PRIVATE HELICOPTER TEST PREP
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◍ Airfoil.
Answer: A structure or body which produces a useful reaction to air
movement.
◍ Chord line.
Answer: An imaginary straight line from the leading edge to the trailing
edge of an airfoil.
◍ What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot certificate?.
Answer: -At least 17 years of age-Able to read, speak, write, and understand
the English language-Current Third Class medical certificate-Received
required ground & flight training endorsements-Meet applicable
aeronautical experience requirements-Pass required knowledge and practical
tests
◍ What privileges and limitations apply to a private pilot?.
Answer: -May not act as PIC of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or
property for compensation or hire;-May not act as PIC of an aircraft for
compensation or hire-May not pay less than the pro rata share of the
operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses
involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees
◍ To act as pilot-in-command, or in any other capacity as a required flight
crewmember of a civil aircraft, what must a pilot have in his/her possession
or readily accessible in the aircraft?.
, Answer: -Valid pilot certificate-Photo identification-Current and appropriate
medical certificate
◍ Relative wind.
Answer: Wind felt by an airfoil. Created by the movement of air past an
airfoil, by the motion of an airfoil through the air, or by a combination of the
two. Relative wind is parallel and in the opposite direction to the flight path
of the airfoil.
◍ Angle of attack.
Answer: The angle between the chord line of the airfoil and the relative
wind.
◍ With respect to certification, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define the
terms: "Category," "Class," and "Type.".
Answer: -Category: broad classification of aircraft; i.e., airplane, rotorcraft,
glider, etc.-Class: classification of aircraft within a category having similar
operating characteristics; i.e., single-engine land, multi-engine land,
etc.-Type: specific make and basic model of aircraft including modifications
that do not change its handling or flight characteristics; i.e., DC-9, B-737,
C-150, etc.
◍ Angle of incidence.
Answer: The angle at which a wing is attached to the aircraft fuselage.
◍ What are the requirements to remain current as a private pilot?.
Answer: Flight review within preceding 24 months in aircraft for which pilot
is rated by an authorized instructor and logbook endorsement certifying
satisfactory flight reviewTo carry passengers: within preceding 90 days
three takeoffs and landings as sole manipulator of the flight controls; if
night, three takeoffs and landings to a full stop
◍ To exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, what medical
certificate is required, and how long is it valid?.
Answer: Third classUnder 40 when taken, then expires at end of 60th
monthOver 40 when taken, then expires at end of 24th month
,◍ Bernoulli's principle.
Answer: Air traveling faster over the curved upper surface of an airfoil
causes lower pressure on the top surface.
◍ If a pilot changes his/her mailing address and fails to notify the FAA
Airmen Certification branch of the new address, how long may the pilot
continue to exercise the privileges of his/her pilot certificate?.
Answer: 30 days after the date of the move
◍ What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?.
Answer: Airworthiness certificateRegistration certificateOwner's manual or
operating limitationsWeight and balance data
◍ Four forces.
Answer: Lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
◍ How can a pilot determine his/her aircraft is equipped with a Mode C
altitude encoding transponder?.
Answer: Referencing current weight and balance equipment list
◍ What is the purpose of the rudder on an airplane?.
Answer: To control yaw.
◍ What is the relationship of lift, drag, thrust, and weight when the airplane is
in straight-and-level flight?.
Answer: Lift equals weight and thrust equals drag.
◍ When will an aircraft registration certificate expire?.
Answer: When any of the following occur:-Aircraft registered under the
laws of a foreign country-Registration canceled at written request of the
holder of the certificate-Aircraft totally destroyed or scrapped-Ownership of
the aircraft is transferred-Holder of certificate loses U.S. citizenship-Thirty
days after the death of the holder of the certificate
◍ Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an
airworthy condition?.
Answer: Owner or operator
, ◍ When are the four forces that act on an airplane in equilibrium?.
Answer: During unaccelerated (steady state) flight.
◍ Positive static stability.
Answer: The initial tendency of an aircraft to return or not return to its
original position.
◍ Positive dynamic stability.
Answer: The tendency of an oscillating airplane (with positive static
stability) to return to its original position relative to time.
◍ After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired,
who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy
condition?.
Answer: The PIC
◍ What records or documents should be checked to determine that the owner
or operator of an aircraft complied with all required inspections and
airworthiness directives?.
Answer: Maintenance records (aircraft and engine logbooks).
Owner/operator shall ensure maintenance personnel make appropriate
entries in aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been
approved for return to service.
◍ What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had
alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in
flight?.
Answer: Cannot operate or carry passengers until an appropriately rated
pilot with at least a private pilot certificate flies the aircraft; makes an
operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and
logs the flight in the aircraft records.
◍ What is an Airworthiness Certificate and how long does it remain valid?.
Answer: -Issued by the FAA only after the aircraft has been inspected and
found to meet the requirements of 14 CFR and is in a condition for safe
operation.-Remains in effect as long as the aircraft receives the required
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
GRADED A+
◍ Airfoil.
Answer: A structure or body which produces a useful reaction to air
movement.
◍ Chord line.
