FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA) flashcards

Certain sport pilot restrictions, like the day-VFR-only requirement, cannot be removed by any endorsement.

• Sport pilots may never act as PIC at night
• Class B/C/D airspace access requires training + endorsement
• Additional make/model requires training + endorsement

Memory trick: 'No endorsement turns night into day' for sport pilots.

An apparent force caused by the Earth's rotation that deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, increasing with wind speed and latitude.

• Deflects wind right in N. Hemisphere, left in S. Hemisphere
• Zero at the equator, maximum at the poles
• Balances pressure gradient force to create geostrophic wind aloft
• Combined with friction near the surface, causes wind to cross isobars toward low pressure

Memory trick: Coriolis Curves wind to the right, like a spinning merry-go-round.

TEMPO denotes temporary, fluctuating conditions expected to last less than one hour at a time and affect less than half of the indicated time period.

• Followed by a begin/end time group
• Represents short-lived, intermittent weather
• Different from PROB (probability) and FM (permanent change)

Memory trick: TEMPO = 'temporary blips,' not the whole story.

Ice that forms inside a carburetor's venturi and throttle plate due to the temperature drop from fuel vaporization and reduced pressure, even in above-freezing outside air temperatures.

• Can occur with OAT as high as 100°F given high relative humidity
• Caused by evaporative cooling and venturi effect, dropping internal temp 60-70°F
• Most likely near cruise/low power settings with high humidity
• Carburetor heat is the standard remedy; check carb icing probability charts

Memory trick: Carb Ice hides even in Warm skies — venturi steals the heat.

A hazardous attitude where a pilot feels powerless to influence the outcome of a situation, leading to inaction.

• Antidote thought: 'I'm not helpless, I can make a difference'
• Leads pilots to stop problem-solving during emergencies
• One of five FAA-identified hazardous attitudes

Memory trick: AIM for safety: Anti-authority, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Macho, Resignation.

Without an MEL, inoperative instruments/equipment may be flown with only if not required by type certificate, 91.205, or an AD, determined not to be a hazard, and properly removed/placarded or deactivated.

• Fuel quantity gauges are required VFR day/night equipment under 91.205
• Pilot can placard/remove simple items; mechanic must deactivate items requiring maintenance
• Applies only when aircraft has no FAA-approved MEL

Memory trick: No MEL? Check TC, 205, AD, Hazard, Placard (T-2-A-H-P)

Pilots must carry photo ID and pilot certificate; aircraft must carry AROW documents (Airworthiness, Registration, Operating limitations, Weight and balance).

• AROW: Airworthiness cert, Registration, Operating limitations, Weight & balance
• Pilot must carry photo ID and pilot certificate
• Sport pilots may substitute driver's license for medical certificate

Memory trick: 'AROW flies the plane, ID and certificate fly the pilot.'

Each of the five hazardous attitudes in ADM has a specific antidote thought a pilot should use to counter it during flight decision-making.

• Anti-authority antidote: 'Follow the rules, they are usually right.'
• Macho antidote: 'Taking chances is foolish.'
• Impulsivity antidote: 'Not so fast, think first.'
• Invulnerability antidote: 'It could happen to me.'

Memory trick: Each bad attitude has a matching 'antidote pill' to swallow before flight

A six-step decision-making process used in ADM to work through a problem: Detect, Estimate, Choose, Identify, Do, Evaluate.

• Used for continuous in-flight decision making
• Cyclical process—Evaluate feeds back to Detect
• Helps pilots systematically manage changing conditions

Memory trick: 'Dogs Eat Cats In Dark Evenings' = Detect Estimate Choose Identify Do Evaluate

Takeoff performance charts often show ground roll increasing by a fixed percentage for each increment of density altitude, reflecting reduced engine power and lift in less dense air.

• Higher density altitude increases required takeoff distance
• Percentage increases are typically given per 1,000-foot increments on charts
• Wind, weight, and runway surface also affect actual takeoff distance

Memory trick: Each 1,000 feet of density altitude tacks on another 10%

Sport pilots may operate no higher than 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL, whichever is higher.

• Allows higher AGL clearance over mountainous terrain
• Whichever is higher governs, not lower
• Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)(4)

Memory trick: 'Ten thousand or two thousand, take the bigger number.'

A dashed line on aeronautical charts marking the boundary between two standard time zones.

• Labeled with the name of the adjoining time zone
• Pilots must adjust clocks/ETAs when crossing this line
• Distinct from isogonic lines, which show magnetic variation
• Important for calculating accurate arrival times and NOTAM/weather validity windows

Memory trick: Crossing the dashed time line means 'set your watch, not your heading'

A scanning technique of looking slightly to the side of an object at night to use the peripheral, rod-dominated retina for better detection in low light.

