PPL Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Structural icing is most likely to occur when flying through visible moisture at temperatures: → At or below freezing (0°C)
2. At an uncontrolled airport, which aircraft has the right-of-way on final approach? → The aircraft at the lower altitude on final approach
3. An Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) requires which of the following for entry? → A flight plan and continuous transponder/radio contact
4. What does PIREP stand for? → Pilot Report
5. What does the term 'angle of attack' refer to? → The angle between the chord line and the relative wind
6. What altitude does the altimeter display when set to the local altimeter setting on the ground? → Field elevation
7. During a go-around, what is the correct initial pilot action? → Apply full power and establish a positive climb
8. During which condition does the magnetic compass read most accurately? → In straight-and-level, unaccelerated flight
9. A METAR reports 'BKN025'. What does this indicate? → A broken ceiling at 2,500 feet AGL
10. At what altitude does Class A airspace begin in the United States? → 18,000 feet MSL
11. What does the carburetor heat control do in a piston aircraft? → Routes warm air through the carburetor to prevent or melt ice
12. What does the term 'ground effect' describe? → Reduced induced drag when flying close to the surface
13. What is the primary purpose of establishing a ground reference maneuver such as turns around a point? → To develop wind correction and division of attention
14. In a slip to a landing, what is the primary purpose? → To increase the rate of descent without gaining speed
15. What does a suction gauge measure in a light aircraft? → The vacuum pressure used to drive gyroscopic flight instruments
16. A flashing red light gun signal directed at an aircraft in flight means what? → Airport unsafe, do not land
17. If your magnetic heading is 360° and variation is 5° East, your true heading is: → 355°
18. What happens to the rate of climb as the aircraft climbs toward its absolute ceiling? → It decreases toward zero
19. What is the effect of extending flaps on the aircraft's stall speed? → Lowers stall speed
20. One nautical mile is approximately equal to how many statute miles? → 1.15 statute miles
21. The dew point is best described as the temperature at which the air becomes: → Saturated and condensation begins
22. What is the primary danger of carbon monoxide poisoning in a small aircraft? → It impairs judgment and can cause unconsciousness without warning
23. What primarily causes a spin to develop? → A stall combined with yaw
24. What is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level? → 29.92 inches of mercury (inHg)
25. What is the correct entry procedure for a chandelle? → A maximum-performance 180-degree climbing turn
26. An AIRMET Sierra is issued primarily for which hazard? → IFR conditions and mountain obscuration
27. When performing slow flight, what control input compensates for the reduced rudder and aileron effectiveness? → Larger, coordinated control deflections
28. As density altitude increases, what happens to aircraft takeoff performance? → Takeoff distance increases
29. Which instrument relies on the pitot tube's ram air pressure to operate? → Airspeed indicator
30. What is the purpose of using coordinated rudder and aileron inputs during a turn? → To maintain balanced flight and prevent a skid or slip.