Free Airline Transport Pilot Single Engine Airplane (135) Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Airline Transport Pilot Single Engine Airplane (135) practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1During cruise in a single-engine airplane, airspeed increases while the constant-speed propeller remains within its governing range. How does the governor respond to maintain the selected rpm?

   1. A. It decreases blade angle while holding rpm constant.
   2. B. It increases blade angle while holding rpm constant.
   3. C. It holds blade angle constant while increasing rpm.
   4. D. It holds blade angle constant while decreasing rpm.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The FAA states, "an increase in airspeed or decrease in propeller load causes the propeller blade angle to increase as necessary to maintain the selected rpm." The pitch stops have not been reached, so the governor increases blade angle rather than allowing rpm to rise.

   Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Page 7-6, Adjustable-Pitch Propeller

2. 2A pilot will use a civil airplane’s VOR equipment for IFR navigation. The equipment is not maintained under an approved alternative checking procedure. What is the longest permitted interval since a satisfactory operational check?

   1. A. 10 days
   2. B. 30 days
   3. C. 60 days
   4. D. 90 days

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 91.171(a)(2) requires that the equipment "Has been operationally checked within the preceding 30 days". The question excludes the separate approved-procedure option, so a satisfactory check must fall within that 30-day interval.

   Reference: 14 CFR 91.171 — VOR equipment check for IFR operations — § 91.171(a)(1)–(2)

3. 3Two otherwise identical normal takeoffs reach the same indicated liftoff airspeed. One is made in calm wind and the other into a steady headwind. How does the headwind change the required groundspeed and ground roll?

   1. A. Higher groundspeed and a longer ground roll
   2. B. Lower groundspeed and a shorter ground roll
   3. C. Higher groundspeed and a shorter ground roll
   4. D. Lower groundspeed and a longer ground roll

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The FAA explains, "a headwind decreases the ground speed necessary to achieve flying speed." It adds that slower groundspeeds yield shorter ground rolls. The target indicated airspeed is unchanged, but less speed over the ground is needed to attain it.

   Reference: Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 6: Takeoffs and Departure Climbs — Page 6-3, Normal Takeoff

4. 4A pilot maintains a coordinated, constant-altitude steep turn at 60 degrees of bank. What load factor results?

   1. A. 1.0 G
   2. B. 1.4 G
   3. C. 2.0 G
   4. D. 3.8 G

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The FAA states, "In a level altitude 60° banked turn, the resulting load factor is 2.0." The 1.41 value corresponds to a 45-degree level turn, while 3.8 is a normal-category design load limit discussed in the same section.

   Reference: Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 10: Performance Maneuvers — Page 10-2, Steep Turns

5. 5During a partial-flap climb, a pilot encounters an aerodynamic stall at an airspeed higher than the familiar published stall speed. Which aerodynamic limit has necessarily been exceeded?

   1. A. The critical angle of attack
   2. B. The maximum flap-extension speed
   3. C. The design maneuvering speed
   4. D. The maximum structural cruising speed

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The FAA states, "a stall occurs when the AOA—the angle between the chord line of the wing and the relative wind—exceeds the wing’s critical AOA." It can occur at any airspeed, attitude, or power setting. Exceeding one of the named operating speeds does not itself define a stall.

   Reference: Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 5: Maintaining Aircraft Control—Upset Prevention and Recovery Training — Page 5-12, Stalls

6. 6A pilot makes an instrument takeoff in a single-engine airplane with conventional instruments. During the ground roll, which instrument is used to detect and correct heading deviations with the rudder?

   1. A. The magnetic compass
   2. B. The heading indicator
   3. C. The turn coordinator
   4. D. The attitude indicator

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The FAA directs, "During the takeoff roll, hold the heading constant on the heading indicator by using the rudder." The compass is subject to acceleration and turning effects; the attitude and turn instruments provide other information rather than the direct heading reference specified here.

   Reference: Instrument Flying Handbook — Page 7-29, Instrument Takeoff

7. 7A pilot detects an unusual odor in flight and assesses whether it suggests an electrical fire. Which odor does the FAA identify as the usual initial indication?

   1. A. The odor of raw aviation fuel
   2. B. The odor of burning insulation
   3. C. The odor of hot lubricating oil
   4. D. The odor of exhaust gases

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The FAA states, "The initial indication of an electrical fire is usually the distinct odor of burning insulation." The other odors suggest different possible system problems and do not identify the usual electrical-fire cue. The pilot must follow the applicable AFM/POH emergency procedure.

   Reference: Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 18: Emergency Procedures — Page 18-10, Electrical Fires

8. 8Following landing, the AFM/POH does not call for any checklist action during rollout. When should the pilot perform the after-landing checklist under the FAA's general procedure?

   1. A. While rolling out after aerodynamic braking is complete
   2. B. While crossing the holding markings at normal taxi speed
   3. C. While taxiing toward parking after leaving the runway
   4. D. After stopping completely beyond the runway holding markings

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The FAA specifies that the checklist be performed "only after the airplane is brought to a complete stop beyond the runway holding position markings." This protects attention during rollout and reduces wrong-control errors. The stem excludes manufacturer-directed rollout items, which are an explicit exception.

   Reference: Airplane Flying Handbook, Chapter 2: Ground Operations — Page 2-22, After-Landing

9. 9A pilot suspects carburetor icing during cruise in an airplane with a constant-speed propeller operating within its governing range. Which instrument trend is normally the initial indication?

   1. A. Manifold pressure increases while rpm remains constant.
   2. B. Manifold pressure remains constant while rpm increases.
   3. C. Manifold pressure decreases while rpm remains constant.
   4. D. Manifold pressure remains constant while rpm decreases.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook states, "In an aircraft with a constant-speed propeller, carburetor icing is usually indicated by a decrease in manifold pressure, but no reduction in rpm." The governor compensates for the power loss by changing pitch, masking an rpm decrease.

   Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Page 7-10, Carburetor Icing

10. 10During preparation for IFR flight in controlled airspace, a pilot reviews the airplane’s static pressure system, altimeter, and automatic pressure altitude reporting inspection. What is the maximum routine interval between the required tests and inspections?

    1. A. 6 calendar months
    2. B. 12 calendar months
    3. C. 24 calendar months
    4. D. 36 calendar months

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 91.411(a)(1) requires these systems to have been tested and inspected "Within the preceding 24 calendar months". Separate checks after specified maintenance or opening of the static system still apply; this question asks the routine periodic interval.

    Reference: 14 CFR 91.411 — Altimeter system and altitude reporting equipment tests and inspections — § 91.411(a)(1)