FAA SPP Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Powered Parachute

Under 14 CFR § 61.23, what medical qualification is required for a pilot to exercise sport pilot privileges in a powered parachute, provided they do not hold an FAA medical certificate?

• AA valid U.S. driver's license, provided the pilot's most recent FAA medical application w…
• BA third-class FAA medical certificate is mandatory regardless of driver's license status
• CA self-certified medical statement endorsed by a certified flight instructor
• DNo medical documentation or driver's license is required for sport pilot operations

According to 14 CFR § 61.305, what is the minimum age requirement to be eligible for a Sport Pilot Certificate with a powered parachute category rating?

• A17 years of age
• B16 years of age
• C18 years of age
• D15 years of age

Under 14 CFR § 61.315, what is the maximum operating altitude for a sport pilot operating a powered parachute without a specific endorsement?

• A10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
• B5,000 feet MSL or 1,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
• C12,500 feet MSL
• D3,000 feet AGL

Under 14 CFR § 61.315, may a sport pilot operate a powered parachute at night?

• AYes, after completing the § 61.329 night training in powered parachutes, receiving the in…
• BYes, provided the powered parachute is equipped with position lights and anti-collision l…
• CNo, a sport pilot may never act as pilot in command at night
• DYes, within 25 nautical miles of the departure airport

To maintain flight currency to act as pilot in command of a powered parachute under 14 CFR § 61.56, a pilot must complete a flight review within the preceding:

• A24 calendar months
• B12 calendar months
• C6 calendar months
• D36 calendar months

Which aircraft does the VFR fuel rule in 14 CFR § 91.151 reach, and what follows for a powered parachute pilot?

• AParagraph (a) applies to airplanes (30 minutes day, 45 minutes night) and paragraph (b) t…
• BIt applies to all aircraft, so a powered parachute must carry a 15-minute reserve
• CIt applies to all aircraft, so a powered parachute must carry a 45-minute reserve day or…
• DIt applies to all aircraft, so a powered parachute must be able to fly for a total of 2 h…

Under 14 CFR § 91.113(d), which aircraft must a powered parachute yield to when they are converging at approximately the same altitude?

• AA balloon, a glider, an airship, and an aircraft towing or refueling another aircraft
• BOnly a balloon
• CAny airplane, because airplanes fly faster
• DNothing; a powered parachute has the right-of-way over every other category

Under 14 CFR § 91.17, what is the maximum allowable alcohol concentration in blood or breath for a person acting as a crewmember of a powered parachute?

• A0.04 percent or higher
• B0.08 percent or higher
• C0.02 percent or higher
• D0.10 percent or higher

According to 14 CFR § 47.40, how long is an FAA Certificate of Aircraft Registration valid for a light-sport powered parachute before it must be renewed?

• A7 years
• B3 years
• C1 year
• DIndefinitely unless cancelled or transferred

According to NTSB Part 830.5, which occurrence requires immediate notification to the nearest National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) field office?

• AAn in-flight fire or flight control system failure
• BA flat tire during landing rollout
• CEngine failure during ground taxiing
• DA minor tear in the outer canopy fabric repaired before flight

What primary force maintains the structural shape and aerofoil contour of a powered parachute's ram-air canopy during flight?

• AInternal ram-air dynamic pressure entering the open cell openings on the leading edge
• BRigid internal fiberglass ribs inside each canopy cell
• CHigh tension applied to the steering lines by the pilot
• DCentrifugal force created by the spinning propeller

In a powered parachute, what primary flight control input is used to command a climb or descent?

• AEngine throttle application or reduction
• BPushing forward or pulling back on the steering foot bars
• CAdjusting the canopy pitch trim levers on the risers during flight
• DShifting pilot body weight left and right in the harness

What is the aerodynamic effect when a pilot depresses both steering foot bars simultaneously in a powered parachute?

