Aviation Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the maximum scale for a VFR Terminal Area Chart (TAC)? → 1:250,000
2. How does a headwind affect takeoff performance? → It decreases ground roll by adding to the aircraft's airspeed relative to the air
3. What is the meaning of the METAR sky condition 'BKN025'? → Broken clouds at 2,500 ft AGL
4. When executing a go-around from a balked landing, what should the pilot do first? → Apply full power and establish a positive climb attitude
5. What is the crosswind component formula used by pilots? → Crosswind = Wind Speed × Sine (angle between wind and runway)
6. On a sectional chart, what does a blue airport symbol (with control tower symbol) indicate? → Airport with an operating control tower
7. In a normally aspirated aircraft engine, as altitude increases, what happens to engine power? → Power decreases because air density decreases
8. What is the difference between IAS (Indicated Airspeed) and TAS (True Airspeed)? → TAS is IAS corrected for non-standard pressure and temperature (air density)
9. What is the angle of attack? → The angle between the chord line and the relative wind
10. How does a tailwind affect landing distance? → It increases landing distance because the aircraft has a higher groundspeed at touchdown
11. As altitude increases, how does air density affect aircraft performance? → Thinner air reduces engine power and requires higher true airspeed to maintain lift
12. What is the standard traffic pattern direction at an uncontrolled airport in the US? → Left-hand turns
13. What is the VFR cruising altitude rule for flights above 3,000 ft AGL on a magnetic course of 180°–359°? → Even thousands + 500 ft
14. In pilotage navigation, the primary reference is which of the following? → Visual ground references compared to the sectional chart
15. Under 14 CFR 61.3, a pilot must present their pilot certificate when requested by which authority? → Any FAA inspector, NTSB, or law enforcement officer
16. What is the emergency transponder code that all pilots should squawk when declaring an emergency? → 7700
17. What four factors affect aircraft performance at takeoff? → Density altitude, aircraft weight, wind, and runway surface/slope
18. What is the lost communication (NORDO) squawk code? → 7600
19. What is the primary purpose of an aircraft's flaps? → To increase lift and drag for slower flight and shorter landings
20. What is the proper response if you experience spatial disorientation in IMC? → Trust the flight instruments and make smooth, coordinated corrections
21. What does it mean when ATC says 'radar contact lost'? → ATC can no longer track the aircraft on radar and will provide non-radar separation
22. What weather phenomenon is indicated when you observe lenticular clouds over a mountain range? → Mountain wave activity with possible severe turbulence
23. What is the definition of 'night' for logging flight time under 14 CFR Part 1? → After civil twilight ends until civil twilight begins
24. What is the correct phraseology for a VFR position report when entering Class C airspace? → State aircraft type, position, altitude, and request
25. What is an aircraft's 'service ceiling'? → The highest altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a 100 fpm climb rate
26. What is the maximum speed permitted below 10,000 ft MSL in US airspace under 14 CFR 91.117? → 250 KIAS
27. What does a steady green light signal from the tower mean to an aircraft in flight? → Cleared to land
28. What does it mean when ATC says 'IDENT' over the radio? → Press the transponder IDENT button so your return appears distinctly on radar
29. During a 60-degree banked level turn, approximately what load factor does the aircraft experience? → 2G
30. What occurs when a wing exceeds its critical angle of attack? → The wing stalls and lift decreases dramatically