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100+ Free FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Knowledge Test (Test Code: PAT) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Exam

PAT

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

30 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

1.5 Hours (90 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA PAT Private Pilot Transition Knowledge Test with 100 realistic practice questions covering FAR Part 61/91 differences, Class B/C/D airspace, night operations and physiology, cross-country flight planning, VOR/GPS navigation, and aircraft performance calculations.

Sample FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition 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 § 61.113, what operating expenses of a flight may a Private Pilot share on a pro-rata basis with passengers?
A.Fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees only
B.Fuel, oil, aircraft depreciation, and insurance costs
C.Fuel, oil, pilot lodging, and passenger meal expenses
D.All flight costs including engine overhaul reserves
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.113(c), a private pilot may not pay less than the pro-rata share of the operating expenses of a flight with passengers, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenditures, or rental fees.
2Unlike a Recreational Pilot who is restricted to carrying no more than one passenger, a Private Pilot may carry how many passengers?
A.Up to 3 passengers maximum
B.As many passengers as the aircraft is certificated to seat
C.Up to 5 passengers maximum under VFR rules
D.No more than 4 passengers unless flying under Part 135
Explanation: Under 14 CFR Part 61, a Recreational Pilot is restricted by § 61.101(a)(1) to carrying no more than one passenger. A Private Pilot holding appropriate category and class ratings may carry as many passengers as the aircraft is certificated and equipped to seat.
3To act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying passengers at night, what recent flight experience must a Private Pilot log within the preceding 90 days under 14 CFR § 61.57(b)?
A.3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise in the same category, class, and type (if required)
B.3 takeoffs and 3 touch-and-go landings between sunset and sunrise in any single-engine aircraft
C.5 takeoffs and 5 full-stop landings during night civil twilight in the preceding 60 days
D.1 hour of instrument flight time and 3 full-stop landings at night in the preceding 30 days
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.57(b), no person may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise unless that person has made at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and type (if a type rating is required).
4For a private pilot who has not reached their 40th birthday, a Third-Class Medical Certificate issued on May 15, 2026, expires at the end of the last day of which month?
A.May 2028 (24 calendar months)
B.May 2029 (36 calendar months)
C.May 2031 (60 calendar months)
D.May 2036 (120 calendar months)
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.23(d), a Third-Class Medical Certificate issued to an applicant who is under age 40 on the date of examination expires at the end of the 60th calendar month (5 years) after the month of the examination date.
5A Third-Class Medical Certificate issued to a private pilot on their 45th birthday expires at the end of the last day of which calendar month?
A.12th calendar month after examination
B.24th calendar month after examination
C.36th calendar month after examination
D.60th calendar month after examination
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.23(d), for operations requiring a Third-Class Medical Certificate, if the pilot is age 40 or older on the date of examination, the medical certificate expires at the end of the 24th calendar month (2 years) after the month of the examination date.
6To operate an aircraft under BasicMed pursuant to 14 CFR § 61.23(c)(3) and Part 68, what condition must a pilot satisfy regarding FAA medical certification history?
A.Must have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any time after July 14, 2006, that was not subsequently revoked, suspended, or denied
B.Must have held a valid First-Class medical certificate within the preceding 24 calendar months
C.Must obtain an initial BasicMed waiver directly from the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division
D.Must never have had a medical condition listed under Special Issuance rules
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.23(c)(3) and 14 CFR Part 68, to fly under BasicMed, the pilot must have held a valid FAA medical certificate (First, Second, or Third Class) at any time after July 14, 2006, that was not revoked, suspended, withdrawn, or denied.
7Under 14 CFR § 61.56, what is the minimum duration and structure of a flight review required every 24 calendar months to act as pilot-in-command?
A.2 hours of flight instruction and 1 hour of ground instruction covering Part 91 flight rules
B.1 hour of flight instruction and 1 hour of ground instruction given by an authorized flight instructor
C.3 hours of flight instruction including cross-country and night operations
D.1 hour of solo maneuvers and a written examination administered by a DPE
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.56(a), a flight review consists of a minimum of 1 hour of ground instruction and 1 hour of flight instruction, reviewing current general operating and flight rules of 14 CFR Part 91 and maneuvers necessary for safe flight.
8Under 14 CFR § 61.69, what flight experience is required for a Private Pilot to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft towing a glider?
A.At least 40 hours PIC time in airplanes and a Commercial Pilot certificate
B.At least 50 hours of instrument flight time and a flight instructor rating
C.At least 75 hours of cross-country flight time and a tailwheel endorsement
D.At least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the aircraft category, class, and type, plus logbook endorsement and recent tow currency
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.69(a), to tow a glider, a pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate, have logged at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time in the aircraft category, class, and type used for towing, received ground and flight instruction, and obtained a logbook endorsement.
9Under 14 CFR § 61.113(d), a private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses when flying in search and location operations, provided that:
A.The pilot logs at least 500 total flight hours prior to the operation
B.The reimbursement includes pilot compensation at standard commercial rates
C.The operation is under the direction and control of a Federal, State, or local agency or organization authorized to conduct search operations
D.The flight is conducted strictly within 50 nautical miles of the home airport
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.113(d), a private pilot may be reimbursed for aircraft operating expenses directly related to search and location operations, provided the operation is sanctioned and under the direction and control of a Federal, State, or local agency.
10Under 14 CFR § 91.146, a private pilot acting as PIC for a charitable passenger-carrying flight must ensure the sponsoring organization notifies which entity at least 7 days before the event?
A.The local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO)
B.The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
C.The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
D.The local Airport Operations Center
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 91.146(e), the sponsor of a charitable passenger-carrying event must notify the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) having jurisdiction over the area at least 7 days before the event.

