FAA SIW Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control

According to the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI), which Law of Learning states that a student learns best when they have a strong motivation and clear reason for learning?

• ALaw of Readiness
• BLaw of Primacy
• CLaw of Exercise
• DLaw of Effect

Under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K, what is the minimum age required for an applicant to be eligible for a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport Pilot rating?

• A18 years of age
• B17 years of age
• C21 years of age
• D16 years of age

What is the maximum validity period for an authorized flight instructor's endorsement for a student pilot's solo flight privileges under 14 CFR § 61.87?

• A90 calendar days
• B60 calendar days
• C180 calendar days
• D30 calendar days

A sport pilot flight instructor candidate exercising flight instructor privileges in a weight-shift-control aircraft may use a valid U.S. driver's license in lieu of an FAA medical certificate, provided they:

• AHold a valid U.S. driver's license, comply with any driver's license restrictions, and ha…
• BHold a valid U.S. driver's license and have passed a BasicMed exam within the preceding 4…
• CHold a valid U.S. driver's license regardless of any previous FAA medical denials or revo…
• DHold a valid U.S. driver's license and limit all instruction to non-towered airports belo…

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Human Needs, which level of needs must be satisfied before a student can effectively focus on cognitive learning and skill acquisition?

• APhysiological and Safety needs
• BSelf-Actualization needs
• CEsteem needs
• DSocial and Belonging needs

To act as pilot in command of a sport weight-shift-control aircraft carrying a passenger, 14 CFR § 61.57 requires the pilot to have completed within the preceding 90 days at least:

• A3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop in a weight-shift-control aircraft of the same c…
• B5 takeoffs and 5 landings in any light-sport aircraft category
• C3 hours of flight time including 3 touch-and-go landings
• D6 takeoffs and 6 landings in a weight-shift-control aircraft

A student pilot who attempts to justify poor flight performance by making excuses such as 'the wind was too gusty for anyone to land properly' is demonstrating which defense mechanism?

• ARationalization
• BProjection
• CCompensation
• DReaction Formation

Under 14 CFR § 61.325, what training and logbook endorsement is required for a sport pilot to operate a weight-shift-control aircraft in Class B, C, or D airspace?

• AGround and flight training from an authorized instructor on airspace rules and communicat…
• BA formal checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
• CCompletion of an FAA online safety course with a printed certificate placed in the pilot'…
• DAt least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command in a weight-shift-cont…

In the Fundamentals of Instructing, what are the four basic levels of learning in ascending order of complexity?

• ARote, Understanding, Application, Correlation
• BRecall, Comprehension, Analysis, Synthesis
• CPerception, Response, Adaptation, Mastery
• DReadiness, Exercise, Effect, Primacy

What is the minimum total flight time required under 14 CFR § 61.411 for an applicant seeking a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport Pilot rating in a Weight-Shift-Control aircraft?

• A150 hours total flight time, including 100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours in weig…
• B200 hours total flight time, including 150 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft
• C100 hours total flight time, including 25 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft
• D250 hours total flight time, including 100 hours of cross-country time

An effective critique by a flight instructor should always be:

• AObjective, constructive, flexible, and specific
• BStrictly critical and focused exclusively on student errors
• CSubjective and tailored to the instructor's personal flying style
• DGeneral and brief to avoid discouraging the student

Under 14 CFR § 61.423, how long must a sport pilot flight instructor retain logbook records of solo endorsements and practical test endorsements?

• AAt least 3 years
• BAt least 1 year
• CAt least 5 years
• DIndefinitely for the duration of the instructor certificate

Learning to smoothly manipulate the pitch control bar during a landing flare in a weight-shift-control aircraft primary engages which domain of learning?

• APsychomotor domain
• BCognitive domain
• CAffective domain
• DBehavioral domain

A flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating is issued today. Under 14 CFR § 61.425, when does it expire?