• Cone cells (central vision) are poor in dim light; rod cells (peripheral) are more sensitive
• A night blind spot exists in central vision when staring directly at a dim object
• Dark adaptation can take up to 30 minutes and is disrupted by bright light

Memory trick: Look beside it, not at it — let your rods do the spotting.

Sectional charts use shaded vignettes to depict where the floor of Class E airspace begins; magenta shading means 700 ft AGL, blue shading means 1,200 ft AGL.

• Magenta vignette = Class E floor at 700 ft AGL
• Blue vignette = Class E floor at 1,200 ft AGL (the default)
• Below the charted floor with no other class = Class G airspace

Memory trick: Magenta = 700, Blue = 1200, below that it's the Ground (Class G)

A propeller with a set blade angle that cannot be changed in flight; engine RPM is controlled solely by throttle position.

• Common on most light sport airplanes
• Throttle position directly sets both power and RPM
• No separate propeller control lever exists

Memory trick: Fixed prop, one lever — throttle does it all.

A mindset that resents or disregards rules, regulations, and guidance, characterized by the thought 'Don't tell me.' The antidote is 'Follow the rules; they are usually right.'

• One of the five classic hazardous attitudes in ADM
• Often shown by ignoring NOTAMs, checklists, or regulations believed to be unnecessary
• Antidote: consciously remind yourself that rules exist for good reasons

Memory trick: 'Anti-Authority, Impulsivity, Invulnerability, Macho, Resignation' — remember AIIMR, each with its own antidote.

UTC is a standardized worldwide time reference used in aviation; local standard time zones are converted to UTC using a fixed hour offset.

• Mountain Standard Time = UTC−7
• Add the offset hours to convert local standard time to UTC
• During daylight saving time, offsets typically decrease by 1 hour

Memory trick: Add hours going toward Zulu, like flying east across time zones.

A biennial review of a pilot's knowledge and skills consisting of ground and flight training, ending with a logbook endorsement.

• Minimum 1 hour flight + 1 hour ground training
• No pass/fail test involved, instructor discretion
• Valid for 24 calendar months

Memory trick: 'One and one keeps your certificate current — one hour ground, one hour flight.'

A sport pilot may not act as PIC when flight visibility is less than 3 statute miles and must always maintain visual reference to the surface, regardless of the airspace class minimums.

• Stricter than standard VFR minimums in Class G
• Applies day or night (though night flight itself is prohibited)
• Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)

Memory trick: Sport pilots always need '3 and see the ground' no matter the airspace.

A hazardous attitude in which a pilot tries to prove they are better than others by taking unnecessary risks or refusing to acknowledge the need for guidance.

• Antidote thought: 'Taking chances is foolish.'
• Often shown by rejecting instruction or advice
• One of five classic hazardous attitudes in ADM

Memory trick: 'Am I MacHo Really Immune?' - Anti-authority, Macho, Resignation, Impulsivity, Invulnerability

Controlled airspace extending to the surface around certain non-towered airports to protect IFR traffic during instrument approaches.

• Depicted with a dashed magenta line on sectional charts
• Exists at airports with instrument approach procedures but no operating tower
• No ATC clearance required for VFR entry, unlike Class D
• Reverts to Class G when the Class E designation doesn't apply

Memory trick: 'ABCDEFG' minus F — remember the dashed magenta 'E' hugs the ground at some airports

The location of the center of gravity affects stall speed, stability, and controllability; aft CG reduces stability while forward CG increases stall speed and stability.

• Aft CG: lower stall speed, less stable, easier to stall into a spin
• Forward CG: higher stall speed, more stable, harder elevator control in flare
• CG must remain within approved limits for safe flight

Memory trick: Aft CG: light on stall, loose on stability.

A temperature inversion is a layer in which temperature increases with height rather than decreasing, often trapping moisture, smoke, and haze near the surface and creating wind shear at its boundary.

• Temperature increases with altitude instead of the normal decrease
• Commonly forms overnight under clear, calm conditions (radiation inversion)
• Traps pollutants/moisture below, reducing surface visibility
• Can produce wind shear/turbulence at the inversion top

Memory trick: Inversion = the atmosphere wearing its layers backward, trapping the smog below.

Lens-shaped altocumulus standing lenticularis (ACSL) clouds form at the crest of mountain waves and remain stationary relative to the terrain despite strong winds, indicating turbulence.

