Flight Planning Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test
Flight-planning questions blend navigation, fuel reserves, weight and balance, and performance-chart reading — the practical math of a VFR cross-country. Try these sample questions with a paper and pencil handy, just like test day.
1.What effect does a forward center of gravity (CG) have on an airplane's performance?
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A. It increases stability and raises stall speed
A forward center of gravity increases an airplane's stability but also raises the stall speed because the tail must produce more downward force, increasing the wing loading. (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
2.If the total moment is 2,400 lb-in and the total weight is 600 lbs, what is the center of gravity (CG) location?
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A. 4.0 inches
To find the center of gravity (CG), divide the total moment by the total weight: 2,400 lb-in / 600 lbs = 4.0 inches. (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
3.Where is the datum reference point located when calculating weight and balance?
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A. At a location specified by the manufacturer, often at or ahead of the nose
The datum reference point is established by the manufacturer, typically at or ahead of the nose or firewall, and serves as the starting point for all weight and balance calculations. (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
4.If you move 30 lbs of baggage from station 110 to station 80 in an aircraft weighing 2,100 lbs, what is the CG shift?
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A. -0.43 inches
CG shift = (Weight shifted × Distance moved) / Total weight = (30 × (80-110)) / 2,100 = -900 / 2,100 = -0.43 inches. Moving weight from a higher station to a lower station shifts the CG forward (negative). (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
5.Adding weight behind the aircraft’s CG will:
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A. Move the CG aft
Adding weight behind the aircraft’s center of gravity (CG) moves the CG further aft, which can reduce stability. (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
6.During a flight, fuel is consumed from a tank located behind the CG. What effect does this have on the CG position?
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A. CG moves forward
Burning fuel from a tank located behind the center of gravity (CG) causes the CG to move forward as the aft weight is reduced. (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
7.An aft CG results in:
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A. Lower stall speed and less stability
An aft center of gravity (CG) reduces both the aircraft's stability and its stall speed. This is because the tail has to provide less downward force, which decreases the overall angle of attack required for level flight, thus lowering stall speed. However, this also makes the aircraft less stable in pitch. (PHAK Ch. 4) (PHAK Chapter 4)
8.When landing over a 50-foot obstacle, what factor will increase the landing distance required?
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A. Tailwind
A tailwind increases the landing distance required because it increases groundspeed at touchdown. In contrast, a headwind, lower weight, and lower density altitude all decrease the landing distance needed. (PHAK Ch. 10) (PHAK Chapter 10)
9.If the pressure altitude is 5,000 ft and the temperature is 30°C, what is the density altitude?
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A. Higher than 5,000 ft
When the temperature is above standard, the air becomes less dense, making the density altitude higher than the pressure altitude. At 5,000 ft pressure altitude and 30°C (which is above standard temperature), the density altitude will be higher than 5,000 ft. (PHAK Ch. 8) (PHAK Chapter 8)
10.Which method of navigation relies on visual reference to landmarks?
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A. Pilotage
Pilotage is the method of navigation that relies on visual reference to ground features and landmarks. (PHAK Ch. 16) (PHAK Chapter 16)
11.To intercept a VOR radial FROM the station, you should:
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A. Fly to the radial at an angle, then turn to the radial heading when centered
To intercept a VOR radial FROM the station, you should fly toward the radial at an intercept angle and, when the CDI centers, turn to the radial heading to track it outbound. This is the standard technique described in the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK Ch. 16). (PHAK Chapter 16)
12.On a flight computer (E6B), which formula calculates ground speed given true airspeed and wind correction?
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A. Use the wind side to find wind correction angle and groundspeed
On the E6B, the wind side is used to determine both the wind correction angle and the groundspeed by aligning wind direction and speed with true airspeed. This method allows pilots to accurately calculate the effect of wind on their flight path and speed. (PHAK Ch. 15) (PHAK Chapter 15)
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