• AThe trailing edge of the canopy is pulled down, increasing drag and lift temporarily to f…
• BThe leading edge of the canopy pitches down, causing an immediate rapid dive
• CThe canopy trim angle flattens, increasing forward airspeed
• DThe wing immediately stalls and collapses asymmetric cells

What design characteristic provides strong inherent pitch and roll stability in a powered parachute?

• APendulum stability, resulting from locating the heavy cart center of gravity far below th…
• BDihedral wing tips angled upward at 45 degrees
• CGyroscopic precession generated by the engine flywheel
• DActive electronic flight stabilization controls

What primary factors establish the baseline cruise airspeed of a trimmed powered parachute in unaccelerated flight?

• ACanopy design, wing area, total gross weight, and riser trim setting
• BEngine throttle setting and propeller RPM exclusively
• CPilot steering bar displacement and wind direction
• DExhaust pipe tuning and fuel octane rating

How does ground effect influence a powered parachute during the landing flare phase?

• AInduced drag decreases near the ground, causing the canopy to float and glide farther bef…
• BInduced drag increases dramatically, causing the cart to drop suddenly onto the runway
• CRam-air pressure collapses the leading edge cells when within 5 feet of the ground
• DThe engine experiences severe power loss due to high ground temperatures

What is the purpose of the cross-ports (holes) in the internal ribs of a ram-air canopy?

• ATo allow air pressure to equalize across all internal cells for uniform inflation and sha…
• BTo allow rain water to drain quickly from the upper skin
• CTo reduce the overall weight of the fabric fabric ribs
• DTo vent excess engine exhaust gases away from the pilot

What effect does increasing the total gross weight of a powered parachute have on its flight characteristics?

• AIt increases forward airspeed and rate of descent, while requiring higher engine power to…
• BIt decreases forward airspeed and reduces the rate of descent during unpowered glide
• CIt makes the steering controls much lighter and more sensitive
• DIt shifts the canopy center of lift forward, causing a nose-high pitch attitude

Why must oil be mixed with gasoline in a two-stroke powered parachute engine?

• ATwo-stroke engines do not have an internal oil sump, so the fuel-oil mixture lubricates c…
• BThe oil acts as a fuel stabilizer to prevent carburetor vapor lock
• COil increases the octane rating of auto fuel to prevent detonation
• DOil cools the exhaust manifold to reduce infrared signatures

What is the main safety function of the propeller guard ring (cage) on a powered parachute cart?

• ATo prevent canopy suspension lines and steering lines from contacting the rotating propel…
• BTo increase propeller thrust by acting as a ducted fan shroud
• CTo act as a structural rollover bar during hard landings
• DTo prevent engine exhaust heat from damaging the cart frame

Operating a two-stroke engine with an excessively lean fuel-to-air mixture or insufficient oil ratio can lead to:

• ARapid engine overheating and piston seizure
• BFouled spark plugs and low cylinder head temperatures
• CExcessive carbon accumulation in the exhaust manifold
• DInstantaneous flooding of the crankcase

During the preflight inspection of a powered parachute canopy, which condition requires immediate repair prior to flight?

• AFrayed suspension lines or stitching tears on line attachment tabs
• BMinor discoloration of canopy fabric from sunlight exposure
• CA small smudge of dirt on the lower skin of a cell
• DPresence of plastic line organizers on the risers

What is the primary function of the engine ignition kill switch mounted on a powered parachute control bar or console?

• ATo immediately ground the ignition circuit and stop the engine in an emergency or routine…
• BTo engage the electric starter motor during engine start
• CTo activate the secondary fuel pump
• DTo adjust the carburetor choke position

Why is it essential to verify that the fuel tank vent is unobstructed during preflight inspection?

• AA blocked vent creates a vacuum in the tank as fuel is consumed, leading to engine fuel s…
• BA blocked vent causes fuel to spill out over the hot engine exhaust
• CA blocked vent increases fuel pump pressure beyond safe limits
• DA blocked vent prevents water contamination from settling to the bottom

Under 14 CFR § 91.155, what is the minimum flight visibility requirement for a sport pilot operating a powered parachute during daylight hours in Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL?

