PracticeVideosBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Practice Questions

Pass your SACAA Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) Flight Performance & Planning Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
~70–75% Pass Rate
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More SACAA Pilot Licence Theory Subjects (South Africa)

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

SACAA ATPL (Helicopter) Air Law Exam

Practice Questions

SACAA ATPL (Helicopter) Aircraft Technical & General Knowledge Exam

Practice Questions

SACAA ATPL (Helicopter) Principles of Flight Exam

Practice Questions

SACAA ATPL Air Law Exam

Practice Questions

SACAA ATPL Aircraft General Knowledge Exam

Practice Questions

SACAA ATPL Flight Planning Exam

Practice Questions
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Exam

75%

Passing Score

SACAA CAR 61.01.10

60 Mins

Exam Duration

SACAA CBT Regulations

20–40

Official Questions

SACAA CBT System

R425–R450

Examination Fee

SACAA Schedule of Fees

100

Practice Questions

Question Bank 2026

30 Mins

Day VFR Fuel Reserve

SACAA CAR 91.07.2

The SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning exam evaluates pilot competence in mass & balance, atmospheric performance corrections, takeoff/landing distance factors, and VFR fuel reserve planning.

Sample SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1An aircraft has a Basic Empty Weight (BEW) of 650 kg with a moment of 1,365 kg·m. The pilot (80 kg) and front passenger (70 kg) sit at an arm of 1.80 m. Rear passengers (110 kg total) sit at an arm of 2.60 m. Fuel loaded is 100 liters of Avgas (density 0.72 kg/L) at an arm of 2.30 m. What is the total aircraft mass and Center of Gravity (CG) position from the datum?
A.Total Mass: 982 kg; CG: 2.102 m
B.Total Mass: 982 kg; CG: 2.215 m
C.Total Mass: 910 kg; CG: 2.050 m
D.Total Mass: 1,010 kg; CG: 2.350 m
Explanation: To calculate total mass and CG: 1. Fuel mass = 100 L × 0.72 kg/L = 72 kg. 2. Total Mass = BEW (650 kg) + Front Seats (150 kg) + Rear Seats (110 kg) + Fuel (72 kg) = 982 kg. 3. Calculate Moments: - BEW Moment = 1,365.0 kg·m - Front Seats Moment = 150 kg × 1.80 m = 270.0 kg·m - Rear Seats Moment = 110 kg × 2.60 m = 286.0 kg·m - Fuel Moment = 72 kg × 2.30 m = 165.6 kg·m - Total Moment = 1,365.0 + 270.0 + 286.0 + 165.6 = 2,064.6 kg·m. 4. CG = Total Moment / Total Mass = 2,064.6 kg·m / 982 kg = 2.102 m.
2An aeroplane has a total mass of 1,050 kg and its current Center of Gravity (CG) is located at 2.15 m aft of the datum. The pilot shifts a 30 kg baggage item from the forward baggage compartment (arm 0.80 m) to the rear baggage compartment (arm 3.10 m). What is the new CG position?
A.2.216 m
B.2.084 m
C.2.315 m
D.2.180 m
Explanation: Use the CG shift formula: 1. Distance shifted = Rear Arm - Forward Arm = 3.10 m - 0.80 m = 2.30 m. 2. CG Shift (ΔCG) = (Mass Shifted × Distance Shifted) / Total Mass = (30 kg × 2.30 m) / 1,050 kg = 69 / 1,050 = 0.0657 m aft. 3. New CG = Old CG + ΔCG = 2.15 m + 0.0657 m = 2.2157 m ≈ 2.216 m.
3An airfield is located at an elevation of 4,500 ft AMSL with a reported QNH of 1003 hPa. What is the pressure altitude at the airfield?
A.4,808 ft
B.4,192 ft
C.4,500 ft
D.5,100 ft
Explanation: Pressure Altitude (PA) calculation formula: PA = Field Elevation + (1013.25 - QNH) × 30 1. Difference from standard pressure = 1013.25 - 1003 = 10.25 hPa. 2. Altitude adjustment = 10.25 hPa × 30 ft/hPa = 307.5 ft. 3. PA = 4,500 ft + 307.5 ft = 4,807.5 ft ≈ 4,808 ft.
4At an airfield with a pressure altitude of 5,000 ft, the Outside Air Temperature (OAT) is +25°C. What is the Density Altitude?
A.7,400 ft
B.5,000 ft
C.6,200 ft
D.8,600 ft
Explanation: Density Altitude (DA) rule of thumb formula: DA = Pressure Altitude + 120 × (OAT - ISA Temperature) 1. Standard ISA temperature at sea level = +15°C. 2. ISA lapse rate = 2°C per 1,000 ft. ISA Temp at 5,000 ft = 15 - (2 × 5) = +5°C. 3. ISA Deviation = OAT - ISA Temp = 25°C - 5°C = +20°C (ISA +20). 4. DA = 5,000 ft + [120 × 20] = 5,000 ft + 2,400 ft = 7,400 ft.
