FAA Cross-Country Planning Test 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: (Refer to Figure 20.) En route to First Flight Airport (area 5), your flight passes over Hampton Roads Airport (area 2) at 1456 and then over Chesapeake Regional at 1501. At what time should your flight arrive at First Flight?

1516.
1521.
1529. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1529.

First determine your estimated time of arrival at your destination, which in this case is First Flight Airport. In the five minutes between 1456 and 1501, you flew from Hampton Roads Airport to Chesapeake Regional. If you measure that number of miles, by knowing the time and distance you can find your groundspeed. Use the edge of a piece of paper, make marks at the centers of the airports and measure the distance between your marks on the nautical mile scale at the top of the figure. You should get 9 nautical miles. Using the same method, measure the remaining number of miles from Chesapeake Regional to First Flight Airport, and you should get 50 nautical miles. Now use the computer to find how fast you are going. Put 9 miles on the outer scale of your computer next to 5 minutes on the inner scale. (You don't have 5 on the inner scale so use 50 instead.) Look next to the 60-minute arrow on the inner scale and read on the outer scale your groundspeed. You should get 108 nautical miles per hour (or 108 knots). To find out how long it will take you to fly the remaining 50 miles, run your finger around the outer scale until you get to 50 miles and look on the inner scale to see how many minutes the trip will take. You should get 28 minutes. You were at Chesapeake Regional at 1501 and its 28 more minutes to your estimated time of arrival at First Flight Airport, or 1529. Answers A and B are incorrect and could be obtained by incorrect measurement of the distances between airports or inaccuracies in the use of the flight computer.

Question 2: (Refer to Figure 20.) Determine the magnetic course from First Flight Airport (area 5) to Hampton Roads Airport (area 2).

141°.
321°.
332°. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 332°.

To determine the magnetic course from First Flight Airport (area 5) to Hampton Roads Airport (area 2) on Figure 20, first draw a line between the two points and measure the true course with a plotter, which is approximately 342°. Then, apply the local magnetic variation of 10° West (found on the chart). Since West variation is subtracted from true course, the magnetic course is 342° - 10° = 332°. Options A and B represent incorrect calculations or directions.

Question 3: (Refer to Figure 21.) What is the estimated time en route from Mercer County Regional Airport (area 3) to Minot International (area 1)? The wind is from 330° at 25 knots and the true airspeed is 100 knots. Add 3-1/2 minutes for departure and climb-out.

44 minutes.
48 minutes. (Correct answer)
52 minutes.

Correct answer: 48 minutes.

To estimate the time en route, first determine the true course (approx. 010°) and distance (approx. 90 NM) from Mercer County Regional (area 3) to Minot International (area 1) using Figure 21. With a true airspeed of 100 knots and wind from 330° at 25 knots, use a flight computer (E6B) to calculate a ground speed of approximately 123 knots. Dividing the distance by the ground speed yields about 44 minutes, and adding the 3-1/2 minutes for departure and climb-out results in approximately 47.5 minutes, which rounds to 48 minutes.

Question 4: (Refer to Figure 21.) Determine the magnetic heading for a flight from Mercer County Regional Airport (area 3) to Minot International (area 1). The wind is from 330° at 25 knots, the true airspeed is 100 knots, and the magnetic variation is 10° east.

002°.
012°.
352°. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 352°.

To determine the magnetic heading, first establish the true course from Mercer County Regional (area 3) to Minot International (area 1) as approximately 010° from Figure 21. Using a flight computer (E6B) with a true airspeed of 100 knots and wind from 330° at 25 knots, calculate the true heading to be approximately 001° (accounting for wind correction). Finally, apply the 10° East magnetic variation (subtracting it from true heading) to get a magnetic heading of approximately 351°, which rounds to 352°.

Question 5: (Refer to Figure 22.) What is the estimated time en route from Sandpoint Airport (area 1) to St. Maries Airport (area 4)? The wind is from 215° at 25 knots, and the true airspeed is 125 knots.

38 minutes.
30 minutes.
34 minutes. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 34 minutes.

To determine the estimated time en route, a pilot must first calculate the true course and distance from the sectional chart. Next, using a flight computer (like an E6B), the true airspeed, wind direction, and wind speed are used to calculate the ground speed and wind correction angle. The estimated time en route is then found by dividing the distance by the calculated ground speed, providing an accurate flight duration accounting for wind effects.

