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100+ Free FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Practice Questions

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Key Facts: FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Exam

SPW

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 SPW Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering FAA Part 61/91 regulations, WSC aerodynamics, CG bar control, Rotax engine management, airspace, weather minimums, and emergency procedures. Test consists of 40 questions with a 2-hour limit and 70% passing threshold.

Sample FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot 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.

1What is the minimum age to sit the FAA SPW knowledge test, and what age does 14 CFR § 61.305 require to hold the sport pilot certificate itself?
A.14 to test, 16 to hold the certificate
B.15 to test, 17 to hold the certificate
C.16 to test, 16 to hold the certificate
D.17 to test, 17 to hold the certificate
Explanation: The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix lists test code SPW, Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control, at 40 questions, minimum age 15, 2 hours, 70 percent to pass. Section 61.305(a) then requires an applicant for a sport pilot certificate to be at least 17 years old, or 16 for a glider or balloon. A candidate may therefore pass the written well before becoming eligible for the certificate.
2What maximum stalling speed does 14 CFR § 61.316(a)(1) allow for a weight-shift-control aircraft that a sport pilot may operate?
A.A maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS
B.A maximum stalling speed of not more than 59 knots CAS
C.A maximum level flight speed at maximum continuous power of not more than 120 knots CAS
D.No speed limit of any kind applies
Explanation: Section 61.316(a)(1) sets a maximum stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed without the use of lift-enhancing devices (VS1) of not more than 45 knots CAS, except for airplanes, which get 59 knots CAS at maximum certificated takeoff weight and the most critical center of gravity. A weight-shift-control aircraft is not an airplane, so 45 knots applies.
3Under 14 CFR § 61.315, how many passengers may a sport pilot carry on a flight in a weight-shift-control light-sport aircraft?
A.Zero passengers (pilot only)
B.One passenger
C.Two passengers
D.Three passengers
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(4), a sport pilot is limited to carrying no more than one passenger in a light-sport aircraft approved for a maximum seating capacity of two persons.
4Pursuant to 14 CFR § 61.315, what is the maximum altitude above mean sea level (MSL) at which a sport pilot may operate without a specific altitude endorsement?
A.8,000 feet MSL
B.10,000 feet MSL (or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher)
C.12,500 feet MSL
D.14,000 feet MSL
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(11), a sport pilot may not operate an aircraft at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.
5In a Weight-Shift-Control (WSC) aircraft, how does the pilot control pitch and roll flight attitudes?
A.By manipulating conventional aerodynamic elevator and aileron control surfaces on the tail and wing tips
B.By moving the control bar to shift the carriage center of gravity (CG) relative to the wing focal hang point
C.By adjusting differential engine thrust and rudder pedals
D.By varying trim tab deflection on the trailing edge of the wing root
Explanation: Weight-Shift-Control aircraft govern flight attitude by shifting the lower carriage mass relative to the flexible wing. Moving the control bar shifts the center of gravity relative to the wing's hang point, altering pitch angle of attack and bank angle.
6During straight-and-level flight in a weight-shift-control aircraft, what aerodynamic change occurs when the pilot pushes the control bar forward away from the body?
A.The wing angle of attack increases, airspeed decreases, and the nose pitches up
B.The wing angle of attack decreases, airspeed increases, and the nose pitches down
C.The carriage banks to the left while the wing maintains horizontal level flight
D.The wing trailing edge reflex decreases, creating a nose-down pitching moment
Explanation: Pushing the control bar forward shifts the carriage CG aft relative to the wing hang point. This tilts the wing leading edge up, increasing the angle of attack, pitching the nose up, and reducing airspeed.
7During straight-and-level flight in a weight-shift-control aircraft, what occurs when the pilot pulls the control bar aft toward the body?
A.The angle of attack increases and airspeed decreases
B.The angle of attack decreases, airspeed increases, and the nose pitches down
C.The wing stalls immediately due to excessive wing loading
D.The control bar tension decreases, causing the wing to roll left
Explanation: Pulling the control bar aft shifts the carriage CG forward relative to the wing. This lowers the wing leading edge, decreasing angle of attack, pitching the nose down, and accelerating to a higher airspeed.
8How does a weight-shift-control pilot initiate a left bank turn?
A.By pushing the control bar forward and to the left simultaneously
B.By pushing the control bar to the right, which shifts the carriage center of gravity to the left
C.By pulling the control bar aft while pressing the left rudder pedal
D.By moving the control bar to the left, which shifts the carriage center of gravity to the right
Explanation: Moving the control bar to the pilot's right pushes the carriage weight to the left relative to the wing hang point. Shifting weight to the left causes the left wing to drop and banks the aircraft to the left.
9Which aircraft does the VFR fuel rule in 14 CFR § 91.151 reach, and what does that mean for a weight-shift-control pilot?
A.Paragraph (a) covers airplanes (30 minutes day, 45 minutes night) and paragraph (b) covers rotorcraft (20 minutes); a weight-shift-control aircraft is neither, so no numeric reserve is prescribed and the pilot must still plan fuel under § 91.103
B.It covers all powered aircraft, so a weight-shift-control aircraft needs a 30-minute day reserve
C.It covers all powered aircraft, so a weight-shift-control aircraft needs a 45-minute reserve day or night
D.It covers all powered aircraft, so a weight-shift-control aircraft needs a 15-minute day reserve
Explanation: Section 91.151(a) opens 'No person may begin a flight in an airplane under VFR conditions...' and paragraph (b) covers rotorcraft. Section 1.1 defines a weight-shift-control aircraft as a powered aircraft with a framed pivoting wing controlled in pitch and roll by shifting the center of gravity, so it is neither an airplane nor a rotorcraft. Section 91.103 still requires the pilot in command to become familiar with fuel requirements, and planning at least the airplane 30-minute reserve is prudent practice.
10What are the minimum flight visibility and cloud clearance requirements for day VFR flight in Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL?
A.3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds
B.1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds
C.3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds
D.5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, 1 statute mile horizontal
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 91.155, day VFR operations in Class G airspace at or below 1,200 feet AGL require 1 statute mile flight visibility and remaining clear of clouds.

