PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free FAA SIW Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control Knowledge Test (Test Code: SIW) exam with instant access — no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More FAA Airman and Aviation Certificates

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcardsCourse Playlist3 videos5 blogs

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)

Practice QuestionsStudy GuideCheat SheetFlashcards2 videos2 blogs

FAA Sport Pilot Certificate

Practice QuestionsStudy Guide1 blog

CFI Flight Instructor

Practice Questions1 video5 blogs

Instrument Rating

Practice Questions2 videos5 blogs

ATP Pilot

Practice Questions1 video5 blogs

More From This Family

Videos and articles for deeper review.

VideoBest E6B Flight Computers for the Instrument Rating Exam 2026: Electronic & Manual Models ComparedVideoBest Pilot Kneeboards for Flight Training: Complete 2026 Buying GuideVideoFAA A&P Mechanic Salary & Career Outlook 2026: Is It Worth It?VideoFAA Part 107 Renewal 2026: Free Recurrent Training GuideArticleFAA Part 107 Study Guide: Pass First Try (2026)20 min readArticleFAA Part 107 Renewal 2026: Free Recurrent Training Guide11 min readArticleFAA Part 107 Testing Center & Exam-Day Checklist (2026)14 min readArticleFAA A&P Mechanic Salary & Career Outlook 2026: Is It Worth It?16 min read
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FAA SIW Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control Exam

SIW

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

2.5 Hours (150 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA SIW Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control Knowledge Test with 100 high-quality practice questions covering FOI teaching methods, Part 61 Subpart K endorsements, flex-wing aerodynamics, Rotax engine maintenance, hang-point CG calculations, and emergency flight procedures. Test consists of 70 questions with a 2.5-hour limit and 70% passing grade.

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

Try these sample questions to test your FAA SIW Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According 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?
A.Law of Readiness
B.Law of Primacy
C.Law of Exercise
D.Law of Effect
Explanation: The Law of Readiness states that individuals learn best when they are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to learn. A motivated student with a clear objective exhibits readiness, which enhances learning retention and instructional efficiency (FAA-H-8083-9).
2Under 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?
A.18 years of age
B.17 years of age
C.21 years of age
D.16 years of age
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.403, to be eligible for a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
3What 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?
A.90 calendar days
B.60 calendar days
C.180 calendar days
D.30 calendar days
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.87(p), a student pilot solo endorsement is valid for a maximum of 90 calendar days. After 90 days, the student must receive additional flight training and a renewed logbook endorsement before conducting further solo flights.
4A 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:
A.Hold a valid U.S. driver's license, comply with any driver's license restrictions, and have not been denied their last application for an FAA medical certificate
B.Hold a valid U.S. driver's license and have passed a BasicMed exam within the preceding 48 months
C.Hold a valid U.S. driver's license regardless of any previous FAA medical denials or revocations
D.Hold a valid U.S. driver's license and limit all instruction to non-towered airports below 3,000 feet AGL
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.303 and § 61.415, a sport pilot flight instructor may use a valid U.S. driver's license as medical qualification if they comply with all restrictions on that license and their most recent FAA medical certificate application was not denied, suspended, or revoked.
5According 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?
A.Physiological and Safety needs
B.Self-Actualization needs
C.Esteem needs
D.Social and Belonging needs
Explanation: Maslow's Hierarchy places physiological needs (water, food, rest) and safety needs (feeling physically and emotionally safe) at the foundational level. If a student is nauseous, fearful, or physically uncomfortable, higher-level learning cannot take place effectively (FAA-H-8083-9).
6To 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:
A.3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop in a weight-shift-control aircraft of the same category and class
B.5 takeoffs and 5 landings in any light-sport aircraft category
C.3 hours of flight time including 3 touch-and-go landings
D.6 takeoffs and 6 landings in a weight-shift-control aircraft
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.57(a) and § 61.315, to carry passengers in a sport aircraft, the pilot must have performed at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days in an aircraft of the same category and class (Weight-Shift-Control).
7A 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?
A.Rationalization
B.Projection
C.Compensation
D.Reaction Formation
Explanation: Rationalization is the subconscious technique of creating plausible but false excuses to justify unacceptable behavior or substandard performance, protecting the individual's self-esteem (FAA-H-8083-9).
8Under 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?
A.Ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on airspace rules and communication, followed by a specific logbook endorsement
B.A formal checkride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)
C.Completion of an FAA online safety course with a printed certificate placed in the pilot's logbook
D.At least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command in a weight-shift-control aircraft
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.325, a sport pilot seeking to operate in Class B, C, or D airspace must receive ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on operating in controlled airspace and radio communications, followed by an explicit logbook endorsement.
9In the Fundamentals of Instructing, what are the four basic levels of learning in ascending order of complexity?
A.Rote, Understanding, Application, Correlation
B.Recall, Comprehension, Analysis, Synthesis
C.Perception, Response, Adaptation, Mastery
D.Readiness, Exercise, Effect, Primacy
Explanation: The four basic levels of learning defined in the FOI framework (RUAC) are Rote (memorizing without understanding), Understanding (comprehending the principle), Application (applying the concept), and Correlation (associating learned material with new situations) (FAA-H-8083-9).
10What 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?
A.150 hours total flight time, including 100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft
B.200 hours total flight time, including 150 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft
C.100 hours total flight time, including 25 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft
D.250 hours total flight time, including 100 hours of cross-country time
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.411(f), an applicant for a sport pilot instructor rating in a weight-shift-control aircraft must log at least 150 hours total flight time as a pilot, including 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 hours in weight-shift-control aircraft, and specific cross-country/instrument time.

