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100+ Free FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Practice Questions

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Key Facts: FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Exam

PSI Services / FAA

Test Administrator

Federal Aviation Administration

FER

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

50 Questions

Official Questions

FAA Testing Matrix 2026

70%

Passing Score

14 CFR Part 63

Prepare for the FAA FER (Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating) exam with 100 comprehensive practice questions featuring detailed explanations, distractor analyses, and real numerical calculations for BMEP, fuel consumption, oil burn, and weight & balance.

Sample FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating 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 Part 63, what is the minimum class of FAA medical certificate required for an individual to exercise the privileges of a Flight Engineer certificate?
A.Second-Class medical certificate
B.First-Class medical certificate
C.Third-Class medical certificate
D.BasicMed qualification
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 63.31, an applicant or holder of a Flight Engineer certificate must hold at least a current Second-Class medical certificate issued under Part 67 of the Federal Aviation Regulations to exercise flight engineer privileges. The Second-Class medical certificate expires at the end of the 12th calendar month after the month of the date of examination for flight engineer operations.
2An applicant holding a Flight Engineer certificate with a Turbojet class rating applies to add a Reciprocating Engine class rating. According to 14 CFR § 63.35, what requirement must be met to obtain the added rating?
A.Pass the Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine (FER) knowledge test and complete a practical test on a reciprocating-engine aircraft or approved simulator
B.Complete 500 hours of flight engineer time in reciprocating aircraft without taking a knowledge test
C.Retake the entire Flight Engineer Basic (FEB) knowledge test along with a flight test in a reciprocating-engine aircraft
D.Obtain a written endorsement from an airline chief pilot certifying 100 hours of simulator observation
Explanation: According to 14 CFR § 63.35, to add a rating to an existing Flight Engineer certificate, the candidate must pass the applicable class rating knowledge test (FER for Reciprocating Engine) and pass a practical test on the duties of a flight engineer on the class of aircraft for which the rating is sought (or an approved flight simulator).
3What is the recent experience requirement under 14 CFR § 63.35 for a Flight Engineer to act as a required flight crewmember on a reciprocating-engine aircraft in commercial operations?
A.At least 50 hours of flight time as a flight engineer in that class of aircraft within the preceding 6 calendar months, or pass a flight check
B.At least 100 hours of flight engineer time within the preceding 12 calendar months, including 10 night landings
C.At least 24 hours of flight time in any aircraft type within the preceding 90 days
D.At least 3 takeoff and landing cycles as flight engineer within the preceding 30 days
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 63.35(d), a certificated flight engineer may not serve as a required flight crewmember unless within the preceding 6 calendar months they have logged at least 50 hours of flight time as a flight engineer in that class of aircraft, or the Administrator (or an authorized check airman) has given them a recency flight check.
4Upon request by an authorized representative of the Administrator or National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), when must a Flight Engineer present their certificate for inspection?
A.Immediately upon request when exercising the privileges of the certificate
B.Within 15 business days following written notice sent by certified mail
C.At the next scheduled annual proficiency evaluation
D.Within 30 calendar days at the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
Explanation: 14 CFR § 63.3(b) states that each person who holds a flight engineer certificate or medical certificate shall present it for inspection upon the request of the Administrator, an authorized representative of the NTSB, or any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer.
5Under 14 CFR Part 121, what is the maximum allowable flight time for a Flight Engineer in any single calendar year?
A.1,000 flight hours
B.1,200 flight hours
C.800 flight hours
D.500 flight hours
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 121.503 and § 121.505, flight crewmembers (including flight engineers) in Part 121 operations may not exceed 1,000 total flight hours in any calendar year.
6What is the maximum duration for which a temporary Flight Engineer certificate issued by an FAA Inspector remains valid?
A.120 days
B.90 days
C.60 days
D.180 days
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 63.13, a temporary flight engineer certificate is effective for a period of up to 120 days unless superseded by the issuance of a permanent certificate or revoked by the FAA.
7Within how many days must a certificated Flight Engineer notify the FAA Airman Certification Branch of a change in permanent mailing address?
A.30 days
B.14 days
C.60 days
D.90 days
Explanation: 14 CFR § 63.21 requires holders of a flight engineer certificate who change their permanent mailing address to notify the FAA Airman Certification Branch in writing within 30 days of the change. After 30 days, the airman may not exercise certificate privileges until notification is made.
8According to 14 CFR § 91.529, when is a Flight Engineer required as part of the minimum flight crew on a large U.S.-registered civil aircraft?
A.When the type certificate of the aircraft requires a flight engineer, or for airplanes certificated before January 2, 1964, having a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 80,000 pounds
B.On all multi-engine aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) carrying more than 10 passengers
C.Only when operating outside the contiguous United States on international oceanic routes
D.On any aircraft with a maximum gross weight exceeding 12,500 pounds equipped with turbopropeller engines
Explanation: 14 CFR § 91.529 specifies that no person may operate a U.S.-registered civil airplane without a flight engineer if its type certificate requires one, or if it is an airplane type certificated before January 2, 1964, having a maximum certificated takeoff weight of more than 80,000 pounds.
9Under 14 CFR § 91.17, what is the maximum permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for a Flight Engineer performing crew duties?
A.Less than 0.04 percent by weight
B.Less than 0.08 percent by weight
C.Less than 0.02 percent by weight
D.Zero tolerance (0.00 percent) only if on international flights
Explanation: 14 CFR § 91.17 prohibits any person from acting or attempting to act as a crewmember of a civil aircraft while having 0.04 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood, or within 8 hours after consuming any alcoholic beverage.
10An applicant fails the Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine knowledge test. According to 14 CFR § 63.19, what must the applicant do before re-testing?
A.Wait 30 days from the date of failure, OR present an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that additional instruction has been given
B.Wait a mandatory 60 days with no exceptions
C.Submit a written appeal to the FAA Flight Standards District Office before rescheduling
D.Complete an additional 50 hours of flight simulator training endorsed by a ground instructor
Explanation: 14 CFR § 63.19 provides that an applicant who fails a knowledge test may re-apply 30 days after the date of failure, or sooner if they present a statement from an authorized instructor certifying that additional instruction has been given and the instructor considers the applicant ready for re-testing.