• A1 statute mile
• B3 statute miles
• C5 statute miles
• D0.5 statute miles

Under 14 CFR § 91.155, what is the cloud clearance requirement for VFR flight in Class G airspace at day below 1,200 feet AGL?

• AClear of clouds
• B500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
• C1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal
• D2,000 feet horizontal only

What are the standard VFR visibility and cloud clearance requirements in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL?

• A3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal from…
• B1 statute mile visibility; clear of clouds
• C3 statute miles visibility; clear of clouds
• D5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal

In aviation meteorology, what is the definition of dew point?

• AThe temperature to which air must be cooled to become completely saturated with water vap…
• BThe temperature at which ice crystals form spontaneously in the upper atmosphere
• CThe relative humidity percentage at sea level under standard atmospheric pressure
• DThe height of the cloud base above ground level

What weather conditions are typically associated with a rapidly falling barometric pressure reading?

• AApproaching low-pressure system, stormy weather, and increasing surface winds
• BImproving weather, clear skies, and calm winds
• CStable air, fog formation, and light temperature inversions
• DUnusually high atmospheric density and decreased density altitude

When operating a powered parachute in an airport traffic pattern with fixed-wing aircraft, what standard procedure should a PPC pilot follow?

• AFly a tighter pattern inside and lower (typically 500 ft AGL) than standard 1,000 ft AGL…
• BFly above fixed-wing aircraft at 1,500 ft AGL to remain out of their way
• CFly a pattern opposite to the established traffic pattern flow to avoid trailing wake tur…
• DDemand immediate right-of-way and force airplanes to go around

What does 14 CFR § 61.317 say about how aircraft category and class privileges appear on a sport pilot certificate?

• AThe certificate lists no aircraft category and class ratings; the FAA instead provides a…
• BThe certificate lists every category and class the pilot has flown, the same way a privat…
• CThe certificate is issued with a powered parachute rating printed on its face after the p…
• DThe certificate lists ratings only after the pilot accumulates 100 hours in the category

Under 14 CFR § 91.119(b), what is the minimum safe altitude required when operating an aircraft over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement?

• AAn altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000…
• BAn altitude of 500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 1,000 fe…
• CAn altitude of 1,500 feet AGL regardless of obstacle distance
• DAn altitude allowing an emergency landing clear of buildings, minimum 500 feet AGL

Under 14 CFR § 91.119(c), what is the minimum safe altitude when flying over open water or sparsely populated areas?

• AThe aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or…
• BThe aircraft must maintain at least 500 feet AGL at all times regardless of ground obstac…
• CThe aircraft must maintain at least 1,000 feet AGL at all times
• DNo minimum altitude applies over open water

Under 14 CFR § 61.325, what must a sport pilot do before operating a powered parachute into Class B, C, or D airspace?

• AReceive specific ground and flight training and obtain a logbook endorsement from an auth…
• BObtain a Private Pilot Certificate or higher
• CFile an IFR flight plan with the nearest FSS
• DSubmit a written flight notification to the local FSDO 24 hours prior to flight

To act as pilot in command of a powered parachute carrying a passenger, 14 CFR § 61.57 requires that within the preceding 90 days, the pilot must have made at least:

• AThree takeoffs and landings to a full stop in a powered parachute
• BFive takeoffs and landings in any aircraft category
• CThree hours of flight time in the specific make and model
• DOne flight review and three touch-and-go landings

Under 14 CFR § 1.1, what is the maximum gross takeoff weight for a light-sport aircraft (LSA) powered parachute intended for operation on land?

• A1,320 pounds (600 kg)
• B1,430 pounds (650 kg)
• C1,000 pounds (454 kg)
• D1,500 pounds (680 kg)

What maximum stalling speed without lift-enhancing devices (VS1) does 14 CFR § 61.316(a)(1) permit for a powered parachute a sport pilot may operate?