• AIt does not expire; the instructor must establish recent experience in accordance with §…
• B24 calendar months after the month of issue
• C12 calendar months after the month of issue
• D36 calendar months after the month of issue

Which student condition represents a primary obstacle to learning during initial flight training in weight-shift-control aircraft?

• AAcute anxiety and tension
• BHigh self-efficacy
• CStrong desire for skill mastery
• DAnalytical cognitive orientation

Under 14 CFR § 61.313, what minimum cross-country flight training must a sport pilot candidate log in a weight-shift-control aircraft before being eligible for a practical test?

• AAt least 2 hours of dual cross-country flight training and 1 solo cross-country flight of…
• BAt least 5 hours of dual cross-country and 3 solo cross-country flights of 100 NM each
• CAt least 10 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command
• DNo cross-country training is required for sport pilot weight-shift-control candidates

What is the correct sequential order of the four steps in the telling-and-doing technique of flight instruction?

• AInstructor Tells - Instructor Does; Student Tells - Instructor Does; Student Tells - Stud…
• BInstructor Does - Student Watches; Student Does - Instructor Watches; Instructor Critique…
• CStudent Reads - Student Does; Instructor Observes - Instructor Corrects; Student Evaluate…
• DInstructor Briefs - Student Demonstrates; Instructor Corrects - Student Tests; Evaluation…

Prior to endorsing an applicant for a sport pilot practical test, 14 CFR § 61.39 requires the instructor to verify that the student received flight training within how many calendar months preceding the test?

• A2 calendar months
• B6 calendar months
• C1 calendar month
• D12 calendar months

Which memory system stores information temporary for immediate processing, but degrades rapidly within 20 to 30 seconds unless actively rehearsed?

• AShort-term memory (Working memory)
• BSensory memory
• CLong-term memory
• DProcedural memory

Under 14 CFR § 61.327, what endorsement is required for a sport pilot to operate a light-sport aircraft that has a maximum airspeed in level flight (VH) greater than 87 knots CAS?

• AGround and flight training from an authorized instructor on high-speed LSA operations, fo…
• BA Commercial Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating
• CA type rating issued by an FAA inspector
• DNo special endorsement is required as long as the pilot holds a sport pilot certificate

A student pilot who has extensive experience flying conventional 3-axis fixed-wing airplanes initially pushes the control bar forward when wanting to pitch down in a weight-shift-control aircraft. This is an example of:

• ANegative transfer of learning
• BPositive transfer of learning
• CRote learning failure
• DCognitive dissonance

Under 14 CFR § 61.413, what is the maximum number of flight training hours a flight instructor with a sport pilot rating may conduct in any 24-consecutive-hour period?

• A8 hours
• B6 hours
• C10 hours
• D12 hours

In Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), what does the acronym 'DECIDE' stand for?

• ADetect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate
• BDetermine, Evaluate, Calculate, Inspect, Decide, Execute
• CDetect, Examine, Control, Initiate, Direct, Evaluate
• DDiagnose, Estimate, Choose, Inform, Drive, Evaluate

Before endorsing a student pilot for a solo cross-country flight under 14 CFR § 61.93, the flight instructor must review the student's preflight planning and verify that:

• AThe flight planning, weather calculations, performance calculations, and route selection…
• BThe student has completed at least 50 hours of solo flight time in weight-shift-control a…
• CThe flight will be conducted exclusively in Class B airspace during night conditions
• DThe student holds a FAA Class 1 medical certificate and instrument rating

When conducting an oral assessment, which type of question should a flight instructor avoid because it confuses the student and lacks educational value?

• ATrick questions, oversized questions, and ambiguous questions
• BDirect open-ended questions related to practical scenario problems
• CQuestions requiring application of emergency procedures
• DQuestions assessing understanding of cloud clearance requirements

Under 14 CFR § 61.56, how often must a sport pilot flight instructor undergo a flight review to maintain pilot in command privileges?

