SPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SPC 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 primary consequence of operating an aircraft above its maximum certificated gross weight? → Structural integrity, performance, and handling characteristics may be compromised
2. What is a 'moment envelope' (CG envelope) used for in weight and balance? → Determining approved CG range at various aircraft weights
3. Which of the following is a requirement for a person to be eligible for a Student Pilot Certificate for an airplane? → Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
4. A pilot is preparing for a takeoff from a high-elevation airport on a hot, humid day. What effect will these conditions have on aircraft performance? → Decreased performance due to high density altitude.
5. What should a student pilot do when lost in flight? → Climb, communicate, and comply
6. How does a forward CG location affect the stall speed of an aircraft compared to an aft CG location? → Forward CG increases stall speed; aft CG decreases stall speed
7. A pilot calculates the total moment for a loaded aircraft. The next step to find the actual CG location is to: → Divide total moment by total weight
8. The 'critical angle of attack' is the point at which... → lift is at its maximum and the wing will stall if the angle is increased further.
9. What should a pilot do before entering Class D airspace? → Establish two-way radio communication
10. What is the 'center of gravity' (CG) of an aircraft? → The point through which the total weight of the aircraft acts vertically downward
11. What is the standard weight used for jet fuel (Jet-A) in weight and balance calculations? → 6.7 pounds per gallon
12. Under which of the following circumstances is a student pilot permitted to act as pilot in command? → When flying solo after receiving the proper endorsements from a CFI.
13. Which of the following are the four forces that act on an airplane in flight? → Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag
14. When is it appropriate to use landing lights during daytime flight? → When near congested airspace or airports
15. According to Bernoulli's Principle, how is lift generated by an airfoil? → By creating an area of lower pressure above the wing and higher pressure below it.
16. An altimeter is a flight instrument that measures an aircraft's: → Height above a specific pressure level.
17. What is the maximum allowable blood alcohol content (BAC) for pilots? → 0.04%
18. What are the four fundamental forces acting on an airplane in flight? → Lift, Weight, Thrust, and Drag
19. Which of the following weather products provides a forecast of weather conditions expected at a specific airport for a specified period, typically 24-30 hours? → Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
20. Which navigation method uses landmarks to guide flight? → Pilotage
21. What is the standard weight used for aviation gasoline (avgas) in weight and balance calculations? → 6 pounds per gallon
22. Which document must be carried by a student pilot during solo flight? → Logbook with solo endorsement
23. At night, what color are the lights that identify the edges of a taxiway? → Blue
24. Which regulation part covers the rules for student pilots? → Part 61
25. What is the function of a wing’s camber? → Generate lift through airflow
26. What does 'cleared for the option' allow a student pilot to do? → Conduct any type of approach or landing
27. Which component of an aircraft primarily controls pitch? → Elevator
28. You are approaching a non-towered airport to land. On which frequency should you self-announce your position and intentions? → Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF)
29. According to regulations, which of the following documents must be carried on board the aircraft for any flight? → Airworthiness Certificate, Registration Certificate, and Operating Limitations.
30. Which of the following is a key component of the "IMSAFE" personal preflight checklist used for pilot self-assessment? → Medication - Considering the effects of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs.