Flight Instruments Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test
Instrument questions test whether you know what each instrument reads from — pitot-static versus gyroscopic versus magnetic — and how each one misbehaves when its source fails. These sample questions cover the failure modes and compass errors the FAA loves to ask about.
1.What does the green arc on an airspeed indicator represent?
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The green arc on an airspeed indicator shows the normal operating range, which is from Vs1 (stall speed in a specified configuration) to Vno (maximum structural cruising speed), as described in PHAK Chapter 8.
2.Which color arc on the airspeed indicator marks the flap operating range?
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The white arc on the airspeed indicator shows the flap operating range, from Vso (stall speed in landing configuration) to Vfe (maximum flap extended speed), as described in the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK 8-10).
3.What does the red radial line on the airspeed indicator signify?
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The red radial line on the airspeed indicator marks Vne, the never exceed speed. Exceeding this speed may result in structural failure. (PHAK 8-10).
4.How does the altimeter indicate altitude if set to a pressure higher than actual sea level pressure?
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If the altimeter is set to a pressure higher than actual sea level pressure, it will read higher than the true altitude. This is because the altimeter assumes a higher pressure at sea level, so it interprets the current pressure as being at a higher altitude. (PHAK 8-16).
5.What is the primary cause of lag in a standard vertical speed indicator (VSI)?
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The primary cause of lag in a standard VSI is the calibrated leak in the case, which causes a delay in the instrument's response to changes in altitude. (PHAK 8-19).
6.What type of information does an instantaneous vertical speed indicator (IVSI) provide compared to a standard VSI?
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An IVSI uses accelerometers to reduce lag and display changes in vertical speed more quickly than a standard VSI. This allows pilots to see rate changes almost instantaneously. (PHAK 8-20).
7.Which gyroscopic principle allows the attitude indicator to display pitch and bank information?
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The attitude indicator relies on the gyroscopic principle of rigidity in space to maintain a constant orientation in space, allowing it to accurately display pitch and bank information. (PHAK 8-22).
8.How often should you realign the heading indicator to the magnetic compass during flight?
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Due to precession, the heading indicator should be realigned with the magnetic compass every 15 minutes during flight (PHAK 8-23).
9.What information does the turn coordinator provide?
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The turn coordinator provides both the rate of turn and roll information. It does not directly show bank angle, yaw rate alone, or pitch attitude. (PHAK 8-25)
10.What is the function of the inclinometer (ball) in the turn coordinator?
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The inclinometer (ball) in the turn coordinator indicates whether the aircraft is in coordinated flight by showing if there is a slip or skid. If the ball is centered, the turn is coordinated. If the ball is off-center, it indicates a slip or skid. (PHAK 8-25).
11.What does it mean if the ball in the inclinometer is on the inside of the turn?
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If the ball in the inclinometer is on the inside of the turn, the airplane is slipping. Ball inside turn = slip; ball outside = skid (PHAK 8-25).
12.If variation is 10° West, how should you adjust your compass heading to get true heading?
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Converting a magnetic/compass heading to a true heading, you subtract west variation (True = Magnetic - West variation), so 10° West means subtract 10°. The mnemonic 'east is least, west is best' applies the other direction (True to Magnetic: add west); reverse it when going back to true. Reference: PHAK 15-11.
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