• AWithin the preceding 24 calendar months
• BWithin the preceding 12 calendar months
• CWithin the preceding 36 calendar months
• DA flight review is never required for active flight instructors

A student pilot says 'It won't happen to me, WSC aircraft don't tumble in turbulence.' Which hazardous attitude is being displayed and what is its correct antidote?

• AInvulnerability; Antidote: 'It could happen to me.'
• BMacho; Antidote: 'Taking chances is foolish.'
• CAnti-Authority; Antidote: 'Follow the rules. They are usually right.'
• DResignation; Antidote: 'I am not helpless. I can make a difference.'

Can a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control rating endorse a Private Pilot candidate for a WSC category rating practical test under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K?

• ANo; sport pilot instructors are limited to training sport pilot candidates and endorsing…
• BYes; a sport flight instructor can endorse candidates for any pilot certificate level in…
• CYes; provided the candidate has logged at least 200 hours of WSC flight time
• DNo; unless the instructor holds a Master CFI designation from the FAA

The 'Building Block' concept of instruction requires that:

• ABasic skills and foundational concepts must be thoroughly mastered before advanced maneuv…
• BStudents complete all ground school requirements before touching the flight controls
• CInstructors teach emergency procedures prior to teaching basic straight-and-level flight
• DFlight training syllabus units are presented in random order to build adaptability

Under 14 CFR § 61.49, an applicant who fails a knowledge test or practical test may retest only after:

• AReceiving necessary additional training from an authorized instructor who determines the…
• BWaiting a mandatory 30 calendar days before registering for another test
• CFiling a formal appeal with the FAA Airman Testing Branch
• DPaying a double testing fee to PSI Services

In a Weight-Shift-Control (WSC) aircraft, how is primary pitch control accomplished by the pilot?

• ABy moving the control bar forward or aft, which shifts the carriage center of gravity rel…
• BBy adjusting elevators located on the trailing edge of the flexible wing
• CBy changing engine thrust vector angle through a mechanical linkage
• DBy altering wing camber using internal hydraulic actuators

What aerodynamic mechanism allows a flexible wing WSC aircraft to initiate a roll when the pilot shifts the control bar sideways?

• ABillow shift, which changes the relative sail tension, spanwise washout, and angle of att…
• BDifferential deflection of outboard ailerons
• CAsymmetric spoiler deployment on the lowering wing
• DRudder pedal displacement causing adverse yaw

Pushing the control bar forward in a weight-shift-control aircraft causes the aircraft to:

• AIncrease angle of attack, pitch up, and decrease airspeed
• BDecrease angle of attack, pitch down, and increase airspeed
• CRoll into a left bank turn
• DIncrease engine RPM automatically

A weight-shift-control aircraft has an unbanked level-flight stall speed (V_s) of 30 knots. What is its stall speed in a coordinated 60° banked level turn?

• A42.4 knots
• B36.0 knots
• C45.0 knots
• D60.0 knots

What aerodynamic condition poses the most severe risk of initiating a dangerous tumble (forward pitch-over) in a flexible wing WSC aircraft?

• AZero-G or negative-G flight conditions, such as pushing the control bar full forward abru…
• BHigh-speed power-on steep turns at 45° bank
• CFull throttle climb at maximum gross weight
• DFlaring for landing at minimum trim speed

What is the primary aerodynamic purpose of reflex bridle lines (luff lines) on a weight-shift-control flex-wing?

• ATo maintain trailing-edge reflex and generate a pitch-up aerodynamic moment at low angles…
• BTo increase roll response during high-speed banked turns
• CTo support the weight of the carriage during ground assembly
• DTo reduce parasite drag by tightening the upper sail skin

How do control bar movements in a WSC aircraft compare to stick/yoke movements in a conventional fixed-wing airplane?

