I am working on setting up a SP ground school study course



Sport Pilot Knowledge (Written) Test Preparation Guide

To get your Sport Pilot Certificate you will be required by the FAA to take and pass a Knowledge (Written) Test along with taking and passing an oral and Practical (Flight) Test. This guide covers the process for the Knowledge Test.

Practical (Flight) Test Study Guide

I have also taken the Sport Pilot PTS (Practical Test Standard) and made a similar list of documents, study aids and associated links. This will prepare you for the oral and practical (flight) test. Many of these are the same ones but there are some additions. I will be posting that along with this Knowledge Test document.

What is the purpose of this document?

The biggest difficulty I have had, in preparing for the FAA Knowledge test for Sport Pilot, is in finding all the information I need. There are bits and pieces here and there. The FAA's own website has made it no easier for me. What I have needed, is one place where I could find all the necessary documents and study material. In addition, I wanted access to the best training information and I wanted it at the lowest possible cost. The FAA publishes and makes available virtually all the study materials required. Finding it all on their website and elsewhere is a bit of a task. I decided to write one document with links to all the things I needed. In the rest of this study guide I will point you to the links to, and locations of, all of the documents and training material needed to complete this process. My aim is to make it easy for you to download for free from this one document, and acquire elsewhere at minimal cost, the things you need.

Note: I recommend that you take an in person course to study for this test. The depth of learning you get from the repetition and give and take and question and answer of a classroom setting far exceeds what you can get from home study. But for those who don't have an opportunity for a classroom course or who just want to brush up on their knowledge, this list would be a good place to start.

How do I use it?

This document is meant to be a place from which you can obtain all the information you need. I have inserted links to all the documents and study materials so all you have to do is click on them and then download the document. The links are shown in blue. In some cases I have made the link to a location where you have to look through a page or two of documents to choose the one you want. Other times the link takes you to where there are multiple documents that you want as in the case of the AC's and training handbooks. Some documents such as the training handbooks are in multiple files (Many are newly published by the FAA and are in color with charts and photos! I love them!). Some links are to online content such as the federal codes or AIM. The documents are mostly in PDF format. A free Adobe Reader is available on the Adobe website.

It will be your job to download the applicable documents and assemble the study aids and set yourself a regular schedule of reading and studying the material. I recommend that you begin immediately as there is quite a lot of material to cover.

Where do I start?

The first thing you will want to do is to find out the prerequisites for taking the test and the knowledge areas for the subject matter you will need to cover. The FAA publishes a document called the Knowledge Test Guide. The Knowledge Test Guide handles both of these subjects. In addition, the entire testing process is detailed. You need to read and study this document to fully understand the requirements for taking the Knowledge test.

The FAA has not yet published a Knowledge Test Guide for Sport Pilots. The aeronautical knowledge requirements for a Sport Pilot and those for Recreational or Private Pilots as specified in Part 61 are identical except for one thing. The Sport Pilot is not required to receive training in radio communication procedures. Because of that close relationship I recommend that you use the Knowledge Test Guide for Private and Recreational Pilots. A link to it is here:

FAA-G-8082-17A, Recreational Pilot and Private Pilot Knowledge Test Guide

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements for a Sport Pilot differ from a Private Pilot or Recreational Pilot and can be found in:

Part 61.23 (Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.)

Part 61.305 (Age and language requirements)

Knowledge Areas

Part 61.309 lists the aeronautical knowledge areas you will have to have to apply for a Sport Pilot certificate. Later in this document I have included this part with a list of study material. See the regulation here:

Part 61.309 (Aeronautical Knowledge Area requirements Sport Pilot)

Part 61.407 lists the aeronautical knowledge areas for a Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot rating.

Part 61.407  (Aeronautical Knowledge Area requirements Flight Instructor with a Sport Pilot rating)

Where to take the test?

You will have to go to a testing center to take this test. Here is a link to a list of testing centers:

Airman Knowledge Testing Center List

How to qualify to take the test

This document is an FAA matrix that tells you the prerequisites for computer testing. These include age, and authorizations required. Retesting requirements are indicated. The number of questions on the test, allotted time and passing score are also shown.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Authorization Requirements Matrix

UL Pilot registered with an UL organization before Sep 1, 2004

If you are a registered UL pilot with an UL organization, registered before Sep 1, 2004 you are authorized to take the Knowledge Test. You will need a letter from your UL organization showing your qualifications. I believe most of the UL organizations will provide a signed certifying letter with your UL records for free. Here is a link to a sample letter from the FAA:

Certification Letter for Exemption Holders

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Sport Pilot)

Below is a link to a sample bank of questions for the Knowledge Test. The numbers above the questions are subject matter knowledge codes (See Subject Matter Knowledge Codes below). The question bank is an invaluable source of information and will point you to the appropriate areas of study.

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Sport Pilot)

(Sport Pilot Instructor/Examiner)

If you take the knowledge test for Sport Pilot Instructor/Examiner, then you need not take the knowledge test for Sport Pilot. This is a savings of time and money if you intend to take the Instructor/Examiner test within the two year limit or if you are going for the instructor certificate. Here's the link:

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Sport Pilot Instructor/Examiner)

Private Pilot Weight-shift or Powered Parachute

If you are interested in studying for the Private Pilot Powered Parachute/Weight Shift certificates then the sample question bank for them is here:

Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank (Private Pilot Powered Parachute/Weight Shift

Supplements

There are supplements (graphic and visual aids) that are necessary for understanding and answering the questions in the question bank. They are available from ASA. See the links.

