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100+ Free FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Commercial Pilot Airship Knowledge Test (Test Code: CLA) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Exam

CLA

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

100 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

3 Hours (180 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA CLA Commercial Pilot Airship Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering FAA Part 61/91 regulations, aerostatics, superheat calculations, airship systems, weather minimums, and emergency procedures. The official exam consists of 100 questions with a 3-hour time limit and 70% passing threshold.

Sample FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Under 14 CFR § 61.129(h), what is the minimum total flight time requirement in lighter-than-air aircraft for an applicant seeking a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airship rating?
A.200 hours of flight time in lighter-than-air aircraft, of which at least 50 hours must be in airships
B.150 hours of flight time in lighter-than-air aircraft, of which at least 25 hours must be in airships
C.250 hours of flight time in lighter-than-air aircraft, of which at least 100 hours must be in airships
D.100 hours of flight time in lighter-than-air aircraft, of which at least 40 hours must be in airships
Explanation: According to 14 CFR § 61.129(h), an applicant for a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category airship class rating must log at least 200 hours of flight time in lighter-than-air aircraft, of which at least 50 hours must be in airships. This ensures adequate flight experience in lighter-than-air vehicles before exercising commercial privileges.
2What class of FAA medical certificate is required for a pilot to exercise commercial pilot privileges as pilot-in-command of an airship carrying passengers for compensation or hire?
A.Second-class medical certificate valid for 12 calendar months
B.First-class medical certificate valid for 6 calendar months
C.Third-class medical certificate valid for 24 calendar months
D.BasicMed qualification with a valid state driver's license
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.23(a)(2) mandates that a commercial pilot must hold at least a second-class medical certificate when exercising commercial pilot privileges for compensation or hire. Under § 61.23(d), a second-class medical certificate expires at the end of the 12th calendar month after the month of the date of examination for commercial operations.
3According to 14 CFR § 91.113 right-of-way rules, which of the following aircraft must an airship in flight yield right-of-way to when converging at approximately the same altitude?
A.Gliders and balloons
B.Single-engine airplanes and helicopters
C.Multi-engine turboprop airplanes and powered-lifts
D.Seaplanes and gyroplanes
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 91.113(d)(3), an airship has right-of-way over powered fixed-wing aircraft, powered-lifts, and rotorcraft, but must yield right-of-way to gliders and balloons because unpowered or less maneuverable aircraft have priority.
4Under 14 CFR § 61.129(h), how many hours of night flight training in an airship must an applicant for a Commercial Pilot Certificate with an Airship rating log?
A.5 hours of night flight in an airship, including 10 takeoffs and 10 landings
B.3 hours of night flight in an airship, including 5 takeoffs and 5 landings
C.10 hours of night flight in an airship, including 15 takeoffs and 15 landings
D.2 hours of night flight in an airship with no specified takeoff or landing requirements
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.129(h)(1)(iii) requires an applicant for a commercial airship rating to log at least 5 hours of night flight time in an airship, performing at least 10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop at an airport.
5What instrument flight training requirement is specified in 14 CFR § 61.129(h) for a Commercial Pilot Airship candidate?
A.15 hours of instrument flight training, of which at least 5 hours must be in an airship
B.10 hours of instrument flight training, all of which must be in an airship
C.20 hours of instrument flight training, of which at least 10 hours must be in an airship
D.5 hours of instrument flight training in a flight simulator only
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.129(h)(1)(i) mandates that commercial airship applicants complete 15 hours of instrument flight training on control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments, including at least 5 hours in an airship.
6Under 14 CFR § 91.119(b), what is the minimum altitude prescribed for an airship operating over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement?
A.1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet from the airship
B.500 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 1,000 feet from the airship
C.1,500 feet above the surface within a horizontal radius of 5,000 feet from the airship
D.An altitude allowing a safe landing without engine power, but not less than 800 feet AGL
Explanation: 14 CFR § 91.119(b) states that over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over an open-air assembly of persons, an aircraft (including airships) must maintain an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet.
7When operating an airship over non-congested areas under 14 CFR § 91.119(c), what minimum safe altitude rule applies over open water or sparsely populated areas?
A.The airship may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure
B.The airship must maintain at least 1,000 feet AGL at all times
C.The airship must maintain at least 300 feet MSL regardless of surrounding terrain
D.No altitude restrictions apply over open water provided an emergency inflation jacket is carried
Explanation: 14 CFR § 91.119(c) requires aircraft operating over non-congested areas to maintain an altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas where the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.
8Under 14 CFR § 91.209, what position and masthead lights are required on an airship operating between sunset and sunrise?
A.Red light on port side, green on starboard side, white tail light, plus a white masthead light showing forward and an anti-collision light system
B.Red light on starboard side, green on port side, flashing amber tail light, and dual white wingtip lights
C.White lights on both bow and stern, plus a steady red overhead strobe light
D.Green light on port side, red on starboard side, and a flashing white nose light
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 91.209 and FAA aircraft lighting standards, an airship operated at night must display aviation red on the port (left) side, aviation green on the starboard (right) side, a white tail light, a white masthead light showing forward, and an approved anti-collision light system.
9To act as pilot-in-command of an airship, a commercial pilot must have accomplished a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months under 14 CFR § 61.56, unless the pilot has completed which of the following?
A.Passed a pilot proficiency check or practical test for a certificate, rating, or operating privilege conducted by an examiner
B.Logged at least 100 hours of PIC flight time in an airship within the last 12 months
C.Completed a written self-study exam on airship aerostatics
D.Performed 3 full-stop landings at an airfield with a control tower
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.56(d) provides that a pilot who has passed a practical test or pilot proficiency check conducted by an FAA examiner or authorized representative for a certificate, rating, or operating privilege within the preceding 24 calendar months need not accomplish a flight review.
10Which requirement applies to a commercial airship pilot carrying passengers for compensation or hire on a flight from Airport A to Airport B located 60 NM away at night, if the pilot does not hold an instrument rating (airship)?
A.The flight is prohibited because carrying passengers for hire on cross-country flights exceeding 50 NM or at night requires an instrument rating
B.The flight is allowed provided a VFR flight plan is filed with Flight Service
C.The flight is allowed provided the airship remains below 2,000 feet AGL
D.The flight is allowed provided the pilot holds a valid third-class medical certificate
Explanation: 14 CFR § 61.133(b)(1) states that if a commercial pilot does not hold an instrument rating in the same category and class, the commercial pilot certificate is endorsed with a limitation prohibiting the carriage of passengers for hire on cross-country flights of more than 50 NM or at night.