About the FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Exam

The FAA SPW Knowledge Test is required for candidates seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Weight-Shift-Control (WSC) land or sea category/class rating. The exam evaluates knowledge of 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J and Part 91 regulations, flex-wing aerodynamics, weight-shift control bar handling, CG dynamics, Rotax 2-stroke/4-stroke engine management, tuck and divergence avoidance, weather minimums, airspace, and flight performance calculations.

Assessment

40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAA regulations, WSC aerodynamics, flight operations, navigation, and weather.

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Exam Content Outline

25%

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 61 & 91)

Sport pilot privileges and limitations, light-sport aircraft definitions, logbook endorsements, fuel reserves, minimum safe altitudes, and NTSB Part 830 reporting.

30%

WSC Aerodynamics & Flight Controls

Flex-wing physics, weight-shift pitch and roll mechanics, billow shift, sprogs, reflex bridles, pitch stability, tuck and tumble divergence prevention, and stall aerodynamics.

25%

WSC Aircraft Performance & Flight Operations

Weight and balance CG envelope calculations, density altitude, crosswind drift, fuel endurance/range, trim adjustments, emergency landings, and wake turbulence.

20%

Airspace, Navigation & Aviation Weather

US National Airspace System classification, VFR weather minimums, METAR/TAF reports, sectional chart reading, magnetic variation/deviation, and Rotax engine management.

How to Pass the FAA SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering FAA regulations, WSC aerodynamics, flight operations, navigation, and weather.
  • 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 SPW Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Weight-Shift-Control Study Tips from Top Performers

1Understand the mechanics of control bar movement: pushing out increases angle of attack and slows down; pulling in decreases angle of attack and accelerates.
2Study tuck and tumble divergence dynamics: low-G or negative-G maneuvers cause inverted sail loading and loss of pitch control authority.
3Memorize 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J limitations: max 120 knots CAS, 1 passenger, 10,000 ft MSL / 2,000 ft AGL ceiling.
4Practice real numerical calculations for density altitude, crosswind components, weight & balance CG moments, and fuel endurance with day VFR reserves.
5Review Rotax 2-stroke (582) and 4-stroke (912) engine operational limits, fuel-oil mixing, EGT/CHT indications, and carburetor icing prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA SPW Knowledge Test?

The FAA SPW Knowledge Test is the official written exam for earning an FAA Sport Pilot Certificate with a Weight-Shift-Control (WSC trike) category and land/sea class rating under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J.

How many questions are on the official FAA SPW 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 test is administered on computer at authorized PSI testing centers nationwide. The fee is $175.

What unique WSC topics are tested on the SPW exam?

The SPW exam tests WSC flex-wing aerodynamics, shifting the center of gravity relative to the wing, luff lines and sprog pitch stabilization, low G push-over tuck/tumble divergence hazards, Rotax engine operating characteristics, and weight & balance calculations.