• Smooth, lens or almond shaped, appear stationary
• Form on the leeward side of mountain ridges
• Warn of possible severe turbulence and strong vertical currents

Memory trick: Lenticular clouds look like flying saucers parked over the danger zone.

S-LSA is issued for factory-built, ready-to-fly light-sport aircraft; E-LSA is issued for kit-built or ex-S-LSA aircraft assembled by the owner.

• S-LSA = factory complete, ready-to-fly
• E-LSA = kit-assembled or converted from S-LSA
• Both fall under the LSA airworthiness framework, not standard category

Memory trick: 'S is for Store-bought, E is for Experimenter-built.'

The difference between air temperature and dew point; a small or narrowing spread indicates high relative humidity and increases the likelihood of clouds or fog.

• Spread of 0°C means the air is saturated (100% RH)
• Rapidly narrowing spread near sunset often signals fog formation
• Wide spread indicates dry air and lower fog/cloud potential

Memory trick: 'Small spread, soggy air ahead'

Sectional chart obstruction symbols display height above mean sea level (top number) and height above ground level (parenthesized number).

• Top number = MSL height of the obstruction's tip
• Parenthesized number = AGL height of the obstruction
• Filled symbols typically indicate lighted obstructions
• Group symbols represent clusters of obstructions in close proximity

Memory trick: 'Top hat is Sea level, Bottom bracket is the Ground' (MSL on top, AGL in parentheses)

A visual illusion in which a stationary light stared at in darkness appears to move due to the absence of surrounding visual reference points.

• Occurs after several seconds of fixed staring at a single light
• Can cause a pilot to mistake a ground light for a moving aircraft
• Prevented by continuous eye movement and instrument cross-check

Memory trick: Stare too long, the star seems to dance.

A katabatic wind is a nighttime downslope flow of cool, dense air draining from higher mountain terrain into valleys, driven by radiational cooling of the slopes after sunset.

• Occurs at night under clear, calm conditions
• Cool dense air sinks and flows downhill
• Opposite of daytime anabatic (valley) upslope wind

Memory trick: Katabatic = 'cat creeping downhill' after dark.

A required logbook endorsement under 14 CFR 61.325 allowing sport pilots to operate at airports in or with Class B, C, or D airspace/control towers.

• Requires ground and flight training from an instructor
• Endorsement must be logged before the flight
• Without it, sport pilots must avoid towered/Class B-C-D airports

Memory trick: 'Tower talk needs a logbook walk' — training before towers.

A hazardous attitude characterized by acting on the first impulse without adequately evaluating options or consequences.

• Antidote thought: 'Not so fast, think first.'
• Leads to poor risk assessment under time pressure
• One of the five classic hazardous attitudes

Memory trick: 'Am I MacHo Really Immune?' spells the five attitudes

A 6-digit group (DDFFTT) reports forecast wind direction, speed, and temperature aloft; when DD is 51-99, subtract 50 from DD and add 100 to FF to decode winds of 100 knots or greater.

• Format: first 2 digits = direction (tens), next 2 = speed in knots, last 2 = temperature °C
• If DD ≥ 51, subtract 50 from DD and add 100 to FF
• Temperature is omitted for the 3,000-ft level and negative sign omitted below 24,000 ft
• Light and variable winds under 5 knots are coded as 9900

Memory trick: Above 50, Subtract 50, Add 100 — the hidden hundred trick.

A method to calculate a new center of gravity when weight is moved within an aircraft, using CG shift = (weight moved × distance moved) ÷ total weight.

• Weight moved forward shifts CG forward (subtract from original CG)
• Weight moved aft shifts CG aft (add to original CG)
• Total aircraft weight is used in the denominator, not just the shifted weight

Memory trick: Move weight forward, CG follows forward — subtract the shift

An engine-driven pump creates suction to spin gyros in the attitude and heading indicators in many light aircraft.

• Powers attitude indicator and heading indicator
• Turn coordinator is usually electric for redundancy
• Pump failure causes gradual precession/errors in vacuum instruments
• Pilot should cross-check with electric turn coordinator and compass if vacuum fails

Memory trick: Vacuum runs the 'AH' and 'HI' — Attitude & Heading

A sport pilot may not act as PIC outside the United States unless authorized by the country of the flight or under an applicable bilateral agreement.

• Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)
• Not an absolute ban—authorization can permit it
• Differs from unrestricted international privileges of higher certificates

Memory trick: Crossing the border needs a foreign 'yes' first.

Pain and pressure caused by inability to equalize pressure between the middle ear or sinuses and the outside atmosphere, often due to congestion from a cold or allergy.

