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The private pilot oral exam tests whether you can apply the rules, not just recite them. Most questions come from Area of Operation I of the Private Pilot ACS, FAA-S-ACS-6C: pilot qualifications, airworthiness, weather, cross-country planning, airspace, performance, systems and human factors. Below are the questions examiners commonly ask, the short regulatory answer, and how to turn that answer into good judgment.
Cite the regulation or handbook behind your answer. "That's in 14 CFR 91.155" builds instant credibility.
Examiners use scenarios. Always finish with what you would actually do on the flight.
It's acceptable to look something up in the POH, chart supplement or regulations if you know where to find it.
Answer the question asked, then stop. Long tangents invite follow-up questions you didn't need.
Every ACS task has risk management elements. Show how you identify and reduce risk.
What documents must you have with you to act as pilot in command? Under 14 CFR 61.3, your pilot certificate and a photo ID, plus a medical certificate or other FAA-acceptable documentation when one is required. Good answer: list them, then explain that you check them before every flight as part of your personal preflight.
How long is your medical certificate valid for private pilot privileges? Under 14 CFR 61.23(d), a third-class medical lasts until the end of the 60th calendar month after the exam month if you were under 40 at the exam, or the 24th month if you were 40 or older. First- and second-class medicals revert to third-class privileges for the remainder of that period. Our FAA medical certificate guide covers this in detail.
What do you need to carry passengers? Under 14 CFR 61.57(a), three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class and type if required. For night passengers between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, 61.57(b) requires three full-stop takeoffs and landings in that period. You also need a flight review within 24 calendar months under 61.56.
Can your friends pay for the flight? Under 14 CFR 61.113(c), you may not pay less than your pro rata share of operating expenses, limited to fuel, oil, airport expenditures or rental fees. You can split costs, but you cannot be paid to carry passengers. A strong answer also notes that "common purpose" matters: you must have your own reason to make the trip.
Expect the examiner to hand you the airplane's maintenance records and ask you to prove it is airworthy. Under 14 CFR 91.7, the pilot in command is responsible for determining whether the aircraft is in condition for safe flight. Work through it methodically:
What documents must be on board? 14 CFR 91.203 requires a current airworthiness certificate, displayed where passengers or crew can see it, and an effective registration certificate. Many students use the memory aid ARROW, adding the operating limitations (the approved flight manual or POH) and weight and balance data.
What equipment is required for day VFR? 14 CFR 91.205 lists it, and many pilots remember it with the acronym ATOMATOFLAMES: airspeed indicator, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, manifold pressure gauge for each altitude engine, altimeter, temperature gauge for liquid-cooled engines, oil temperature gauge for air-cooled engines, fuel gauges, landing gear position indicator if retractable, anticollision lights for small airplanes certificated after March 11, 1996, magnetic compass, an ELT if required, flotation gear when flying for hire over water beyond gliding distance from shore, and safety belts and shoulder harnesses. Know how 14 CFR 91.213 lets you deal with inoperative equipment, too.
Can you fly with the 100-hour inspection a few hours overdue? Under 91.409(b), the 100-hour limit may be exceeded by up to 10 hours only to fly to a place where the inspection can be done, and that extra time counts against the next 100 hours.
What are the VFR weather minimums? This is a guaranteed question. 14 CFR 91.155 sets these basic minimums below 10,000 feet MSL:
Also know 91.155(c) and (d): you may not operate under VFR beneath a ceiling of less than 1,000 feet within a surface area of controlled airspace, and you need at least 3 miles of ground visibility to take off, land or enter the pattern there. At Van Nuys that matters on marine layer mornings, when a low ceiling can keep VFR students on the ground until it lifts.
What do you need to enter Class B airspace? An ATC clearance into the Class B. In the Los Angeles area, that conversation leads naturally to the LAX Class B and the published VFR routes around it. Our Los Angeles airspace guide covers the local picture.
How do you get a weather briefing, and what would make you cancel? Describe using official sources and decoding METARs and TAFs, then give your personal minimums. Examiners love an applicant who has a no-go threshold and sticks to it.
How much fuel do you need for a VFR flight? 14 CFR 91.151 requires enough fuel to reach the first point of intended landing, plus 30 minutes at normal cruise during the day or 45 minutes at night. Then add your personal margin; many instructors teach at least one hour.
How low can you fly? Under 14 CFR 91.119, except for takeoff and landing, at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within 2,000 feet horizontally over congested areas, and 500 feet above the surface elsewhere. Over open water or sparsely populated areas, you must stay at least 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.
When do you need supplemental oxygen? Under 14 CFR 91.211, the required crew must use oxygen above 12,500 feet MSL cabin pressure altitude up to and including 14,000 feet for any time beyond 30 minutes, at all times above 14,000 feet, and every occupant must be provided oxygen above 15,000 feet.
What are the alcohol rules? 14 CFR 91.17 prohibits acting as a crewmember within 8 hours of consuming alcohol, while under the influence, or with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater. A strong answer adds that many pilots use a longer personal limit.
Examiners will ask about the airplane you fly for the test, so study your POH, not a generic textbook. Typical questions: How does the engine's ignition system work, and why are there two magnetos? What does carburetor heat do and when do you use it? How does the electrical system behave if the alternator fails? What are V-speeds such as VX, VY, VA and VNE for your airplane, and why does maneuvering speed change with weight?
Performance questions often use the cross-country you planned. Be ready to show takeoff and landing distance calculations for the departure and destination, weight and balance with the examiner and full fuel, and how density altitude affects performance on a hot Southern California afternoon.
Human factors questions cover hypoxia, hyperventilation, spatial disorientation, carbon monoxide poisoning, fatigue, medication and stress. Know the IMSAFE checklist for evaluating yourself and the PAVE checklist for evaluating pilot, aircraft, environment and external pressures. The ACS includes these risk management elements throughout.
The best oral preparation is practice out loud with an instructor who asks follow-up questions. Our instructors run mock orals as part of private pilot training, using the airplane you will fly on your checkride: the Cessna 162 Skycatcher, Piper PA-28 Warrior, Diamond DA20 or Cirrus SR22 Turbo. Use our Redbird MCX full-motion simulator to rehearse emergency procedures, and if you also need to pass the written, see our FAA knowledge test guide. Career-minded students can look at the Airline Pilot Program, $84,000 (regularly $89,000, with a $5,000 promotion), with financing available.
We are open 9 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week, at 7900 Balboa Blvd, Main Terminal, Van Nuys Airport.
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