Answer: An imaginary straight line from the leading edge to the trailing
edge of an airfoil.
◍ What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot certificate?.
Answer: -At least 17 years of age-Able to read, speak, write, and understand
the English language-Current Third Class medical certificate-Received
required ground & flight training endorsements-Meet applicable
aeronautical experience requirements-Pass required knowledge and practical
tests
◍ What privileges and limitations apply to a private pilot?.
Answer: -May not act as PIC of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or
property for compensation or hire;-May not act as PIC of an aircraft for
compensation or hire-May not pay less than the pro rata share of the
operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses
involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees
◍ To act as pilot-in-command, or in any other capacity as a required flight
crewmember of a civil aircraft, what must a pilot have in his/her possession
or readily accessible in the aircraft?.
, Answer: -Valid pilot certificate-Photo identification-Current and appropriate
medical certificate
◍ Relative wind.
Answer: Wind felt by an airfoil. Created by the movement of air past an
airfoil, by the motion of an airfoil through the air, or by a combination of the
two. Relative wind is parallel and in the opposite direction to the flight path
of the airfoil.
◍ Angle of attack.
Answer: The angle between the chord line of the airfoil and the relative
wind.
◍ With respect to certification, privileges, and limitations of airmen, define the
terms: "Category," "Class," and "Type.".
Answer: -Category: broad classification of aircraft; i.e., airplane, rotorcraft,
glider, etc.-Class: classification of aircraft within a category having similar
operating characteristics; i.e., single-engine land, multi-engine land,
etc.-Type: specific make and basic model of aircraft including modifications
that do not change its handling or flight characteristics; i.e., DC-9, B-737,
C-150, etc.
◍ Angle of incidence.
Answer: The angle at which a wing is attached to the aircraft fuselage.
◍ What are the requirements to remain current as a private pilot?.
Answer: Flight review within preceding 24 months in aircraft for which pilot
is rated by an authorized instructor and logbook endorsement certifying
satisfactory flight reviewTo carry passengers: within preceding 90 days
three takeoffs and landings as sole manipulator of the flight controls; if
night, three takeoffs and landings to a full stop
◍ To exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, what medical
certificate is required, and how long is it valid?.
Answer: Third classUnder 40 when taken, then expires at end of 60th
monthOver 40 when taken, then expires at end of 24th month
,◍ Bernoulli's principle.
Answer: Air traveling faster over the curved upper surface of an airfoil
causes lower pressure on the top surface.
◍ If a pilot changes his/her mailing address and fails to notify the FAA
Airmen Certification branch of the new address, how long may the pilot
continue to exercise the privileges of his/her pilot certificate?.
Answer: 30 days after the date of the move
◍ What documents are required on board an aircraft prior to flight?.
Answer: Airworthiness certificateRegistration certificateOwner's manual or
operating limitationsWeight and balance data
◍ Four forces.
Answer: Lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
◍ How can a pilot determine his/her aircraft is equipped with a Mode C
altitude encoding transponder?.
Answer: Referencing current weight and balance equipment list
◍ What is the purpose of the rudder on an airplane?.
Answer: To control yaw.
◍ What is the relationship of lift, drag, thrust, and weight when the airplane is
in straight-and-level flight?.
Answer: Lift equals weight and thrust equals drag.
◍ When will an aircraft registration certificate expire?.
Answer: When any of the following occur:-Aircraft registered under the
laws of a foreign country-Registration canceled at written request of the
holder of the certificate-Aircraft totally destroyed or scrapped-Ownership of
the aircraft is transferred-Holder of certificate loses U.S. citizenship-Thirty
days after the death of the holder of the certificate
◍ Who is responsible for ensuring that an aircraft is maintained in an
airworthy condition?.
Answer: Owner or operator
, ◍ When are the four forces that act on an airplane in equilibrium?.
Answer: During unaccelerated (steady state) flight.
◍ Positive static stability.
Answer: The initial tendency of an aircraft to return or not return to its
original position.
◍ Positive dynamic stability.
Answer: The tendency of an oscillating airplane (with positive static
stability) to return to its original position relative to time.
◍ After aircraft inspections have been made and defects have been repaired,
who is responsible for determining that the aircraft is in an airworthy
condition?.
Answer: The PIC
◍ What records or documents should be checked to determine that the owner
or operator of an aircraft complied with all required inspections and
airworthiness directives?.
Answer: Maintenance records (aircraft and engine logbooks).
Owner/operator shall ensure maintenance personnel make appropriate
entries in aircraft maintenance records indicating the aircraft has been
approved for return to service.
◍ What regulations apply concerning the operation of an aircraft that has had
alterations or repairs which may have substantially affected its operation in
flight?.
Answer: Cannot operate or carry passengers until an appropriately rated
pilot with at least a private pilot certificate flies the aircraft; makes an
operational check of the maintenance performed or alteration made; and
logs the flight in the aircraft records.
◍ What is an Airworthiness Certificate and how long does it remain valid?.
Answer: -Issued by the FAA only after the aircraft has been inspected and
found to meet the requirements of 14 CFR and is in a condition for safe
operation.-Remains in effect as long as the aircraft receives the required