• AControl bar movements are reversed relative to the wing: pushing forward pitches up, and…
• BControl bar movements are identical in all axes to conventional stick inputs
• CPushing the control bar forward pitches down, and shifting right rolls right
• DControl bar movements only affect yaw, while pitch is controlled by foot pedals

What defines the 'trim airspeed' of a weight-shift-control aircraft in unaccelerated flight?

• AThe airspeed at which the wing center of lift is balanced directly over the carriage cent…
• BThe airspeed at maximum engine RPM during full power climb
• CThe minimum airspeed at which the wing stall warning buffets
• DThe speed achieved when the control bar is pushed to its forward stop

If a WSC aircraft has a level unbanked stall speed of 28 knots, what is the approximate stall speed in a 45° banked turn?

• A33.3 knots
• B28.0 knots
• C39.6 knots
• D42.0 knots

During lateral weight shift to initiate a right turn, what occurs to the keel and sail of a double-surface flex-wing?

• AThe carriage moves right, shifting the keel right, causing billow shift that flattens the…
• BThe keel shifts left, causing the left wing to stall while the right wing generates maxim…
• CThe wing locks rigidly, creating differential drag via external spoilerons
• DThe sail billows equally on both sides to increase total lift during turn entry

To prevent a tumble entry when cresting over a steep climb or encountering sudden updrafts/downdrafts, the pilot should:

• AMaintain positive G loading on the wing by smoothly easing back on the control bar and av…
• BPush full forward on the control bar to rapidly reduce altitude
• CCut engine power to zero and pull full aft on the control bar simultaneously
• DEnter a 60° bank turn immediately to bleed off airspeed

What is 'washout' on a flexible WSC wing and what is its primary aerodynamic benefit?

• AA twist in the wing design where the tip angle of attack is lower than the root angle of…
• BA curved wing leading edge that reduces high-speed parasitic drag
• CAn upward bowing of the keel structure during high-G turns
• DA removable fabric panel used to drain rainwater from the sail

How does swept-back wing geometry contribute to directional (yaw) stability in a weight-shift-control flex-wing aircraft without a rudder?

• AWhen the aircraft yaws, the advancing wing presents a greater effective wingspan and high…
• BWing sweep shifts the center of pressure forward of the hang point during yaw
• CSwept wings eliminate all adverse yaw during roll entry
• DSweep back allows air to pass through luff lines, balancing lateral pressures

A WSC trike has a total aircraft gross weight of 850 lbs. During a coordinated 60° banked level turn, what total effective load must the wing structure support?

• A1,700 lbs
• B850 lbs
• C1,202 lbs
• D2,550 lbs

On a pusher-configuration WSC carriage where the engine thrust line passes below the wing hang point, adding engine power typically causes:

• AA pitch-up moment due to the thrust line producing a moment around the aircraft center of…
• BAn immediate pitch-down moment that forces the control bar full forward
• CA left roll moment due to wing billow collapse
• DNo change in pitch or airspeed regardless of throttle position

What creates the effective dihedral stability in a swept flexible wing WSC aircraft?

• AThe combination of wing sweep and sail billow, which increases the effective angle of att…
• BPhysical upward angle of rigid spar wingtips attached to the keel
• CInward tilting of the main mast during sideslips
• DReflex bridle lines pulling up on the center trailing edge

Internal reflex struts or trailing-edge sprockets inside a double-surface WSC wing serve what crucial safety function?

• AThey maintain minimum trailing-edge reflex to prevent pitch tucking even if reflex lines…
• BThey allow the pilot to mechanically fold the wings in flight for high-speed descent
• CThey automatically deploy airbrakes when airspeed exceeds Vne
• DThey lock the control bar in neutral during aerobatic maneuvers

When encountering strong thermal updrafts that cause an abrupt pitch-up tendency, what is the proper control bar response?

• APull the control bar aft smoothly toward trim position to prevent excessive pitch attitud…
• BPush the control bar violently to its forward stop to force the nose down
• CPull full aft and hold it against the pilot's chest until out of turbulence
• DRelease the control bar completely and let it float freely