Question 6: (Refer to Figure 22.) Determine the estimated time en route for a flight from Priest River Airport (area 1) to Shoshone County Airport (area 3). The wind is from 030 at 12 knots and the true airspeed is 95 knots. Add 2 minutes for climb-out.

27 minutes.
29 minutes.
31 minutes. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 31 minutes.

Calculating estimated time en route requires determining the true course and distance from the chart, then using a flight computer to find the ground speed based on true airspeed and wind conditions. The ground speed is crucial because it represents the aircraft's actual speed over the ground, directly affecting flight duration. Finally, the calculated flight time (distance/ground speed) is adjusted by adding any specified climb-out time to account for the initial phase of flight.

Question 7: (Refer to Figure 22.) What is the estimated time en route for a flight from St. Maries Airport (area 4) to Priest River Airport (area 1)? The wind is from 300° at 14 knots and the true airspeed is 90 knots. Add 3 minutes for climb-out.

38 minutes.
43 minutes. (Correct answer)
48 minutes.

Correct answer: 43 minutes.

To find the estimated time en route, the true course and distance between the airports are first measured from the sectional chart. A flight computer is then used to determine the ground speed, which is the aircraft's speed relative to the ground, by factoring in the true airspeed and the wind's effect. The total time is calculated by dividing the distance by the ground speed and then adding the specified climb-out time, ensuring an accurate estimate for the entire flight segment.

Question 8: (Refer to Figure 22.) Determine the magnetic heading for a flight from Sandpoint Airport (area 1) to St. Maries Airport (area 4). The wind is from 215° at 25 knots and the true airspeed is 125 knots.

352°.
172°. (Correct answer)
187°.

Correct answer: 172°.

Determining the magnetic heading involves several steps: first, measure the true course from the sectional chart. Next, use a flight computer to calculate the true heading by applying the necessary wind correction angle to counteract the wind's drift. Finally, convert the true heading to a magnetic heading by applying the local magnetic variation, which is found on the sectional chart and accounts for the difference between true north and magnetic north.

Question 9: (Refer to Figure 22.) What is the magnetic heading for a flight from Priest River Airport (area 1) to Shoshone County Airport (area 3)? The wind is from 030° at 12 knots and the true airspeed is 95 knots.

121°. (Correct answer)
143°.
136°.

Correct answer: 121°.

To determine the magnetic heading, a pilot first measures the true course from the sectional chart. This true course is then adjusted for wind by using a flight computer to calculate the true heading, which accounts for the wind correction angle needed to stay on course. Finally, the true heading is converted to a magnetic heading by applying the magnetic variation found on the sectional chart, which corrects for the difference between true and magnetic north.

Question 10: (Refer to Figure 22.) Determine the magnetic heading for a flight from St. Maries Airport (area 4) to Priest River Airport (area 1). The wind is from 340° at 10 knots, and the true airspeed is 90 knots.

329°. (Correct answer)
320°.
345°.

Correct answer: 329°.

Calculating the magnetic heading begins with measuring the true course between the two points on the sectional chart. This true course is then combined with the true airspeed and wind information using a flight computer to determine the true heading, which includes the necessary wind correction angle. The final step is to convert the true heading to a magnetic heading by applying the local magnetic variation, found on the sectional chart, to align with the aircraft's magnetic compass.

Question 11: (Refer to Figure 23.) What is the estimated time en route for a flight from Allendale County Airport (area 1) to Claxton-Evans County Airport (area 2)? The wind is from 100° at 18 knots and the true airspeed is 115 knots. Add 2 minutes for climb-out.

33 minutes.
30 minutes. (Correct answer)
27 minutes.

Correct answer: 30 minutes.

To calculate the estimated time en route, the true course and distance between the airports are first determined from the sectional chart. A flight computer is then used to factor in the true airspeed and wind conditions, yielding the aircraft's actual ground speed. The flight time is found by dividing the distance by the ground speed, and then the specified climb-out time is added to this figure for the total estimated duration.

Question 12: (Refer to Figure 23.) What is the estimated time en route for a flight from Claxton-Evans County Airport (area 2) to Hampton Varnville Airport (area 1)? The wind is from 290° at 18 knots and the true airspeed is 85 knots. Add 2 minutes for climb-out.

