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100+ Free FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Knowledge Test (Test Code: SPL) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Exam

SPL

Test Code

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

40 Questions

Official Question Count

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

2 Hours (120 Min)

Time Limit

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

70%

Passing Score

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix

Prepare for the FAA SPL Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air Airship Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering Part 61 Subpart J & Part 91 regulations, aerostatic lift math, envelope pressure systems, vector thrusters, VFR weather minimums, and emergency procedures. Test consists of 40 questions with a 2-hour limit and 70% passing score.

Sample FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (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 Part 61.303, what medical qualification is required for a pilot to exercise sport pilot privileges in a light-sport airship?
A.A valid US driver's license (meeting specific conditions) or a current FAA medical certificate
B.A first-class or second-class FAA medical certificate exclusively
C.A Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the FAA
D.No medical qualification or driver's license is required for lighter-than-air operations
Explanation: Section 61.23(c)(1)(ii) requires a person exercising sport pilot privileges in a § 61.316 aircraft other than a glider or balloon to hold either a medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's license. An airship is neither a glider nor a balloon, so the driver's license route applies, subject to the § 61.23(c)(2) conditions: comply with every restriction on the license, have been found eligible at the most recent medical application, and hold no suspended or revoked medical certificate.
2What is the maximum number of passengers a sport pilot may carry on board a light-sport airship under 14 CFR 61.315?
A.One passenger
B.Two passengers
C.Three passengers
D.Zero passengers (sport pilots are restricted to solo flight only)
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.315(c)(4), a sport pilot is limited to carrying no more than one passenger, regardless of the aircraft's total seating capacity.
3Which parameter in 14 CFR § 61.316 limits the airship a sport pilot may operate?
A.A maximum seating capacity of two persons, since the four-seat allowance in § 61.316(a)(2) is written only for airplanes
B.A maximum envelope volume of 500,000 cubic feet
C.A maximum speed in level flight of 120 knots CAS
D.A requirement for multi-engine turbine propulsion
Explanation: Section 61.316(a)(2) allows a maximum seating capacity of two persons except for airplanes, which may seat four. An airship is not an airplane, so two seats is the cap. Note that § 61.316(a)(1) stall-speed limits and paragraph (a)(5) partial-power-loss criteria are written for other categories, and airships are expressly carved out of the (a)(5) controlled-descent requirement.
4Unless specifically authorized by ATC or operating over high terrain, what is the standard altitude ceiling for a sport pilot under 14 CFR 61.315?
A.10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
B.12,500 feet MSL
C.18,000 feet MSL
D.5,000 feet AGL
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.315(c)(11), a sport pilot may not act as pilot in command at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.
5Under 14 CFR 61.315, may a sport pilot operate an airship at night?
A.Yes, after meeting § 61.329: 3 hours of night flight training in that category and class, an instructor endorsement, and either a part 67 medical certificate or the § 61.113(i) BasicMed conditions
B.Yes, provided the airship is equipped with position lights
C.Yes, provided the flight is conducted within 25 NM of the departure airport
D.No, a sport pilot may never act as pilot in command at night
Explanation: The MOSAIC amendments effective October 22, 2025 changed § 61.315(c)(5) to prohibit night flight only 'except as provided in § 61.329.' Section 61.329 requires 3 hours of night flight training in the specific category and class, including a night cross-country with a landing at an airport at least 25 NM away and 10 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop, an instructor endorsement, and either a medical certificate or compliance with the § 61.113(i) conditions.
6Which statement is correct regarding flight for compensation or hire by a sport pilot operating an airship under 14 CFR 61.315?
A.A sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of an airship carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire
B.A sport pilot may carry passengers for hire if operating within 50 NM of home base
C.A sport pilot may receive compensation for flight instruction if they hold a ground instructor certificate
D.A sport pilot may be hired for commercial advertising airship flights provided the passenger limit is respected
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.315(c)(1), a sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire.
7To operate a light-sport airship within Class B, C, or D airspace, what specific requirement must a sport pilot satisfy under 14 CFR 61.325?
A.Receive ground and flight training and obtain a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
B.Hold a Private Pilot Certificate or higher
C.File an IFR flight plan with ATC prior to entry
D.Log at least 100 hours of cross-country airship time
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.325, a sport pilot must receive training and obtain a specific logbook endorsement from an authorized flight instructor to operate in Class B, C, or D airspace.
8How long is a student pilot solo flight endorsement valid for operating an airship under 14 CFR 61.87?
A.90 calendar days
B.30 calendar days
C.6 calendar months
D.12 calendar months
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.87(n), a student pilot may not fly solo unless an authorized instructor who gave the training endorsed the student's logbook for the specific make and model within the 90 days preceding the flight. Paragraph (o) covers solo at night and paragraph (p) covers the instructor's own limitations.
9According to 14 CFR 61.56, what is required for a certificated sport pilot to continue acting as pilot in command of an airship?
A.Accomplish a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months consisting of at least 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training
B.Log at least 10 hours of airship flight time every 12 calendar months
C.Pass an FAA written knowledge test every 24 calendar months
D.Perform three takeoffs and landings in an airship every 90 days regardless of passenger carrying intentions
Explanation: Under 14 CFR 61.56, a pilot must accomplish a flight review consisting of a minimum of 1 hour of ground instruction and 1 hour of flight instruction within the preceding 24 calendar months to act as PIC.
10Under 14 CFR 91.17, what are the restrictions regarding alcohol consumption before operating an airship as a required crewmember?
A.No alcohol consumption within 8 hours prior to flight and an alcohol concentration of less than 0.04 percent in a blood or breath specimen
B.No alcohol consumption within 12 hours prior to flight and an alcohol concentration of 0.00 percent
C.No alcohol consumption within 24 hours prior to flight and an alcohol concentration of less than 0.08 percent
D.No alcohol consumption within 4 hours prior to flight provided no hangover symptoms remain
Explanation: 14 CFR 91.17 prohibits acting as a crewmember within 8 hours after consuming any alcoholic beverage, or while having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 percent or higher.

