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100+ Free FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Practice Questions

Prepare for the FAA Sport Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test (Test Code: SPY) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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Key Facts: FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Exam

SPY

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 SPY Sport Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test with 100 practice questions covering 14 CFR Part 61/91, gyroplane autorotation physics, prerotation safety, power-push-over (PPO) avoidance, weight & balance, and VFR airspace rules. Test consists of 40 questions with a 2-hour time limit and a 70% passing threshold.

Sample FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane 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 § 61.23, what medical qualification is required to exercise sport pilot privileges in a gyroplane if the pilot holds a valid U.S. driver's license?
A.A valid U.S. driver's license, provided the pilot's most recent application for an FAA medical certificate was not denied, revoked, or suspended
B.A Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate is required in addition to a U.S. driver's license
C.A BasicMed qualification with a completed FAA Form 8700-2 examination checklist
D.A valid U.S. driver's license, but only if the pilot has held an FAA medical certificate within the preceding 10 years
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.23(c)(1)(ii), a person exercising sport pilot privileges in an aircraft meeting the performance limits and design requirements of § 61.316 (other than a glider or balloon) must hold either a medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver's license. Section 61.23(c)(2) adds the conditions: comply with every restriction on the driver's 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 in a gyroplane under 14 CFR § 61.315?
A.One passenger
B.Two passengers
C.Up to three passengers if the gyroplane is certificated to carry four occupants
D.No passengers are allowed under any circumstances
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(4), a sport pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft while carrying more than one passenger. The limit is on people carried, not on how many seats the aircraft has.
3Under 14 CFR § 61.315, what is the maximum pressure altitude at which a sport pilot may operate an aircraft?
A.10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher
B.12,500 feet MSL, provided supplemental oxygen is used
C.18,000 feet MSL (the floor of Class A airspace)
D.5,000 feet AGL under all operating conditions
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.315(c)(11), a sport pilot is prohibited from operating an aircraft at an altitude of more than 10,000 feet MSL or 2,000 feet AGL, whichever is higher.
4Under 14 CFR Part 91, what is the minimum day VFR fuel reserve required for a gyroplane?
A.Sufficient fuel to fly to the first point of intended landing and, assuming normal cruising speed, for at least 20 minutes thereafter
B.Sufficient fuel to fly to the destination plus 45 minutes of reserve at normal cruise power
C.Sufficient fuel to fly to the destination plus 30 minutes at normal cruising speed
D.No reserve fuel is required if remaining within 25 nautical miles of the departure airport
Explanation: A gyroplane is a rotorcraft, so 14 CFR § 91.151(b) applies: no person may begin a flight in a rotorcraft under VFR unless there is enough fuel to reach the first point of intended landing and, at normal cruising speed, fly for at least 20 minutes after that. The 20-minute figure applies day or night.
5According to 14 CFR § 61.315, may a sport pilot operate a gyroplane during night hours?
A.Yes, after completing the night training in the gyroplane required by § 61.329, receiving the instructor's night endorsement, and holding a medical certificate or meeting the BasicMed conditions
B.Yes, provided the gyroplane is equipped with position lights and anti-collision lights
C.No, a sport pilot may never act as pilot in command at night
D.Yes, provided the flight remains within 25 nautical miles of the home airport
Explanation: Since the MOSAIC amendments effective October 22, 2025, § 61.315(c)(5) prohibits night flight only 'except as provided in § 61.329.' Section 61.329 requires 3 hours of night flight training in that category and class (including a night cross-country with a landing at an airport at least 25 NM away, except for powered parachutes, plus 10 night takeoffs and landings to a full stop), an instructor endorsement, and either a part 67 medical certificate or compliance with the § 61.113(i) BasicMed conditions.
6What logbook endorsement is required before a sport pilot may operate in Class B, C, or D airspace under 14 CFR § 61.325?
A.A specific ground and flight training endorsement from an authorized instructor for operations in Class B, C, or D airspace
B.An endorsement from an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner following an additional oral exam
C.No endorsement is required if the pilot holds a valid radio station license
D.A temporary flight authorization issued directly by the local Air Route Traffic Control Center
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.325, a sport pilot must receive ground and flight training from an authorized flight instructor and obtain a logbook endorsement certifying competence to conduct operations in Class B, C, or D airspace, at airports located within Class B, C, or D airspace, or requiring communication with ATC.
7If an individual's most recent application for an FAA medical certificate was denied, can they exercise sport pilot privileges using a U.S. driver's license?
A.No, an FAA medical denial disqualifies an individual from using a U.S. driver's license for sport pilot privileges until cleared by the FAA
B.Yes, because a driver's license supersedes any previous FAA medical decision
C.Yes, provided the denial occurred more than 2 years prior to the current flight
D.Yes, provided the flight is conducted strictly in Class G airspace under VFR
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.23(c)(2)(ii), a person using a U.S. driver's license for sport pilot privileges must have been found eligible for at least a third-class medical certificate at the time of their most recent application. A denial at that most recent application therefore blocks the driver's license route until the FAA issues a certificate.
8Under 14 CFR § 61.315, a sport pilot is prohibited from acting as PIC for compensation or hire. Which exception allows sharing operating expenses with a passenger?
A.A sport pilot may share operating expenses with a passenger, provided the expenses involve only fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees and the pilot pays at least half
B.A sport pilot may charge the passenger a fixed hourly rate to cover aircraft depreciation
C.A sport pilot may accept full reimbursement for fuel and oil if carrying a charity passenger
D.No expense sharing is permitted under any circumstances for sport pilots
Explanation: The compensation-or-hire prohibitions sit in § 61.315(c)(1) through (c)(3). The expense-sharing allowance is separate: § 61.315(b) permits sharing fuel, oil, airport expenses, or aircraft rental fees with a passenger, and the sport pilot must pay at least half of those operating expenses.
9What aeronautical experience requirement must a student pilot meet under 14 CFR § 61.87 prior to conducting a solo flight in a gyroplane?
A.Receive ground and flight training on gyroplane pre-solo maneuvers including prerotation, autorotative descents, and crosswind takeoffs/landings, and pass a pre-solo knowledge test
B.Log at least 20 hours of dual flight instruction and complete a cross-country flight of 75 nautical miles
C.Pass the official FAA SPY Knowledge Test at a PSI testing center
D.Obtain a solo authorization certificate issued by the FAA Flight Standards District Office
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 61.87(n), a student pilot seeking solo flight privileges in a gyroplane must receive ground and flight training on specific gyroplane maneuvers (such as prerotator operation, autorotation entries and landings, and control of rotor RPM) and pass a pre-solo written exam administered by the instructor.
10According to 14 CFR § 91.119, what is the minimum safe altitude for a gyroplane over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement?
A.An altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft
B.An altitude of 500 feet above the surface or highest obstacle
C.An altitude allowing a safe landing without hazard to persons or property, with no minimum altitude for gyroplanes
D.1,500 feet MSL regardless of terrain elevation
Explanation: Under 14 CFR § 91.119(b), over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, an aircraft must maintain 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet. Note that the lower-altitude relief in § 91.119(d) is written only for helicopters, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control aircraft; a gyroplane does not qualify for it even though it is a rotorcraft.

