Free Private Pilot Powered Parachute Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Private Pilot Powered Parachute practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1An in-flight emergency in a powered parachute requires immediate action and a deviation from Part 91. Which person has the emergency deviation authority specified in § 91.3(b)?

   1. A. The aircraft's registered owner
   2. B. The pilot in command
   3. C. The controller providing traffic service
   4. D. The mechanic responsible for maintenance

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 91.3(b) states, "In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, the pilot in command may deviate from any rule of this part to the extent required to meet that emergency." The authority belongs to the pilot in command and is limited by the emergency's needs; ownership, maintenance responsibility, or ATC service does not transfer it.

   Reference: 14 CFR Part 91—General Operating and Flight Rules — § 91.3(b)

2. 2After a powered parachute landing mishap, the pilot determines whether an occupant's fracture alone qualifies as a serious injury under Part 830. Which diagnosed injury meets that definition?

   1. A. A simple fracture of a finger
   2. B. A simple fracture of the nose
   3. C. A simple fracture of the forearm
   4. D. A simple fracture of a toe

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The definition includes an injury that "results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or nose)". A simple forearm fracture qualifies because the forearm is outside the three named exceptions. The bone involved controls the answer even when every fracture is simple.

   Reference: 49 CFR Part 830—Aircraft Accident and Incident Notification and Reporting — § 830.2, Serious injury (2)

3. 3On final in a powered parachute, a pilot identifies a single-unit tri-color visual approach slope indicator. What color indicates the aircraft is on its visual glide path?

   1. A. Red
   2. B. Green
   3. C. Amber
   4. D. White

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The AIM states that for tri-color systems "the on glide path indication is green". Red indicates below path and amber above path; white is used by other visual-slope systems rather than this on-path indication.

   Reference: Aeronautical Information Manual—Airport Lighting Aids — 2-1-2, Tri-color Systems

4. 4A powered parachute pilot has just selected a new ATC frequency and is ready to call. What sequence should the pilot use before transmitting?

   1. A. Key the microphone, pause, and then listen.
   2. B. Transmit the identification, then monitor for traffic.
   3. C. Transmit the request twice, then wait for a reply.
   4. D. Pause, listen, and confirm the frequency is clear.

   Answer: D

   Explanation: The AIM directs, "If you have just changed frequencies, pause, listen, and make sure the frequency is clear." This avoids blocking a transmission already in progress. The other sequences start transmitting before verifying that the channel is available.

   Reference: Aeronautical Information Manual—Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques — 4-2-2, Radio Technique, first paragraph

5. 5A powered parachute pilot compares two otherwise similar departure periods: steady wind at 5 mph, or wind at 1 mph gusting to 5 mph. Which assessment best follows the FAA handbook's guidance about wing inflation?

   1. A. The gusting period is preferable because its base wind is lower.
   2. B. The periods are equivalent because their maximum winds are equal.
   3. C. The steady period offers more predictable wing inflation.
   4. D. The gusting period offers more predictable wing inflation.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook explains, "Steady winds that are not gusting are more desirable, as the inflation and overall performance of the wing is more predictable." A lower base wind or equal peak does not make the gusting period equivalent or preferable.

   Reference: Powered Parachute Flying Handbook — Chapter 5, Weather, p. 5-3

6. 6Two powered parachutes approach each other nearly head-on at the same altitude over land. Which action does § 91.113(e) prescribe for each pilot?

   1. A. Each pilot alters course to the left.
   2. B. Each pilot alters course to the right.
   3. C. Each pilot starts climbing on the present heading.
   4. D. Each pilot starts descending on the present heading.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: Section 91.113(e) states, "each pilot of each aircraft shall alter course to the right." The requirement applies to both pilots. Turning left or making a vertical maneuver on the present heading is not the specified head-on procedure.

   Reference: 14 CFR Part 91—General Operating and Flight Rules — § 91.113(e)

7. 7A powered parachute pilot needs pressure altitude as an input for takeoff-performance calculations. Which altimeter setting directly provides pressure altitude on the instrument?

   1. A. 30.00 inches of mercury
   2. B. 29.52 inches of mercury
   3. C. 29.92 inches of mercury
   4. D. 28.92 inches of mercury

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook states, "Pressure altitude is the height above the standard datum plane (SDP)." Its standard atmosphere uses "a surface pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury". Setting 29.92 and reading the altimeter is the specified direct method. The other numerical settings are possible barometric settings but are not this standard pressure reference.

   Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge—Chapter 11: Aircraft Performance — Chapter 11, standard atmosphere, p. 11-2; Pressure Altitude, p. 11-3

8. 8A powered parachute's wing is inflated in normal flight. How does the static pressure inside its cells compare with the external pressure immediately above and below the wing?

   1. A. Lower than above the wing and lower than below it.
   2. B. Higher than above the wing but lower than below it.
   3. C. Higher than above the wing and higher than below it.
   4. D. Lower than above the wing but higher than below it.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The handbook states, "The pressure inside the wing is much higher than the outside top and bottom". Ram airflow converts dynamic pressure into internal static pressure, maintaining the inflated shape. C preserves both comparisons; every other option reverses at least one.

   Reference: Powered Parachute Flying Handbook — Chapter 2, Powered Parachute Wing Pressurization and Flexibility, p. 2-3

9. 9A powered parachute pilot identifies wires near a landing area, then assesses the potential consequences and likelihood of a wire strike. In ADM terminology, what is the assessment of the hazard called?

   1. A. Exposure
   2. B. Risk
   3. C. Severity
   4. D. Hazard

   Answer: B

   Explanation: The handbook states, "risk is an assessment of the single or cumulative hazard facing a pilot". The wires are the hazard; the assessment is risk. Exposure and severity describe components of assessing risk rather than the entire assessment.

   Reference: Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge—Chapter 2: Aeronautical Decision-Making — Chapter 2, Hazard and Risk

10. 10Before calculating powered parachute takeoff distance, the pilot needs the airport's published runway slope. Which airport-information reference does the FAA powered parachute handbook identify for this information?

    1. A. The aircraft's approved equipment list
    2. B. The aircraft's weight-and-balance report
    3. C. The Airport/Facility Directory
    4. D. The Pilot/Controller Glossary

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The handbook states, "Runway slope information is contained in the Airport/Facility Directory." This airport-data reference supplies the slope input. The aircraft equipment list and balance report describe the aircraft, and the glossary defines terms rather than listing the airport's slope.

    Reference: Powered Parachute Flying Handbook — Chapter 7, Runway Surface and Gradient, p. 7-8