5A light aircraft is preparing for a Day VFR cross-country flight. The total flight time at planned cruise power is 2 hours 15 minutes. Fuel consumption at cruise is 36 L/h. According to SACAA CAR 91.07.2, what is the minimum legal total usable fuel required at engine start (excluding taxi fuel)?
A.99 liters
B.81 liters
C.90 liters
D.117 liters
Explanation: Under SACAA CAR 91.07.2, Day VFR flights require Trip Fuel + Final Reserve Fuel of at least 30 minutes at normal cruising speed. 1. Trip duration = 2.25 hours (2 h 15 min). 2. Trip Fuel = 2.25 hours × 36 L/h = 81 liters. 3. Final Reserve Fuel (30 min) = 0.5 hours × 36 L/h = 18 liters. 4. Total Usable Fuel Required = 81 L + 18 L = 99 liters.
6An aircraft is planning to take off on Runway 09 (heading 090°). The reported surface wind is 060° at 20 knots. What are the headwind and crosswind components?
A.Headwind: 17.3 kt; Crosswind: 10.0 kt
B.Headwind: 10.0 kt; Crosswind: 17.3 kt
C.Headwind: 14.1 kt; Crosswind: 14.1 kt
D.Headwind: 20.0 kt; Crosswind: 0.0 kt
Explanation: Calculate the wind angle relative to the runway: 1. Angle (θ) = 090° - 060° = 30°. 2. Headwind component = Wind Speed × cos(30°) = 20 kt × 0.866 = 17.32 kt ≈ 17.3 kt. 3. Crosswind component = Wind Speed × sin(30°) = 20 kt × 0.500 = 10.0 kt.
7The POH indicates a take-off ground roll of 350 meters on a dry paved runway under zero wind conditions. If the flight is taking off from a dry, short grass runway (+15% factor) with an upslope of 1% (+10% factor), what is the estimated take-off ground roll?
A.437.5 meters
B.385.0 meters
C.402.5 meters
D.472.5 meters
Explanation: Apply performance adjustment factors sequentially or cumulatively: 1. Total correction factor = 1 + 0.15 (grass) + 0.10 (upslope) = 1.25 (or 25% increase). 2. Adjusted ground roll = 350 m × 1.25 = 437.5 meters. (Alternatively, 350 × 1.15 = 402.5; 402.5 × 1.10 = 442.75 m. In standard aviation theory questions, additive factors yield 350 × 1.25 = 437.5 m).
8What is the primary aerodynamic effect of operating an aeroplane loaded with a Center of Gravity (CG) near its aft limit?
A.Decreased longitudinal stability and reduced stall recovery capability
B.Increased longitudinal stability and higher stall speed
C.Heavy elevator control forces and increased cruise fuel consumption
D.Improved stall recovery characteristics and increased nose-down pitching moment
Explanation: An aft CG reduces the distance between the CG and the aerodynamic center (tail arm), which decreases longitudinal static stability. Tailplane downforce required is reduced (yielding lower stall speed and slightly higher cruise speed), but elevator effectiveness and natural nose-down recovery momentum during a stall are significantly impaired.
9An aircraft with a total mass of 1,200 kg has an aft CG limit of 2.30 m. The current CG is located at 2.34 m (4 cm out of limits aft). Baggage is stored in the aft compartment at arm 3.20 m. How much baggage mass must be moved to the forward compartment at arm 0.80 m to bring the CG exactly to the 2.30 m aft limit?
A.20.0 kg
B.48.0 kg
C.15.0 kg
D.30.0 kg
Explanation: Use the weight shift formula: ΔCG = (Mass Shifted × Distance Shifted) / Total Mass 1. Required ΔCG = 2.34 m - 2.30 m = 0.04 m forward. 2. Distance between compartments = 3.20 m - 0.80 m = 2.40 m. 3. Rearranging formula: Mass Shifted = (Total Mass × ΔCG) / Distance Shifted 4. Mass Shifted = (1,200 kg × 0.04 m) / 2.40 m = 48 / 2.40 = 20.0 kg.
10What is the standard density of Aviation Gasoline (Avgas 100LL) used in SACAA flight performance and fuel mass calculations?
A.0.72 kg per liter (6.0 lbs / US Gallon)
B.0.80 kg per liter (6.7 lbs / US Gallon)
C.1.00 kg per liter (8.3 lbs / US Gallon)
D.0.68 kg per liter (5.6 lbs / US Gallon)
Explanation: The standard specific mass (density) of Avgas 100LL used for SACAA Part 61 exam calculations is 0.72 kg/L (equivalent to 0.72 g/cm³ or 6.0 lbs per US Gallon). Jet A-1 is denser at approximately 0.80 kg/L.