About the FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Exam

The FAA CLA Knowledge Test evaluates commercial pilot candidates seeking a Lighter-Than-Air Category and Airship Class Rating under 14 CFR Part 61. The exam tests mastery of FAA regulations (Part 61 & Part 91), aerostatics (gross lift, superheat, static heaviness/lightness), airship envelope and ballonet systems, engine vectoring, weather phenomena affecting buoyancy, weight & balance, and emergency flight procedures.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAA regulations, aerostatics, airship systems, weather, navigation, and emergency procedures.

Time Limit

3 hours (180 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$175 (Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) / PSI Services)

FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Exam Content Outline

30%

14 CFR Part 61 / 91 Regulations for Commercial Airship Operations

Commercial pilot aeronautical experience under § 61.129(h), privileges and limitations, medical certificates, right-of-way rules, minimum safe altitudes, position/masthead lighting, and maintenance inspections.

25%

Aerostatics & Airship Aerodynamics

Archimedes' principle, gross buoyant lift calculations, superheat effects, static heaviness and lightness, pressure height, dynamic aerodynamic lift, vectorable thrusters, and ballast management.

25%

Airship Systems & Equipment

Non-rigid envelope materials, catenary curtains, ballonet systems and blowers, helium purity and overpressure relief valves, engines, ground handling lines, and mobile mooring masts.

20%

Commercial Operations, Navigation, Weather & Emergency Procedures

Temperature inversions, thermal updrafts, wind gradients, weight and balance CG shifts, engine failure procedures, ballonet overpressure emergencies, and off-field mooring.

How to Pass the FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAA regulations, aerostatics, airship systems, weather, navigation, and emergency procedures.
  • Time limit: 3 hours (180 minutes)
  • Exam fee: $175

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FAA CLA Knowledge Test — Commercial Pilot Airship Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize 14 CFR § 61.129(h) aeronautical experience requirements for commercial airship candidates, including night, instrument, and cross-country flight time.
2Practice real numerical calculations for static heaviness/lightness, superheat percentage lift gains, pressure height determination, and fuel burn weight changes.
3Master airship ballonet operation, including pitch trim management via forward/aft air transfer and overpressure relief valve pressure settings.
4Understand right-of-way rules (§ 91.113) and airship position and masthead lighting requirements (§ 91.209).
5Study weather phenomena specific to airships, such as temperature inversions, wind gradients during landing, and thermal updraft lift variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA CLA Knowledge Test?

The FAA CLA Knowledge Test is the official FAA computer-based examination required to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate with a Lighter-Than-Air Category and Airship Class Rating under 14 CFR Part 61.

How many questions are on the official FAA CLA exam and what is the passing score?

The official CLA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour (180 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 70 correct answers out of 100).

Where is the exam taken and how much does it cost?

The test is administered on computer at authorized PSI testing centers nationwide. The fee is $175.

What aeronautical experience is required before taking the CLA exam?

Under 14 CFR § 61.129(h), candidates must log at least 200 hours of flight time in lighter-than-air aircraft, including 50 hours in airships, along with cross-country, night, and instrument training requirements.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the CLA knowledge test?

No. The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix publishes the test code, question count, minimum age, allotted time and passing score, but no percentage breakdown by subject. The content outline and percentages shown on this page describe how this free practice bank distributes its questions across the knowledge areas drawn from the applicable FAA testing supplement, Airman Certification Standards or Practical Test Standards, and the FAA handbooks for this test.