About the FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Exam

The FAA Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating (FER) Knowledge Test evaluates candidates seeking to add a reciprocating engine rating to an existing Flight Engineer certificate under 14 CFR Part 63. The test covers flight engineer regulations, high-power radial engines, superchargers/turbosuperchargers, magnetos, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, fuel management, BMEP power calculations, and aircraft weight and balance.

Assessment

50 computer-based multiple-choice questions covering 14 CFR Part 63, radial reciprocating engines, supercharging, ignition, hydromechanical systems, BMEP calculations, and weight & balance

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Exam Content Outline

25%

14 CFR Part 63 Regulations for Flight Engineers

Flight engineer certification requirements, medical standards, currency/recent experience, temporary certificates, Part 121 flight time limits, oxygen requirements, and PIC authority.

30%

Large Reciprocating Aviation Engines

Radial engines, superchargers/turbosuperchargers, manifold pressure, Anti-Detonation Injection (ADI), mixture control, valve overlap, detonation, pre-ignition, and cooling systems.

25%

Engine Systems, Magnetos, Hydraulics & Fuel Management

High and low tension magnetos, constant-speed feathering propellers, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, dry-sump lubrication, fuel tank selection, crossfeeding, and emergency fuel jettisoning.

20%

Power & Cruise Performance, BMEP, Weight & Balance & Engine Failure

BMEP calculations, Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC), power charts, center of gravity (% MAC), weight shift/fuel dump calculations, and engine failure checklists.

How to Pass the FAA FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 50 computer-based multiple-choice questions covering 14 CFR Part 63, radial reciprocating engines, supercharging, ignition, hydromechanical systems, BMEP calculations, and weight & balance
  • Time limit: 2 hours (120 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 FER Knowledge Test — Flight Engineer Reciprocating Engine Added Rating Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master BMEP formulas and engine torque relationships to quickly solve power performance chart questions.
2Review multi-row radial engine architecture, including valve overlap timing, dynamic dampers, and anti-detonation injection (ADI) systems.
3Practice center of gravity (% MAC) and weight shift calculations using the standard formula Weight Shift / Total Weight = CG Shift / Distance.
4Memorize 14 CFR Part 63 rules regarding medical validity (12 calendar months for Class 2), recent experience (50 hours in 6 months), and temporary certificate limits (120 days).
5Understand emergency procedures for runaway propellers, in-flight engine fires, hydraulic failure, and fuel crossfeed management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official format of the FAA FER Knowledge Test?

The official FAA FER exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions administered on computer at an authorized PSI test center. Candidates are given 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the test, and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass.

Who is eligible to take the FER Knowledge Test?

The FER test is designed for certificated Flight Engineers who hold a class rating (such as Turbopropeller or Turbojet) and wish to add a Reciprocating Engine rating under 14 CFR Part 63.35.

How long is the FAA Airman Knowledge Test Report valid?

The passing Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) for the Flight Engineer test is valid for 24 calendar months from the date the test was taken.

What happens if a candidate fails the FER Knowledge Test?

Under 14 CFR 63.19, an applicant who fails a knowledge test may retake it after 30 days from the date of failure, or immediately if they present an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that additional instruction was given.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the FER 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.