About the SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Exam

The SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning examination tests student pilots on the principles and practical calculations required to safely load an aircraft, evaluate atmospheric performance factors, determine take-off and landing distances, and calculate fuel requirements in accordance with South African Civil Aviation Regulations.

Assessment

60-minute computer-based exam covering mass and balance (30%), pressure and density altitude (25%), take-off and landing performance (25%), and en-route fuel planning (20%).

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

75% (CAR 61.01.10)

Exam Fee

Approximately R425–R450 per subject sitting (South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA))

SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Exam Content Outline

30%

Mass and Balance Concepts and CG Calculations

Datum lines, moment arms, center of gravity limits, payload calculations, weight shift calculations, and fuel burn CG changes.

25%

Density Altitude and Pressure Altitude Calculations

Pressure altitude from QNH/field elevation, ISA temperature deviation, density altitude determination, and performance degradation.

25%

Take-Off and Landing Performance Factors

Take-off ground roll, 50 ft obstacle clearance distance, runway surface corrections, runway gradient, wind component calculations, and landing distance.

20%

En-Route Performance and Fuel Reserve Calculations

Cruising speed, fuel consumption rates, SACAA Day VFR 30-minute reserve requirements under CAR 91.07.2, trip fuel, and total usable fuel planning.

How to Pass the SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75% (CAR 61.01.10)
  • Assessment: 60-minute computer-based exam covering mass and balance (30%), pressure and density altitude (25%), take-off and landing performance (25%), and en-route fuel planning (20%).
  • Time limit: 60 minutes
  • Exam fee: Approximately R425–R450 per subject sitting

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the fundamental mass and balance formula: Total Moment = Sum(Weight × Arm) and Center of Gravity = Total Moment / Total Weight.
2Memorize the pressure altitude conversion formula: Pressure Altitude = Field Elevation + (1013.25 - QNH) × 30 ft.
3Use the density altitude rule of thumb: Density Altitude = Pressure Altitude + [120 × (OAT - ISA Temperature)].
4Remember that SACAA Day VFR reserve fuel requires a minimum of 30 minutes at normal cruising fuel consumption added to total trip fuel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pass mark for the SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning examination?

The pass mark is 75% as stipulated by SACAA Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 61.01.10.

How long is the official SACAA PPL Flight Performance & Planning examination?

The examination duration is 60 minutes, containing approximately 20 to 40 multiple-choice single best answer questions.

What flight computer is allowed during the SACAA exam?

Candidates are required to use an approved mechanical flight computer such as the E6B or Jeppesen/Dalton CRP-1/CRP-5. Electronic flight calculators are not permitted unless explicitly authorized by SACAA regulations.

What are the legal VFR fuel reserve requirements under SACAA regulations?

Under SACAA CAR 91.07.2, for Day VFR flights in an aeroplane, the minimum required fuel includes trip fuel from departure to destination plus a final reserve fuel of at least 30 minutes at normal cruising consumption.