• Colds and allergies block the eustachian tube and sinus openings
• Valsalva maneuver (pinch nose, blow gently) helps equalize pressure
• Pilots should avoid flying with significant congestion, especially before descent

Memory trick: Stuffy nose, blocked tube — pinch and blow before you descend anew.

Class C airspace typically consists of a 5 NM radius core from the surface to 4,000 ft AGL and an outer shelf from 5–10 NM at 1,200–4,000 ft AGL, requiring two-way radio contact before entry.

• Core: 5 NM radius, surface to 4,000 ft AGL
• Shelf: 5–10 NM radius, 1,200–4,000 ft AGL
• Two-way radio contact required before entering any part

Memory trick: Think of an upside-down wedding cake: small core, wider shelf above

A method of navigation using visual observation of landmarks such as roads, rivers, and towns, matched against a chart, without relying on instruments or precomputed calculations.

• Relies on visual identification of checkpoints
• Often combined with dead reckoning for cross-country flights
• Requires good visibility and familiar terrain features

Memory trick: 'Pilotage = Picture the ground' — eyes on landmarks, chart in hand.

No person may act as a crewmember within 8 hours of alcohol consumption, while under the influence, or with a BAC of 0.04% or greater.

• 8-hour 'bottle to throttle' minimum
• 0.04% BAC limit
• Cannot fly while under the influence even if outside these limits

Memory trick: 'Eight hours, oh-four percent, or you can't fly.'

Maximum takeoff weight for a light-sport aircraft is 1,320 lb on land or 1,430 lb for seaplanes.

• Defined in 14 CFR 1.1
• Seaplanes get 110 lb allowance for water gear
• Weight is one of several LSA qualifying criteria

Memory trick: '1,320 on land, 1,430 makes a splash' for seaplanes.

The body's immediate physiological response to a perceived threat, involving adrenaline release, increased heart rate, and narrowed attention (fight-or-flight).

• Triggered by sudden, unexpected events like emergencies
• Can improve short-term performance but may cause tunnel vision if excessive
• Differs from chronic stress, which builds from ongoing life pressures over time

Memory trick: Heart races, palms sweat — that's fight-or-flight, not a bad attitude yet.

A Victor airway is a low altitude federal airway defined by VOR radials, identified by the letter 'V' followed by a number, extending from 1,200 ft AGL up to but not including 18,000 ft MSL.

• Labeled with 'V' plus a number (e.g., V257)
• Connects VOR stations along specific radials
• Used for low altitude en route navigation

Memory trick: Victor = 'Very low' airway; Jet routes fly high, RNAV rides GPS

Minimum fuel required for VFR flight beyond that needed to reach the first point of intended landing, based on time of day.

• Day VFR: 30 minutes reserve at normal cruise speed
• Night VFR: 45 minutes reserve at normal cruise speed
• Applies to airplanes operating under VFR

Memory trick: Day = D-irty-30, Night = N-ine(45)

A standardized three-step procedure ensuring clear, unambiguous transfer of aircraft control between two pilots to prevent confusion about who is flying.

• Step 1: outgoing pilot says 'You have the flight controls'
• Step 2: incoming pilot acknowledges, 'I have the flight controls'
• Step 3: outgoing pilot visually confirms before releasing the controls

Memory trick: Say it, hear it, see it — then let go.

A sport pilot may never act as PIC of an aircraft towing any object, such as a banner or glider, under any circumstances.

• Found in 14 CFR 61.315(c)
• No endorsement or training removes this limitation
• Applies regardless of compensation

Memory trick: Sport pilots never pull anything behind them, ever.

Best glide speed varies with the square root of the weight ratio; lighter weight yields a lower best glide airspeed while maintaining the same glide ratio.

• Formula: new speed = published speed × √(new weight/reference weight)
• Glide ratio (distance per altitude lost) stays constant with weight changes
• Heavier airplane requires higher glide speed for same glide angle

Memory trick: Lighter plane, slower glide, same angle down.

To carry passengers, a pilot must have completed 3 takeoffs and landings in the preceding 90 days as sole manipulator of the controls in the same category/class aircraft.

• Day currency: 3 takeoffs/landings in 90 days
• Night currency (to full stop) not applicable to sport pilots
• Separate from the 24-month flight review requirement

Memory trick: 'Three landings, ninety days, passengers ride today.'

When wind is not directly aligned with the course, only a portion of the wind speed acts as a headwind or tailwind, calculated using the cosine of the angle between wind direction and course.