35 minutes.
39 minutes. (Correct answer)
44 minutes.

Correct answer: 39 minutes.

To determine the estimated time en route, the pilot must first measure the true course and distance from the sectional chart. Using a flight computer, the true airspeed and wind data are then applied to calculate the ground speed, which is the aircraft's speed relative to the ground. The estimated time is found by dividing the distance by the ground speed, and then the specified climb-out time is added to provide the total flight duration.

Question 13: (Refer to Figure 23.) Determine the magnetic heading for a flight from Allendale County Airport (area 1) to Claxton-Evans County Airport (area 2). The wind is from 090° at 16 knots, and the true airspeed is 90 knots. Use 5° west variation.

212°.
230°.
208°. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 208°.

To determine the magnetic heading, the true course is first measured from the sectional chart. This true course is then adjusted for wind using a flight computer to find the true heading, which incorporates the necessary wind correction angle. Finally, the true heading is converted to a magnetic heading by applying the given 5° west magnetic variation; for west variation, you add the variation to the true heading ('west is best, add').

Question 14: (Refer to Figures 23 and 58.) Determine the compass heading for a flight from Claxton-Evans County Airport (area 2) to Hampton Varnville Airport (area 1). The wind is from 280° at 08 knots, and the true airspeed is 85 knots. Use 6° west variation.

043°. (Correct answer)
033°.
038°.

Correct answer: 043°.

To determine the compass heading, first measure the true course from the sectional chart and calculate the true heading using a flight computer to account for wind correction. Next, convert the true heading to a magnetic heading by applying the given 6° west magnetic variation (add for west variation). Finally, consult the aircraft's compass deviation card (Figure 58) for the calculated magnetic heading to find and apply the deviation, resulting in the compass heading to steer.

Question 15: (Refer to Figure 23.) While en route on Victor 185, a flight crosses the 248° radial of Allendale VOR at 0953 and then crosses the 216° radial of Allendale VOR at 1000. What is the estimated time of arrival at Savannah VORTAC?

1023.
1036.
1028. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1028.

To find the estimated time of arrival, first calculate the aircraft's groundspeed. The aircraft traveled 14 nautical miles (the distance between the 248° and 216° radials of Allendale VOR along V185) in 7 minutes (1000 - 0953), yielding a groundspeed of 120 knots. The remaining distance from the 216° radial to Savannah VORTAC along V185 is 56 nautical miles. Dividing this distance by the groundspeed (56 NM / 120 knots) gives a time of 0.466 hours, or approximately 28 minutes, which when added to 1000, results in an ETA of 1028. Options A and B are incorrect as they result from miscalculations of distance, time, or groundspeed.

Question 16: (Refer to Figure 24). Determine the magnetic course from Airpark East Airport (area 1) to Winnsboro Airport (area 2). Magnetic variation is 6°30'E.

075°. (Correct answer)
082°.
091°.

Correct answer: 075°.

To determine the magnetic course, first draw a line from Airpark East (area 1) to Winnsboro Airport (area 2) on the chart and measure the true course using a plotter, which is approximately 082°. Since the magnetic variation is 6°30' East, you subtract easterly variation from the true course to get the magnetic course. Therefore, 082° - 6.5° = 075.5°, which rounds to 075°. Options B and C are incorrect because they either do not correctly apply the magnetic variation or mismeasure the true course.

Question 17: (Refer to Figure 25.) What is the estimated time en route for a flight from Denton Muni (area 1) to Addison (area 2)? The wind is from 200° at 20 knots, the true airspeed is 110 knots, and the magnetic variation is 7° east.

13 minutes. (Correct answer)
16 minutes.
19 minutes.

Correct answer: 13 minutes.

To determine the estimated time en route, first measure the true course and distance between Denton Muni and Addison on Figure 25. Then, use a flight computer (E6B) to calculate the wind correction angle and groundspeed, accounting for the given wind (200° at 20 knots) and true airspeed (110 knots). Finally, divide the measured distance (approximately 21 NM) by the calculated groundspeed (approximately 95 knots) to find the time, which is about 13 minutes.

