PPL Communication and Airspace Knowledge 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the maximum indicated airspeed permitted in the airspace underlying Class B (a Class B 'shelf') and within a VFR corridor?
- 156 knots
- 200 knots (Correct answer)
- 230 knots
- 250 knots
Correct answer: 200 knots
Aircraft in airspace beneath Class B shelves and in VFR corridors are limited to 200 knots indicated.
Question 2: Which document should a pilot consult for the exact dimensions and operating hours of a Class D airspace?
- Aircraft POH
- Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) (Correct answer)
- FAR/AIM index only
- NOTAM archive
Correct answer: Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD)
The Chart Supplement lists Class D dimensions and hours of operation for the control tower.
Question 3: During radio communication, the phrase 'squawk 1200' instructs the pilot to do what?
- Set the transponder to the VFR code (Correct answer)
- Change to emergency frequency
- Report position in 12 minutes
- Reduce to 1,200 feet
Correct answer: Set the transponder to the VFR code
1200 is the standard VFR transponder code pilots set when not receiving a discrete code.
Question 4: What transponder code indicates a hijacking situation?
- 7500 (Correct answer)
- 7600
- 7700
- 7000
Correct answer: 7500
Squawk 7500 signals an unlawful interference or hijacking.
Question 5: What transponder code should a pilot set to indicate two-way radio communication failure?
- 7500
- 7600 (Correct answer)
- 7700
- 1200
Correct answer: 7600
Squawk 7600 indicates a lost communications (radio failure) condition.
Question 6: A flashing red light gun signal directed at an aircraft in flight means what?
- Cleared to land
- Return to airport, cleared to land soon
- Airport unsafe, do not land (Correct answer)
- Give way to other aircraft
Correct answer: Airport unsafe, do not land
A flashing red light to an aircraft in flight means the airport is unsafe — do not land.
Question 7: What is the standard practice for entering the traffic pattern at a non-towered airport?
- Straight-in on any runway
- 45-degree entry to the downwind leg (Correct answer)
- Direct base leg from any direction
- Cross midfield at pattern altitude then turn
Correct answer: 45-degree entry to the downwind leg
The recommended entry is at a 45-degree angle to the midpoint of the downwind leg at pattern altitude.
PPL Communication and Airspace Knowledge 3
What is the maximum indicated airspeed permitted in the airspace underlying Class B (a Class B 'shelf') and within a VFR corridor?