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

The FAA SIW Knowledge Test is required for aviators seeking a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control (WSC / Trike) rating under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K. It evaluates knowledge in the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI), FAA regulations and student endorsements, weight-shift aerodynamic principles, flexible wing structural dynamics, carriage systems, engine maintenance (Rotax 2-stroke and 4-stroke), flight planning, density altitude calculations, and flight instruction maneuvers.

Assessment

70 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FOI principles, Part 61 Subpart K regulations, WSC aerodynamics, carriage systems, Rotax maintenance, and flight instruction maneuvers.

Time Limit

2.5 hours (150 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

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

30%

FOI Principles & 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K Sport WSC Regulations & Endorsements

Learning theories, FOI teaching methods, student pilot endorsements, 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K rules, driver's license medical eligibility, flight review, and logbook recordkeeping.

25%

Weight-Shift-Control Aerodynamics, Flexible Wing Dynamics, Pitch/Roll Control Bar Mechanics, Tumble Hazards

Weight-shift pitch and roll mechanics, flex-wing billow shift, wing washout, tumble hazard causes and prevention, reflex bridle lines, load factor, and bank angle stall speed calculations.

25%

WSC Carriage Systems, Engine Maintenance (Rotax 2-stroke/4-stroke), Wing Assembly & Hang Point CG

Carriage structures, Rotax 582/912 maintenance and preflight checks, wing assembly procedures, BRS ballistic parachutes, fuel endurance, and hang-point CG balance calculations.

20%

Flight Instruction Maneuvers, Crosswind Landings, Airspace, Weather Limits, Emergency Procedures

Crosswind landing techniques, Poynter takeoff methods, density altitude calculations, airspace cloud clearances, emergency engine-out procedures, and ADM risk management.

How to Pass the FAA SIW Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 70 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FOI principles, Part 61 Subpart K regulations, WSC aerodynamics, carriage systems, Rotax maintenance, and flight instruction maneuvers.
  • Time limit: 2.5 hours (150 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 SIW Knowledge Test — Flight Instructor Sport Weight-Shift-Control Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) concepts thoroughly, including Maslow's hierarchy, defense mechanisms, laws of learning, and the demonstration-performance method.
2Memorize 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K privileges, limitations, logbook endorsement requirements, and 3-year record retention rules.
3Master WSC pitch and roll aerodynamics, including billow shift, wing twist (washout), luff line/reflex bridle functions, and tumble prevention during low/zero-G entry.
4Practice exact calculations for density altitude, stall speed increase in banked turns, WSC hang-point CG adjustments, and fuel endurance with day VFR reserves.
5Review Rotax 2-stroke (503/582) and 4-stroke (912 series) operating limits, oil purging procedures, EGT/CHT interpretation, and dual ignition checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA SIW Knowledge Test?

The FAA SIW exam is the FAA aeronautical knowledge test for initial candidates seeking a Flight Instructor Certificate with a Sport Pilot rating in Weight-Shift-Control (WSC / trike) aircraft under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart K.

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

The official exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour (150 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 49 correct answers out of 70).

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

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

What are the prerequisites for taking the FAA SIW exam?

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, hold at least a sport pilot certificate with a WSC rating (or higher pilot certificate), and pass the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) exam or qualify for an FOI exemption under 14 CFR 61.410.

Does the FAA publish topic weightings for the SIW 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.