Question 18: (Refer to Figure 25.) Estimate the time en route from Addison (area 2) to Dallas Executive (area 3). The wind is from 300° at 15 knots, the true airspeed is 120 knots, and the magnetic variation is 7° east.

8 minutes. (Correct answer)
11 minutes.
14 minutes.

Correct answer: 8 minutes.

To estimate the time en route, first measure the true course and distance from Addison to Dallas Executive on Figure 25. Next, use a flight computer (E6B) to determine the wind correction angle and groundspeed, considering the given wind (300° at 15 knots) and true airspeed (120 knots). Finally, divide the measured distance (approximately 15 NM) by the calculated groundspeed (approximately 113 knots); the result is about 8 minutes.

Question 19: (Refer to Figure 25.) Determine the magnetic heading for a flight from Fort Worth Meacham (area 4) to Denton Muni (area 1). The wind is from 330° at 25 knots, the true airspeed is 110 knots, and the magnetic variation is 7° east.

003°. (Correct answer)
017°.
023°.

Correct answer: 003°.

To determine the magnetic heading, first measure the true course from Fort Worth Meacham to Denton Muni on Figure 25 (approximately 003°). Then, use a flight computer (E6B) to calculate the wind correction angle (approximately 7° Right) based on the given wind (330° at 25 knots) and true airspeed (110 knots). Add the wind correction angle to the true course to get the true heading (003° + 7° = 010°). Finally, convert the true heading to magnetic heading by subtracting the easterly magnetic variation (7° East), resulting in 003°.

Question 20: (Refer to Figure 26.) Determine the magnetic course from Cooperstown Airport (area 2) to Jamestown Airport (area 4).

028°.
222°.
208°. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 208°.

To determine the magnetic course, first measure the true course from Cooperstown Airport to Jamestown Airport on Figure 26 using a navigation plotter (approximately 197°). Then, locate the nearest isogonic line on the chart to find the magnetic variation, which is 11° West in this area. Finally, convert the true course to magnetic course by adding westerly variation, so 197° true course plus 11° westerly variation equals 208° magnetic course.

Question 21: The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is

magnetic deviation.
magnetic variation. (Correct answer)
compass acceleration error.

Correct answer: magnetic variation.

Magnetic variation is the angular difference between true north (the geographic North Pole) and magnetic north (the direction a magnetic compass points). This difference is caused by the Earth's varying magnetic field and changes depending on your specific location.

Question 22: If a true heading of 135° results in a ground track of 130° and a true airspeed of 135 knots results in a groundspeed of 140 knots, the wind would be from

019° and 12 knots.
200° and 13 knots.
246° and 13 knots. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 246° and 13 knots.

To determine the wind, use a flight computer (E6B) or construct a wind triangle. Input the given true heading (135°), true airspeed (135 knots), ground track (130°), and groundspeed (140 knots). By aligning these values on the E6B's wind side, the instrument graphically solves for the wind vector, indicating the wind is from 246° at 13 knots.

Question 23: When converting from true course to magnetic heading, a pilot should

subtract easterly variation and right wind correction angle.
add westerly variation and subtract left wind correction angle. (Correct answer)
subtract westerly variation and add right wind correction angle.

Correct answer: add westerly variation and subtract left wind correction angle.

When converting from true course to magnetic heading, a pilot must account for both wind correction and magnetic variation. To find the true heading from the true course, subtract a left wind correction angle (or add a right one). Then, to convert true heading to magnetic heading, add westerly magnetic variation (or subtract easterly variation). Therefore, adding westerly variation and subtracting a left wind correction angle correctly performs this conversion.

Question 24: How far will an aircraft travel in 2-1/2 minutes with a groundspeed of 98 knots?

2.45 NM.
3.35 NM.
4.08 NM. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4.08 NM.

To calculate the distance an aircraft will travel, use the formula Distance = Speed × Time. First, convert the time from minutes to hours by dividing 2.5 minutes by 60 (approximately 0.04167 hours). Then, multiply this hourly time by the groundspeed of 98 knots to find the distance traveled, which is approximately 4.08 nautical miles.

FAA Cross-Country Planning Test 1

(Refer to Figure 20.) En route to First Flight Airport (area 5), your flight passes over Hampton Roads Airport (area 2) at 1456 and then over Chesapeake Regional at 1501.
At what time should your flight arrive at First Flight?