• Headwind/tailwind component = wind speed × cos(angle off nose/tail)
• Crosswind component = wind speed × sin(angle off nose/tail)
• At 45°, the headwind and crosswind components are roughly equal (≈0.707 × wind speed)

Memory trick: '45 degrees, split the difference' — headwind and crosswind share the wind speed roughly evenly.

The 'FM' (from) group in a TAF indicates a rapid, significant change in forecast conditions beginning at a specific date and time (UTC).

• Format: FMDDHHMM (day, hour, minute in Zulu)
• Conditions after FM completely replace prior conditions
• TAFs also use BECMG and TEMPO for gradual/temporary changes

Memory trick: FM = 'From this moment on' — a clean break in forecast conditions.

FAA regulation prohibiting crewmembers from acting in that capacity within 8 hours of alcohol consumption or with a BAC of 0.04% or greater, or while under the influence.

• 8-hour 'bottle-to-throttle' rule
• 0.04 percent blood alcohol concentration limit
• Prohibits flying while under the influence regardless of BAC or time elapsed

Memory trick: Eight hours, four percent, zero tolerance if impaired.

The default altitude flown in the traffic pattern absent other published guidance, typically 1,000 feet AGL for light single-engine airplanes.

• 1,000 ft AGL standard for light single-engine airplanes
• 1,500 ft AGL commonly used for larger/turbine aircraft
• Always check Chart Supplement for airport-specific TPA

Memory trick: '1,000 for a single' — standard TPA for light airplanes.

Distance on a sectional chart is measured using a plotter and the chart's graphic scale, then converted proportionally to nautical miles for flight planning.

• Sectional charts commonly use 1:500,000 scale
• Graphic scale bars show inches-to-nautical-miles ratio
• Proportional math: (measured inches ÷ scale inches) × scale NM
• Plotters often have a built-in nautical mile scale matching sectionals

Memory trick: Divide by the ratio, multiply by the truth

Visual signals used by a control tower to communicate with aircraft that have lost radio communication.

• Steady green (in flight) = cleared to land
• Flashing red (in flight) = airport unsafe, continue circling
• Steady red (in flight) = airport unsafe, do not land

Memory trick: 'Red means dread — don't land when it's steady red.'

A property of rotating bodies (such as a propeller) in which an applied force is manifested 90° later in the direction of rotation.

• Most noticeable during tailwheel liftoff or attitude changes
• Force applied at one point appears 90° ahead in rotation
• One of the four left-turning tendencies in propeller aircraft

Memory trick: Push now, yaw ninety degrees later.

Attempting to maintain visual contact with the ground by flying at low altitude under a lowering ceiling, often leading to inadvertent flight into IMC or terrain.

• Common cause of weather-related general aviation accidents
• Increases risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT)
• Best countered by early diversion or landing before conditions worsen

Memory trick: 'Scud running' = ducking under a shrinking ceiling like limbo

An air mass acquires temperature and moisture properties from the surface over which it forms and remains for an extended period.

• Maritime = moist; continental = dry
• Tropical = warm; polar/arctic = cold
• Source region must be large and have uniform surface conditions

Memory trick: "mT" = moist Tropical — think warm ocean spray.

Due to magnetic dip, a magnetic compass gives erroneous indications during turns, especially near north and south headings in the Northern Hemisphere.

• UNOS: Undershoot North, Overshoot South
• Turning from north shows an initial turn opposite actual direction
• Turning from south shows an exaggerated turn indication
• Error is greatest near N/S headings and least near E/W headings

Memory trick: UNOS: Undershoot North, Overshoot South

Sport pilots may use a valid U.S. driver's license instead of a medical certificate, unless disqualified by a prior FAA medical denial, suspension, or revocation.

• No FAA medical required if driver's license conditions are met
• Denied medical application permanently blocks driver's license option (until resolved)
• Applies only to light-sport aircraft operations

Memory trick: 'Denied once, driver's license gone' — no shortcut after a denial.

All pilot certificate holders, including sport pilots, must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months per 14 CFR 61.56.

• Minimum 1 hour flight + 1 hour ground instruction
• Conducted by an authorized instructor
• Logbook endorsement required to document completion

Memory trick: Every 2 years, review or don't fly - no sport pilot exemption.

Surface wind circulates counterclockwise and inward around lows, and clockwise and outward around highs in the Northern Hemisphere.

• Low pressure: counterclockwise, converging (inward)
• High pressure: clockwise, diverging (outward)
• Reversed in the Southern Hemisphere
• Convergence in lows promotes lifting and clouds/precipitation

Memory trick: Low sucks air in Counterclockwise like a drain; High blows out Clockwise like a fan.