Free UK CAA PPL(A) Flight Performance and Planning Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the UK CAA PPL(A) Flight Performance and Planning practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Why does exceeding an aeroplane's maximum permitted take-off mass reduce its structural safety margin?

   1. A.The structure carries larger loads than those allowed for its approved mass.Correct answer: A
   2. B.The structure develops a lower load because the extra mass adds inertia.
   3. C.The structure gains strength as the extra mass compresses its joints.
   4. D.The structure carries the same loads whenever the centre of gravity is correct.

   Explanation: The CAA lists "reduced structural strength margins" among the effects of overloading. Extra mass increases structural loading; a correct CG does not remove that load or increase the structure’s approved strength.

   Reference: CAA Safety Sense 09: Weight, Balance and Performance — p. 5, Effects of overloading

2. 2Under the UK Air Operations definitions, which description meets the performance class B aeroplane definition?

   1. A.Propeller-powered, at most nine operational passenger seats, and maximum take-off mass at most 5,700 kg.Correct answer: A
   2. B.Propeller-powered, more than nine operational passenger seats, at any maximum take-off mass.
   3. C.Any multi-engined turbojet aeroplane with at most nine operational passenger seats.
   4. D.Any reciprocating-engined aeroplane with maximum take-off mass above 5,700 kg.

   Explanation: The definition requires propeller engines, "an MOPSC of nine or less and a maximum take-off mass of 5700 kg or less". Both limits must be met; this class is not assigned merely by seat count or by having piston engines.

   Reference: CAA UK Air Operations consolidated regulations — Annex I, definition (94), p. 147

3. 3A VFR chart marks a glider winch-launching site G/3.3. According to CAA guidance, what altitude may the cable reach?

   1. A.330 ft above the launch point.
   2. B.3,300 ft above the launch point.
   3. C.3,300 ft above mean sea level.Correct answer: C
   4. D.33,000 ft above mean sea level.

   Explanation: CAA guidance explains that the figure is in thousands of feet AMSL: "G/3.3 is 3,300 ft." It refers to cable altitude, so treating it as height above the site would use the wrong vertical reference.

   Reference: CAA Safety Sense 29: VFR Moving Map Devices — p. 5, Layers of information

4. 4An aeroplane weighs 8,000 N. In a steady coordinated level turn at 60° of bank, approximately what lift load must its wings support?

   1. A.4,000 N
   2. B.16,000 NCorrect answer: B
   3. C.8,000 N
   4. D.32,000 N

   Explanation: The FAA explains that in a 60° banked turn "the dynamic load requires the wings to support twice this or 6,000 pounds." The same two-times-weight relationship gives 2 × 8,000 N = 16,000 N here. A 4,000 N answer halves the weight, 8,000 N omits the turn load factor, and 32,000 N applies that factor twice.

   Reference: FAA Weight & Balance Handbook — Ch. 1, p. 1-2, Weight Control

5. 5Which engine arrangement places an aeroplane in performance class A regardless of whether its operational passenger seating is nine or fewer?

   1. A.A single reciprocating engine.
   2. B.A single turboprop engine.
   3. C.Multiple turbojet engines.Correct answer: C
   4. D.Multiple reciprocating engines.

   Explanation: The class A definition includes "all multi-engined turbo-jet powered aeroplanes". The other engine arrangements do not satisfy this unconditional part of the class A definition.

   Reference: CAA UK Air Operations consolidated regulations — Annex I, definition (93), p. 147

6. 6A chart's maximum elevation figure is based on the highest obstacle in its box. Does that figure necessarily include an additional obstacle-clearance margin above that obstacle?

   1. A.Yes, it always includes an extra 1,000 ft.
   2. B.Yes, it always includes an extra 500 ft.
   3. C.Yes, it always includes an extra 300 ft.
   4. D.No; the highest-obstacle figure has no additional margin included.Correct answer: D

   Explanation: The CAA explains for captured obstacles over 300 ft: "They do not have any additional margin included." A maximum elevation figure alerts the pilot to terrain or obstacles; it must not be treated as an automatically safe cruising altitude.

   Reference: CAA The Skyway Code — p. 42, Maximum elevation figure

7. 7What take-off performance change should a pilot expect from overloading a light aeroplane?

   1. A.Faster acceleration and a longer take-off run.
   2. B.Slower acceleration and a shorter take-off run.
   3. C.Slower acceleration and a longer take-off run.Correct answer: C
   4. D.Faster acceleration and a shorter take-off run.

   Explanation: The CAA identifies "reduced acceleration and increased takeoff speed, requiring a longer take-off run". Both the slower acceleration and higher speed requirement work against a short take-off.

   Reference: CAA Safety Sense 09: Weight, Balance and Performance — p. 5, Effects of overloading

8. 8What additional phase is included in take-off distance required compared with take-off ground roll?

   1. A.Taxiing from parking to the runway.
   2. B.Climbing to the specified height above the runway.Correct answer: B
   3. C.Cruising to the first navigation waypoint.
   4. D.Descending from the circuit to the threshold.

   Explanation: The CAA states: "Takeoff distance required includes a climb to a specified height above the runway." Ground roll ends when the wheels leave the surface; the specified height must be checked in the aircraft data.

   Reference: CAA Safety Sense 09: Weight, Balance and Performance — p. 11, Distance vs roll

9. 9A route line on a VFR chart is measured clockwise from a geographical meridian near the route midpoint. What direction has been measured?

   1. A.True course.Correct answer: A
   2. B.Magnetic heading.
   3. C.Compass heading.
   4. D.Wind-correction angle.

   Explanation: The handbook states: "The course measured on the chart is known as the true course (TC)." The meridian supplies true north; wind correction, variation and compass deviation have not yet been applied.

   Reference: FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 16 — Ch. 16, p. 16-5, Measurement of direction

10. 10How does overloading affect an aeroplane's ability to clear an obstacle during the climb after take-off?

    1. A.It increases climb angle while leaving climb rate unchanged.
    2. B.It improves obstacle clearance by increasing lift-off speed.
    3. C.It leaves climb angle unchanged if the runway is level.
    4. D.It decreases climb angle and reduces obstacle clearance capability.Correct answer: D

    Explanation: The CAA states "decreased angle of climb, reducing obstacle clearance capability". A longer runway or level surface does not make an overloaded aircraft’s climb angle equivalent to its approved performance.

    Reference: CAA Safety Sense 09: Weight, Balance and Performance — p. 5, Effects of overloading