About the FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Exam

The FAA PAT Knowledge Test is designed specifically for holders of an FAA Recreational Pilot Certificate with an Airplane rating who wish to transition to a Private Pilot Airplane certificate. Because recreational pilots are restricted from flying at night, beyond 50 NM from departure airport, in controlled airspace without special endorsement, and carrying more than 1 passenger, the PAT test assesses the additional knowledge required for full Private Pilot privileges.

Assessment

30 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAR Part 61/91, night operations, Class B/C/D airspace, cross-country planning, navigation, and performance.

Time Limit

1.5 hours (90 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Exam Content Outline

25%

FAA Regulations (14 CFR Part 61 & 91)

Private pilot privileges/limitations, medical certificates, currency requirements, passenger pro-rata share, required aircraft documentation, and maintenance inspection rules.

25%

Airspace & ATC Communications

Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace rules, entry/communication requirements, transponder/ADS-B Out regulations, Special VFR, and tower light gun signals.

25%

Cross-Country Navigation & Flight Planning

VFR flight planning over distances >50 NM, dead reckoning, pilotage, VOR tracking/accuracy, GPS/WAAS, magnetic compass errors, and VFR fuel reserves.

25%

Night Operations, Physiology & Aircraft Performance

Night VFR rules, night visual illusions, rod/cone vision, airport beacon/lighting, density altitude, weight & balance CG calculations, and takeoff/landing charts.

How to Pass the FAA PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 30 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAR Part 61/91, night operations, Class B/C/D airspace, cross-country planning, navigation, and performance.
  • Time limit: 1.5 hours (90 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 PAT Knowledge Test — Private Pilot Airplane / Recreational Pilot - Transition Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study 14 CFR Part 61 private pilot privileges and limitations, comparing them with recreational pilot restrictions.
2Master night flight requirements: 14 CFR 91.205(c) required equipment, 61.57 night passenger currency (3 takeoffs/landings to full stop), and night visual illusions.
3Learn airspace entry requirements: ATC clearance for Class B; establishing two-way communications for Class C and D; transponder/ADS-B Out rules.
4Practice numerical calculations for density altitude, crosswind components, groundspeed/fuel burn, and weight & balance (center of gravity).
5Review VOR navigation principles (OBS selection, TO/FROM flag, radial tracking) and magnetic compass errors (ANDS, UNOS).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA PAT Knowledge Test?

The FAA PAT Knowledge Test is the transition knowledge exam for pilots holding a Recreational Pilot Certificate (Airplane) seeking to upgrade to a Private Pilot Airplane Certificate.

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

The official test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions with a 1.5-hour (90 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 21 correct answers out of 30).

What key areas does the PAT transition exam focus on?

The PAT exam focuses on topics beyond recreational pilot limitations: night flying rules and physiology, cross-country flight planning (>50 NM), Class B/C/D airspace operations, radio communications, VFR fuel reserves, weight and balance calculations, and aircraft performance charts.

Where is the exam taken and what is the fee?

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