Offers information for obtaining the FAA Computerized Testing Supplements.

ASA

Subject Matter Knowledge Codes

The subject matter knowledge codes above the questions on the knowledge test, and in the Knowledge Test Question Banks, relate to areas of study, and are listed in AC60-25. The codes are listed next to subjects, and in the chapters of, various FAA Training handbooks and other study aids. If you take a list of the codes and assemble the associated study materials you will have the materials necessary to study for those questions and similar ones for each of those subject areas. A link to the AC showing the codes is here:

Airman Subject Matter Knowledge Codes (AC60-25F)

Aeronautical Knowledge required under Part 61

As an example, I have printed the aeronautical knowledge areas required to apply for a Sport Pilot certificate. I have annotated this list with the appropriate study guide or material for that item listed in parenthesis. The item listed in the first parenthesis is the general study guide and the item listed in the second parenthesis is listed for more detailed study of the subject.

§ 61.309. What aeronautical knowledge must I have to apply for a sport pilot certificate?

Except as specified in §61.329, to apply for a sport pilot certificate you must receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas:

(a) Applicable regulations of this chapter that relate to sport pilot privileges, limits, and flight operations; (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Parts 43, 61 and 91)

(b) Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board; (NTSB 830)

(c) Use of the applicable portions of the "Aeronautical Information Manual" (Online or print version from your local FBO) and FAA advisory circulars (AC's); (Online)

(d) Use of aeronautical charts for VFR navigation using pilotage, dead reckoning, and navigation systems;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(Aeronautical Chart, E6B and Protractor/Plotter) Get at local FBO or order online.

(e) Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(AC 00-54 Pilot Windshear Guide)

(AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Service)

(AC 00-6A Handbook of Aviation Weather)

(f) Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(AC 90-48C Pilot's Role in Collision Avoidance)

(AC 90-23F Aircraft Wake Turbulence)

(g) Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(h) Weight and balance computations;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(FAA-H-8083-1 Weight and Balance Handbook)

(i) Principles of aerodynamics, powerplants, and aircraft systems;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(j) Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques, if applicable;

(FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook)

(AC61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness)

(k) Tumble entry, tumble avoidance techniques for weight-shift-control aircraft category privileges; (NA)

(l) Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook)

(AC 60-22 Aeronautical Decision Making)

(m) Preflight action that includes–

(1) How to get information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements;

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

(Aeronautical Chart) and (Airport Facility Directory – AFD)

(2) How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)

Basic List of Publications and Study Aids and Sources:

This is the list of basic study aids from the above Part 61 list.

NPRM and Final Rule - FAA website

14 CFR Federal Regulations - FAA website

AIM (Airman's Information Manual) – FAA website (Online) and FBO (Buy printed version)

FAA Advisory Circulars (AC's) - FAA website

(FAA-H-8083-25 Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge) - FAA website

(FAA-H-8083-3 Airplane Flying Handbook) - FAA Website

(AC 00-6A Handbook of Aviation Weather)

(NTSB 830) - NTSB website

Aeronautical Chart - FBO or State aeronautical division or NACO (National Aeronautical Charting Office)

E6B - FBO

Protractor/Plotter (Looks like a protractor attached to a ruler) - FBO

In Depth List (from above items) NOTE: These publications are very in depth discussions of the above subjects and are listed only for those that want a lot more info.

AC 00-54 Pilot Windshear Guide

AC 00-45E Aviation Weather Service

AC 90-48C Pilot's Role in Collision Avoidance

AC 90-23F Aircraft Wake Turbulence

AC 61-67C Stall and Spin Awareness

AC 60-22 Aeronautical Decision Making

FAA-H-8083-1 Weight and Balance Handbook

Some additional publications you may also find helpful:

AC 61-84B Role of Preflight Preparation

AC 20-43C Aircraft Fuel Control

AC 00-30B Atmospheric Turbulence Avoidance

AC 120-27D Aircraft Weight and Balance Control

The following Handbooks should also be of help:

FAA-H-8083-27 Student Pilot Guide

FAA-H-8083-19 (Plane Sense) w/ Editorial Changes

A current listing of available/current training handbooks. Also, contains ordering information.

NOTE: AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist, transmits the status of all FAA advisory circulars (AC's),as well as FAA internal publications and miscellaneous flight information such as Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Airport/Facility Directory, knowledge test study guides, and other material directly related to a certificate or rating. The checklist is available on the Internet at:

AC 00-2, Advisory Circular Checklist

Most or all of the above publications may be available as downloadable files from the FAA website. Some of the files are large (15MB) and require a fast connection to the internet.

Call your local FSDO for more info including publications and videos they may sell or loan.

Check with the Superintendent of Documents (Government Printing Office) for printed versions of some or all of the above publications.

It is never too soon to study these subjects as they will make you a better and safer pilot. So let's get started!

I did this to organize my own process. If it is of any use to you let me know.

Questions, comments or suggestions to me at: bczygan @

Bill Czygan 26 Feb, 2003

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