About the FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Exam

The FAA SPY Knowledge Test is the written examination required by the FAA for candidates seeking a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Gyroplane rating under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J. It evaluates knowledge of sport pilot privileges and limitations, driver's license medical eligibility, gyroplane aerodynamics (autorotation, rotor disk dynamics, prerotation system, low-G bunting and power-push-over avoidance), weight & balance, performance, VFR weather minimums, airspace restrictions, and emergency procedures.

Assessment

40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J and Part 91 regulations, gyroplane autorotation physics, prerotation, PPO avoidance, airspace, weather, performance, and emergency procedures.

Time Limit

2 hours (120 minutes)

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

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

FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Exam Content Outline

25%

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

Sport pilot privileges, passenger limits, medical requirements using a US driver's license, logbook endorsements, VFR fuel requirements, minimum safe altitudes, and maintenance responsibilities.

30%

Gyroplane Aerodynamics, Autorotation & Power-Push-Over (PPO) Avoidance

Rotor disk aerodynamics, autorotative equilibrium, driving and driven zones, rotor rpm management, teetering rotor flapping, prerotation procedures, low-G bunting mechanisms, PPO avoidance, and rotor unloading recovery.

25%

Airspace, VFR Weather Minimums & Aviation Weather Services

Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace rules, cloud clearance and visibility requirements, sport pilot airspace endorsements, METAR/TAF interpretation, density altitude, and wind shear awareness.

20%

Flight Operations, Performance, Weight & Balance & Emergency Procedures

Gyroplane weight & balance CG calculations, crosswind components, takeoff roll and climb performance, engine failure autorotative landings, zero-speed landings, and emergency checklists.

How to Pass the FAA SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Assessment: 40 multiple-choice questions administered via computer at PSI testing centers covering 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J and Part 91 regulations, gyroplane autorotation physics, prerotation, PPO avoidance, airspace, weather, performance, and emergency procedures.
  • 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 SPY Knowledge Test — Sport Pilot Gyroplane Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J rules: sport pilot privileges (1 passenger max, daytime VFR, max 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL), medical eligibility via driver's license, and logbook endorsements for Class B, C, D airspace.
2Master gyroplane autorotation mechanics: understand that gyroplane rotors are powered solely by airflow upward through the rotor disk (unlike helicopters in powered flight), and recognize the driven, driving, and stall zones.
3Understand Power-Push-Over (PPO) and low-G hazards: never push forward on the stick in low-G or high-power conditions; correct recovery requires gentle aft stick pressure and power reduction.
4Practice real numerical calculations: compute weight and balance CG shifts, density altitude based on temperature and pressure altitude, wind correction angles, and fuel burn rates.
5Memorize VFR weather minimums for Class B, C, D, E, and G airspace, including the sport pilot prohibition against flying in visibility under 3 SM or above clouds without visual reference to the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FAA SPY Knowledge Test?

The FAA SPY Knowledge Test is the official FAA written examination for earning a Sport Pilot Certificate with a Gyroplane category and rating under 14 CFR Part 61 Subpart J.

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

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

Can I use a U.S. driver's license instead of an FAA Medical Certificate for Sport Pilot Gyroplane operations?

Yes, under 14 CFR § 61.303, a valid U.S. driver's license satisfies the medical requirement for sport pilot privileges, provided you have not been denied an FAA medical certificate or had your last medical certificate revoked or suspended.

What key aerodynamic hazards are specific to gyroplanes on the SPY exam?

The exam places strong emphasis on Power-Push-Over (PPO) and low-G bunting hazards caused by zero-G unloading of the rotor disk in pitch-unstable or high-thrust line gyroplanes, as well as proper prerotator operation and autorotative rotor RPM control.