanic control center or by ACARS datalink