SPC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SPC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which condition increases the risk of carburetor ice formation most significantly? → Temperatures between 20°F and 70°F with visible moisture or high humidity
2. What does ATC mean when they tell a pilot 'Cleared through Class C airspace'? → The pilot may transit Class C airspace without additional clearance
3. Under FAA regulations, what is the purpose of the pre-solo aeronautical knowledge test that a student pilot must pass? → To demonstrate the student understands the FARs applicable to their solo flight area
4. Which scenario BEST describes 'stagnant hypoxia'? → Reduced oxygen delivery to tissues due to impaired blood circulation
5. What is the correct entry procedure for a standard left-hand traffic pattern when approaching from the non-traffic-pattern side? → Fly to the pattern side and enter on the 45-degree entry to the downwind leg
6. Virga is best described as: → Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground
7. What is the primary consequence of operating an aircraft above its maximum certificated gross weight? → Structural integrity, performance, and handling characteristics may be compromised
8. A student pilot is cleared for a 'short approach' by the tower. What does this mean? → Reduce the traffic pattern by turning final earlier than normal
9. When ATC says 'Radar contact lost,' what should the pilot do? → Resume standard position reporting procedures
10. When is carburetor icing most likely to form? → At temperatures between 20°F and 70°F with high humidity
11. When making a position report at an uncontrolled airport, which information should a pilot broadcast FIRST? → Aircraft type, registration, and position
12. A pilot notices a faint smell of exhaust in the cockpit. The BEST immediate action is to: → Close all vents, don oxygen if available, and land as soon as practicable
13. What is a 'moment envelope' (CG envelope) used for in weight and balance? → Determining approved CG range at various aircraft weights
14. What does a steady green light signal mean when directed at an aircraft in flight? → Cleared to land
15. What is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) permitted under FAA regulations for a pilot acting as a crewmember? → 0.04 percent
16. What is the recommended technique if a pilot encounters an unexpected total power loss (engine failure) during cruise flight? → Establish best glide speed, identify a landing site, and attempt a restart
17. What does the instruction 'Extend downwind' from ATC require a pilot to do? → Fly a longer downwind leg before turning base
18. What type of airspace exists at most small general aviation airports that have an operating control tower? → Class D
19. Which of the following is a requirement for a person to be eligible for a Student Pilot Certificate for an airplane? → Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
20. Under which condition may a student pilot act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft in Class C airspace? → Only with a specific logbook endorsement from a CFI authorizing Class C operations
21. A student pilot may not carry passengers. Under which specific condition is a student pilot permitted to carry another person? → When the flight instructor is aboard as a passenger
22. What primarily determines the coefficient of lift (CL) for a given airfoil? → Angle of attack and airfoil shape
23. What is the definition of 'Vx' and when would a student pilot use it? → Best angle of climb speed; used to clear obstacles after takeoff
24. A pilot is preparing for a takeoff from a high-elevation airport on a hot, humid day. What effect will these conditions have on aircraft performance? → Decreased performance due to high density altitude.
25. What does the aircraft Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) define as 'service ceiling'? → The maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a 100 FPM climb rate
26. A pilot notices that a ground light appears to drift slowly sideways while on a long final approach at night. This is MOST likely: → Autokinesis—an illusion of movement of a stationary light
27. If a student pilot's CFI endorsement specifies 'day flight only,' when does that restriction legally apply? → During all solo flights unless a separate night endorsement has been obtained
28. The term 'relative wind' refers to: → The airflow direction relative to the moving aircraft, opposite to the flight path
29. What should a student pilot do when lost in flight? → Climb, communicate, and comply
30. What is the maximum speed limit below 10,000 feet MSL in the contiguous United States? → 250 knots