Private Pilot Written Test Prep
Everything you need to walk into the Private Pilot (PAR) knowledge test ready: a full 60-question practice test in the real format, a quick quiz when you've only got five minutes, and flashcards for the facts you keep forgetting. Original, ACS-aligned questions — every explanation cites the FAA handbook or regulation it comes from.
ACS-aligned study questions written by ATIS Alerts — not actual FAA test questions.
48 practice questions · 19 flashcards · 60-question test · 70% to pass
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Study by topic
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Sample questions
A few examples of the ACS-aligned questions in this bank.
An airplane wing will stall —
- A. whenever the critical angle of attack is exceeded, regardless of airspeed or attitude. ✓
- B. only when airspeed drops below a single fixed number.
- C. only when the nose is above the horizon.
- D. only at idle power.
A stall is an angle-of-attack event. Exceed the critical AOA and the wing stalls at any airspeed, weight, or attitude — including at high speed in a steep turn or pull-up.
Reference: PHAK ch.5
Lines on aeronautical charts connecting points of equal magnetic variation are called —
- A. isogonic lines. ✓
- B. isobars.
- C. isotherms.
- D. lines of latitude.
Isogonic lines connect points of equal magnetic variation (the angular difference between true and magnetic north). Isobars connect equal pressure; isotherms equal temperature.
Reference: PHAK ch.16
When operating VFR more than 3,000 ft above the surface on a magnetic course of 090°, a pilot should fly at an altitude of —
- A. odd thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 5,500 ft). ✓
- B. even thousands plus 500 feet (e.g., 6,500 ft).
- C. any VFR altitude of the pilot's choosing.
- D. odd thousands (e.g., 5,000 ft).
Above 3,000 ft AGL, VFR cruising altitudes are based on magnetic course: 0°–179° use odd thousands + 500; 180°–359° use even thousands + 500. A 090° course is in the 0°–179° band.
Reference: 14 CFR 91.159
About the Private Pilot written test
The Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test (PAR) is 60 multiple-choice questions with a 2.5-hour limit, administered by PSI at approved testing centers. You need 70% to pass, and the questions are drawn from the FAA Airman Certification Standards. Bring a valid photo ID and your instructor’s endorsement (or an approved equivalent), and plan to keep your test report — you’ll review any missed areas with your instructor before the practical test.
From study to the real sky
Weather is a big slice of the private pilot test — and it stays useful long after you pass. Practice on the real thing:
Practice weather knowledge, then watch it live
Track any airport with ATIS Alerts and get a Telegram message when the ATIS changes or conditions drop — free, no app to install.
Private Pilot test prep FAQ
How many questions are on the private pilot written test?
60 questions, with a 2.5-hour time limit.
What score do I need to pass the private pilot knowledge test?
70% — that's 42 of 60 correct.
Is this the same as the real FAA private pilot test?
No. Our questions are original and ACS-aligned to drill the same areas; they are not the FAA's actual questions.
What's the FAA code for the private pilot airplane test?
PAR. You'll see it on your test-center registration and results.
What topics are on the private pilot written test?
The ACS areas: regulations, airspace, weather, aerodynamics, aircraft systems, performance and weight & balance, navigation, airport operations, human factors, and more.
How long does it take to prepare?
It varies, but most students drill practice tests until they're consistently scoring in the 80s across every topic before scheduling.
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