About the FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Exam

The FAA SPL Knowledge Test evaluates applicants seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) rating under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J. The exam tests knowledge of FAA regulations, sport pilot privileges and limitations, airship aerostatics, helium lift math, envelope pressure management, vectorable thrust control, VFR airspace minimums, weather, ground handling, and emergency landing techniques.

Assessment

40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering sport pilot regulations, airship aerostatics, envelope pressure, flight controls, VFR weather, and ground handling.

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Exam Content Outline

30%

14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J & Part 91 Sport Pilot Regulations

Sport pilot privileges and limitations, logbook endorsements, light-sport airship operating requirements, driver's license vs medical certificate, flight rules, alcohol/drug rules, and maintenance/inspection requirements.

25%

Airship Aerostatics, Lift, Envelope Pressure & Ballonet Systems

Aerostatic vs aerodynamic lift, helium lifting gas properties, pressure height, superheating/supercooling effects, ballonet air control, air/gas valves, and internal pressure management.

25%

Airship Flight Controls, Vectoring Thrusters & Operations

Ruddervators/rudders and elevators, pitch and yaw trim, static trim condition (heavy vs light airship), vectorable engine thrust operation, weigh-off procedures, takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing.

20%

VFR Weather, Airspace, Navigation, Ground Handling & Emergencies

Class B/C/D/E/G airspace cloud clearances and visibilities, Special VFR, METAR/TAF weather reports, density altitude effects, mooring mast ground handling, and emergency procedures (engine out, pressure loss, helium leak, vector failure).

How to Pass the FAA SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering sport pilot regulations, airship aerostatics, envelope pressure, flight controls, VFR weather, and ground handling.
  • 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 SPL Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J sport pilot privileges and limitations, including passenger limits (1 passenger), altitude limits (10,000 ft MSL / 2,000 ft AGL), and driver's license rules.
2Understand non-rigid airship envelope pressure management: maintaining internal pressure between 1.0 and 2.5 inches WG using ballonet blowers and damper valves.
3Practice numerical calculations for density altitude, helium net lift adjustments for temperature/superheat, weight & balance CG, and VFR fuel endurance.
4Master static weigh-off concepts: operating statically heavy (requiring dynamic aerodynamic lift) versus statically light (requiring downward thrust/pitch).
5Learn ground handling and mooring mast safety procedures, including takeoff/landing into wind and ground crew coordination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA SPL Knowledge Test?

The FAA SPL Knowledge Test is the official FAA examination for applicants seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate or rating in the Lighter-Than-Air (Airship) category under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J.

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

The official exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour (120 minutes) time limit. The passing score is 70% (at least 28 correct answers out of 40).

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

The exam is computer-administered at authorized PSI testing centers nationwide. The fee is $175.

What medical qualification is required to take the test and fly as a sport pilot in an airship?

To exercise sport pilot privileges in a light-sport airship, a pilot may hold either a valid US driver's license (meeting 14 CFR 61.303 requirements) or a current FAA medical certificate.