PPL PPL Navigation and Regulations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the difference between true north, magnetic north, and compass north?
- True north is geographic; magnetic north is where a compass needle points; compass north adds aircraft deviation to magnetic north (Correct answer)
- They are all the same direction
- Only true north matters for navigation
- Compass north is always accurate
Correct answer: True north is geographic; magnetic north is where a compass needle points; compass north adds aircraft deviation to magnetic north
True north is the geographic North Pole. Magnetic north differs by variation (isogonic lines on charts). Compass north additionally incorporates deviation caused by the aircraft's magnetic influences, requiring a deviation card.
Question 2: What are the privileges and limitations of a Private Pilot License?
- Can fly as PIC, carry passengers, fly at night, but cannot fly for compensation or hire (with limited exceptions) (Correct answer)
- Can fly commercially for airlines
- No limitations on any type of flying
- Can only fly alone, never with passengers
Correct answer: Can fly as PIC, carry passengers, fly at night, but cannot fly for compensation or hire (with limited exceptions)
A PPL allows flying as pilot-in-command, carrying passengers, night flight (with training), and sharing expenses with passengers, but prohibits flying for compensation or hire (with specific exceptions like charity flights).
Question 3: What is dead reckoning navigation?
- Navigating by calculating position from a known point using heading, airspeed, wind correction, and elapsed time (Correct answer)
- Following railroad tracks
- Only using GPS
- Flying in a straight line regardless of wind
Correct answer: Navigating by calculating position from a known point using heading, airspeed, wind correction, and elapsed time
Dead reckoning calculates position by applying estimated wind correction, true airspeed, and elapsed time to a known starting position, requiring pre-flight wind analysis and in-flight adjustments for actual conditions.
Question 4: What is Class B airspace and what are the requirements to enter it?
- Controlled airspace around the busiest airports requiring ATC clearance, a transponder with Mode C, and at least a private pilot certificate (Correct answer)
- Anyone can enter without restriction
- Only airline pilots can enter
- Class B is uncontrolled airspace
Correct answer: Controlled airspace around the busiest airports requiring ATC clearance, a transponder with Mode C, and at least a private pilot certificate
Class B airspace surrounds the nation's busiest airports. Entry requires specific ATC clearance, an operating transponder with Mode C altitude reporting, and at least a PPL (student pilots need specific endorsements).
Question 5: What are the currency requirements for a private pilot to carry passengers?
- Three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days (full-stop at night), plus a valid medical certificate and flight review within 24 months (Correct answer)
- No currency requirements exist
- Only an annual checkup is needed
- Currency is only required for IFR flight
Correct answer: Three takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days (full-stop at night), plus a valid medical certificate and flight review within 24 months
To carry passengers, a pilot must have completed three takeoffs and landings within 90 days (full-stop for night), hold a valid medical certificate, and have completed a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months.
Question 6: What actions should a pilot take if lost during a VFR flight?
- Maintain altitude, use the 4 C's (Climb, Communicate, Confess, Comply), contact ATC or FSS for assistance (Correct answer)
- Continue flying and hope to recognize something
- Immediately land anywhere available
- Turn off the radio to avoid embarrassment
Correct answer: Maintain altitude, use the 4 C's (Climb, Communicate, Confess, Comply), contact ATC or FSS for assistance
If lost: Climb (better radio reception and visibility), Communicate (contact ATC on 121.5 MHz or FSS), Confess (admit you're lost — controllers can help), Comply (follow ATC instructions for radar identification and vectors).
PPL PPL Navigation and Regulations 1
What is the difference between true north, magnetic north, and compass north?