PSTAR Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PSTAR 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 minimum age requirement to fly solo as a student pilot in the United States? → 16 years old
2. Prior to starting each maneuver, pilot should? → Visually scan the entire area for collision avoidance.
3. In a METAR, what does 'OVC010' mean? → Overcast at 1,000 feet AGL
4. What does the term 'say again' mean in aviation radio communications? → Repeat your last transmission
5. What is the scale of a standard sectional aeronautical chart? → 1:500,000
6. Under what regulation must a student pilot have a solo flight endorsement? → FAR 61.87
7. What is the freezing level? → The altitude at which the temperature equals 0°C
8. Which preflight action is specifically required of the pilot prior to each Flight? → Become familiar with all available information concerning the flight.
9. What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL? → 3 statute miles
10. What type of airspace is depicted by a blue or magenta cross-hatched area on a sectional chart? → Alert area
11. What is required to operate within Class C airspace? → Two-way radio communication established and Mode C transponder
12. What is the purpose of the compass deviation card in an aircraft? → It shows compass error corrections caused by aircraft magnetic fields
13. What does FAR 91.107 require regarding safety belts? → All occupants must wear safety belts during taxi, takeoff, and landing
14. What color is used on sectional charts to indicate Class B airspace? → Blue with solid lines
15. What is the magnetic course if the true course is 270° and the variation is 15° West? → 285°
16. What does the term 'NORDO' refer to in aviation? → No radio communication capability
17. What does a flashing green light signal from the control tower mean to an aircraft on the ground? → Cleared to taxi
18. What action must a pilot take before entering Class D airspace? → Establish two-way radio communication with ATC
19. What is the upper limit of Class G airspace in the contiguous US when no other designation applies? → 1,200 feet AGL
20. What minimum pilot certificate is required to operate within Class B airspace? → Private pilot certificate (or student with specific endorsement)
21. On a sectional chart, what does a number in a box with a 'T' symbol indicate? → Tower height above MSL
22. What right-of-way does an aircraft on final approach to land have? → It yields to aircraft already on final below it
23. Which cloud type is most associated with continuous light rain and low visibility? → Nimbostratus
24. What is an advantage of a constant-speed propeller? → Permits the pilot to select the blade angle for the most efficient performance.
25. If a student pilot does not complete a solo flight within 90 days of receiving a CFI's solo endorsement, what must happen before they can fly solo? → They must obtain a new endorsement from their CFI
26. What type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface? → Advection fog
27. Under what general weather conditions is a student pilot permitted to conduct solo flights? → Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), and night VMC with a specific night endorsement
28. What does the phrase 'WILCO' mean in radio communication? → I have received and understood your message and will comply
29. What does a NOTAM stand for and what is its purpose? → Notice to Airmen — informing of changes or hazards affecting aviation
30. Which class of medical certificate is the minimum required for a student pilot to exercise solo flight privileges in a powered airplane? → Third-Class medical certificate