FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
(FAA) AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT (ATP)
KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of an ATP certificate?
A. To operate aircraft under VFR only
B. To act as second-in-command in air carrier operations
C. To serve as pilot in command in air carrier and commercial operations
D. To provide flight instruction only
Answer: C
Rationale: The ATP certificate authorizes the holder to act as PIC in Part
121 and other advanced commercial operations.
2. What is the minimum age to hold an ATP certificate?
A. 21
B. 22
C. 23
D. 25
Answer: C
Rationale: FAA regulations require an applicant to be at least 23 years old.
3. Which regulation primarily governs ATP certification requirements?
A. Part 61
B. Part 91
, C. Part 61 Subpart G
D. Part 121
Answer: C
Rationale: ATP certification standards are found in 14 CFR Part 61, Subpart
G.
4. What is the minimum total flight time required for an unrestricted ATP?
A. 1,000 hours
B. 1,250 hours
C. 1,500 hours
D. 2,000 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: FAA requires 1,500 hours total time unless eligible for a
restricted ATP.
5. Which weather phenomenon is most hazardous to jet aircraft at cruise
altitude?
A. Fog
B. Clear air turbulence
C. Radiation fog
D. Haze
Answer: B
Rationale: Clear air turbulence occurs without visual cues and can be
severe at high altitudes.
6. What causes Dutch roll?
A. Wing loading imbalance
B. Combined yaw and roll instability
C. Excessive elevator trim
D. High angle of attack
Answer: B
Rationale: Dutch roll is a coupled yawing and rolling oscillation.
7. What is Vmc?
A. Best climb speed
, B. Stall speed
C. Minimum controllable airspeed with one engine inoperative
D. Maneuvering speed
Answer: C
Rationale: Vmc defines directional control limits in multi-engine aircraft.
8. Which instrument is most affected by precession?
A. Altimeter
B. Airspeed indicator
C. Gyroscopic heading indicator
D. Vertical speed indicator
Answer: C
Rationale: Gyroscopic instruments drift due to precession.
9. What condition most increases takeoff distance?
A. Headwind
B. Low temperature
C. High density altitude
D. Dry runway
Answer: C
Rationale: High density altitude reduces engine and aerodynamic
performance.
10.What is the purpose of Mach trim?
A. Reduce drag
B. Maintain longitudinal stability at high Mach numbers
C. Increase climb rate
D. Improve fuel flow
Answer: B
Rationale: Mach trim compensates for Mach tuck tendencies.
11.What is the primary cause of Mach tuck?
A. Shockwave formation moving aft
(FAA) AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT (ATP)
KNOWLEDGE EXAMINATION
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. What is the primary purpose of an ATP certificate?
A. To operate aircraft under VFR only
B. To act as second-in-command in air carrier operations
C. To serve as pilot in command in air carrier and commercial operations
D. To provide flight instruction only
Answer: C
Rationale: The ATP certificate authorizes the holder to act as PIC in Part
121 and other advanced commercial operations.
2. What is the minimum age to hold an ATP certificate?
A. 21
B. 22
C. 23
D. 25
Answer: C
Rationale: FAA regulations require an applicant to be at least 23 years old.
3. Which regulation primarily governs ATP certification requirements?
A. Part 61
B. Part 91
, C. Part 61 Subpart G
D. Part 121
Answer: C
Rationale: ATP certification standards are found in 14 CFR Part 61, Subpart
G.
4. What is the minimum total flight time required for an unrestricted ATP?
A. 1,000 hours
B. 1,250 hours
C. 1,500 hours
D. 2,000 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: FAA requires 1,500 hours total time unless eligible for a
restricted ATP.
5. Which weather phenomenon is most hazardous to jet aircraft at cruise
altitude?
A. Fog
B. Clear air turbulence
C. Radiation fog
D. Haze
Answer: B
Rationale: Clear air turbulence occurs without visual cues and can be
severe at high altitudes.
6. What causes Dutch roll?
A. Wing loading imbalance
B. Combined yaw and roll instability
C. Excessive elevator trim
D. High angle of attack
Answer: B
Rationale: Dutch roll is a coupled yawing and rolling oscillation.
7. What is Vmc?
A. Best climb speed
, B. Stall speed
C. Minimum controllable airspeed with one engine inoperative
D. Maneuvering speed
Answer: C
Rationale: Vmc defines directional control limits in multi-engine aircraft.
8. Which instrument is most affected by precession?
A. Altimeter
B. Airspeed indicator
C. Gyroscopic heading indicator
D. Vertical speed indicator
Answer: C
Rationale: Gyroscopic instruments drift due to precession.
9. What condition most increases takeoff distance?
A. Headwind
B. Low temperature
C. High density altitude
D. Dry runway
Answer: C
Rationale: High density altitude reduces engine and aerodynamic
performance.
10.What is the purpose of Mach trim?
A. Reduce drag
B. Maintain longitudinal stability at high Mach numbers
C. Increase climb rate
D. Improve fuel flow
Answer: B
Rationale: Mach trim compensates for Mach tuck tendencies.
11.What is the primary cause of Mach tuck?
A. Shockwave formation moving aft