• A45 knots CAS (52 mph CAS)
• B35 knots CAS (40 mph CAS)
• C55 knots CAS (63 mph CAS)
• D30 knots CAS (35 mph CAS)

Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c), is a sport pilot permitted to tow objects or gliders with a powered parachute?

• ANo, sport pilots are prohibited from towing any object or glider unless specifically auth…
• BYes, towing banners or gliders is permitted during daytime VFR operations
• CYes, provided the total weight of the towed object does not exceed 300 pounds
• DYes, if the pilot holds an un-tethered balloon endorsement

When operating VFR near an active Military Operations Area (MOA), what is the regulatory requirement for a sport pilot?

• APrior clearance is not required for VFR flight, but pilots should exercise extreme cautio…
• BVFR flight through an active MOA is strictly prohibited
• CThe pilot must obtain an IFR clearance prior to penetrating the boundary
• DThe aircraft must maintain an altitude below 500 feet AGL while inside the MOA

According to 14 CFR § 91.409, an annual inspection on a certificated light-sport powered parachute must be performed within how many calendar months?

• A12 calendar months
• B24 calendar months
• C6 calendar months
• D100 flight hours regardless of calendar time

Under 14 CFR § 91.215 and § 91.225, what transponder / ADS-B Out equipment requirement applies to a powered parachute operating within the Mode C veil of a Class B airport?

• AMode C transponder and ADS-B Out are required unless the aircraft was originally certific…
• BMode C transponder and ADS-B Out are mandatory for all powered parachutes under all circu…
• CNo transponder or ADS-B Out is ever required for powered parachutes regardless of airspace
• DA transponder is required only when flying above 5,000 feet MSL inside the veil

Under 14 CFR § 91.203, where must the Airworthiness Certificate be displayed in a powered parachute?

• AAt the cabin or cockpit entrance so that it is legible to passengers or crew
• BStored inside a sealed waterproof container in the pilot's pocket
• CTaped to the leading edge of the canopy riser bag
• DKept on file at the aircraft owner's primary residence

Under NTSB Part 830.2, how is an aircraft 'accident' distinguished from an 'incident'?

• AAn accident involves death, serious injury, or substantial structural damage to the aircr…
• BAn accident is any event where engine RPM drops below idle in flight
• CAn incident requires immediate filling of FAA Form 8020-2 within 2 hours
• DAn accident applies only to multi-engine aircraft operating under Part 121

Under 14 CFR § 91.3, what emergency authority is granted to the Pilot in Command (PIC) of a powered parachute?

• AThe PIC may deviate from any rule of Part 91 to the extent required to meet an in-flight…
• BThe PIC must obtain verbal ATC approval prior to taking any emergency action
• CThe PIC may only land at certificated public airports during an emergency
• DThe PIC is restricted from exceeding published airspeed limits during emergency descents

Under 14 CFR § 91.103, what preflight action is required of a pilot prior to any flight not in the vicinity of an airport?

• ABecome familiar with all available information, including weather reports, fuel requireme…
• BFile a flight plan with the nearest FAA Flight Service Station
• CPerform a full engine compression test and spark plug gap inspection
• DNotify local law enforcement of the planned flight path

What is the cause of an asymmetric cell collapse on a ram-air canopy, and what is the immediate recovery technique?

• ACaused by turbulent downdrafts or low local angle of attack; recover by keeping the cart…
• BCaused by excessive engine RPM; recover by shutting off the engine immediately
• CCaused by flying too slowly; recover by pulling both steering lines to full lock
• DCaused by high fuel weight; recover by dumping fuel from the main tank

How can a line twist occur during inflation of a powered parachute, and what risk does it present to flight safety?

• AThe cart rotates relative to the wing during layout or rollout; it restricts steering lin…
• BThe engine exhaust blows lines over the top of the canopy, turning the wing inside out
• CLine twists double the forward trim speed of the canopy, making landings dangerous
• DLine twists cause the engine to overheat due to restricted propeller airflow