Read below to learn more about the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, what it is, and some of the key practice questions that will help you ace your LAPL exam.
Want to learn how to fly but don’t want to fully commit to aviation? Then a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence may be your best bet at getting a taste of aviation – without any of the long-term commitments.
The LAPL is designed for people who want to learn how to fly only as a part-time hobby and have no problem with flight restrictions. This licence is different from a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) because it requires fewer training hours and more relaxed requirements in general.
If you want the quickest training route, then LAPL is for you.
Read below to learn more about the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, what it is, and some of the key practice questions that will help you ace your LAPL exam.
The Light Aircraft Pilot Licence
Flying a light aircraft is a dream for many people, but very few can realise it due to the cost and training requirements.
Throughout the history of aviation, the humble Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) were the go-to for people who wanted to learn how to fly. The PPL is for people who want a versatile licence that can allow them to fly aircraft as a hobby without committing to a career. The PPL enables pilots to fly under various conditions, so long as they have the certification, and even gives them room to expand on their training and upgrade their licence to a CPL.
A CPL, on the other hand, is for pilots who are seeking to build an aviation career. This licence has stricter requirements but enables pilots to enjoy all the perks of aviation. They don’t just get to fly aircraft; aviation becomes a way of life for them! Commercial pilots have a more in-depth training syllabus, and they also must invest a significant sum to get their licence. The good news is that most capable pilots are hired before they even graduate so they can get a great Return on Investment and enjoy their passion for aviation.
The LAPL, however, is a different story. This licence was created to be a starting point for people who are unsure about their prospects in aviation. It’s a licence that allows the average Joe to dip their pinkie in the proverbial aviation pond and see if it is a good fit for them.
The LAPL has relaxed requirements, candidates need 30 hours of total flight training, including 15 hours with an instructor, 6 hours of solo flying, including 3 hours of solo cross-country. It also requires a solo cross-country flight of at least 80 nautical miles (150 km) with one full-stop landing at another aerodrome.
The LAPL is the quickest way into the cockpit, however, it has several restrictions. For example, pilots are only allowed to fly a certain class of light aircraft, they are only allowed to fly under perfect VFR conditions, and they may not be able to fly more complex aircraft until they opt for additional training.
Why Choose LAPL?
Through a LAPL, candidates can get a sense of what they can expect in aviation and expand their training accordingly. A typical LAPL requires candidates to pass 9 multiple-choice theory exams that cover topics like Air Law, Navigation, Meteorology, and more. Furthermore, candidates who pass the theory test will also need to pass a Skills Test with a flight examiner.
LAPL (Light Aircraft Pilot Licence) - Key Practice Exam Questions
The LAPL exam consists of nine separate theory exams, each with a variable number of questions, depending on the subject.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Air Law: 20 questions
- Human Performance & Limitations: 10 questions
- Meteorology: 20 questions
- Navigation: 20 questions
- Operational Procedures: 10 questions
- Principles of Flight: 10 questions
- Flight Performance & Planning: 10 questions
- Aircraft General Knowledge: 10 questions
- Communications: 10 questions
Candidates will have 18 months to complete all nine theory exams from the end of the month in which they first attempted a theory exam. You can resit any exam up to four times. However, failure to pass after four attempts requires retaking all exams.
Now, let’s check out a challenging practice exam to help you prepare more effectively.
To make things convenient for you, we have collected the most common and often difficult questions for the most challenging subjects. For the best experience, we recommend that you keep a pen and paper handy and begin from the top.
Label each section according to the subject, then write down your answer. Make sure that you time your first attempt and aim to finish within 30 minutes. A good tip to keep in mind is to use the process of elimination and try not to spend more than 3-4 minutes on each question.
If you get stuck, mark the question, then move forward. Try to revisit the marked questions at the end. You can tally your answers using the answer key provided at the end of the questions.
Good luck!
Air Law & ATC Procedures
- What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in (Class G) airspace below 3,000 feet?
a) 1,500 metres
b) 3,000 metres
c) 5,000 metres
d) 10,000 metres - When must an aircraft display navigation lights?
a) Only when taxiing at night
b) From sunset to sunrise
c) Only when operating in controlled airspace
d) Only during low visibility conditions - What is the transponder code for radio communication failure?
a) 7000
b) 7500
c) 7600
d) 7700 - Define the term "Basic Service" as provided by UK Air Traffic Services.
a) It provides radar vectors to the destination
b) It includes avoidance advice for aircraft separation
c) It offers general flight information but no separation service
d) It is only available to commercial flights - What is the maximum take-off weight allowed for an aircraft operated under a LAPL?
a) 450 kg
b) 570 kg
c) 2,000 kg
d) 2,500 kg
-
Human Performance & Limitations
- How does hypoxia affect a pilot’s performance at altitude?
a) Increased alertness and concentration
b) Decreased ability to make decisions
c) Improved night vision
d) No effect below 25,000 feet - What is the recommended time between consuming alcohol and flying?
a) 4 hours
b) 8 hours
c) 12 hours
d) 24 hours - What are the symptoms of spatial disorientation?
a) Improved depth perception and coordination
b) Confusion, dizziness, and loss of balance
c) Increased energy and reduced fatigue
d) Better judgment in low visibility conditions - How does dehydration impact a pilot’s cognitive function?
a) No effect on cognitive function
b) Improves reaction time and focus
c) Causes fatigue, confusion, and poor concentration
d) Only affects physical endurance, not mental performance - Why is carbon monoxide poisoning a concern in light aircraft?
a) It causes an increased oxygen supply to the brain
b) It has no smell and can lead to unconsciousness
c) It only affects pilots flying above 10,000 feet
d) It improves heat retention in the cockpit
-
Meteorology
- What is the difference between METAR and TAF reports?
a) METAR provides forecasts, and TAF provides actual weather reports
b) METAR gives hourly weather observations, and TAF gives forecasts
c) METAR is only for pilots, and TAF is only for meteorologists
d) There is no difference; both provide the same information - How does a warm front typically affect flying conditions?
a) Clear skies and stable air
b) Sudden thunderstorms with strong turbulence
c) Gradual decrease in visibility with steady precipitation
d) No significant change in weather - What are the characteristics of wind shear?
a) A sudden change in wind speed and/or direction
b) A gradual decrease in wind strength over a large area
c) A steady and predictable wind shift over several hours
d) Only occurs at high altitudes above 20,000 feet - What type of cloud formation is associated with severe turbulence?
a) Stratus
b) Cumulonimbus
c) Cirrus
d) Nimbostratus - Define QNH and QFE.
a) QNH is the altitude above sea level; QFE is altitude above the ground
b) QNH is the pressure at your destination; QFE is the forecast pressure
c) QNH is only used in the UK; QFE is used worldwide
d) QNH is used in IFR flight; QFE is used in VFR flight
-
Navigation
- How do you calculate the heading to maintain track in the presence of wind?
a) Subtract the wind correction angle from the true heading
b) Add the wind correction angle to the magnetic heading
c) Apply drift correction to ensure the track matches the desired course
d) Ignore the wind and fly a constant heading - What is the standard separation distance from obstacles when flying under VFR?
a) 500 feet vertically and 1,000 feet horizontally
b) 1,000 feet vertically and 1,500 feet horizontally
c) 1,500 feet vertically and 2,000 feet horizontally
d) 2,000 feet vertically and 3,000 feet horizontally - What is the difference between True North and Magnetic North?
a) True North is affected by local magnetic variation
b) Magnetic North changes over time, while True North remains fixed
c) Magnetic North is based on the Earth's axis of rotation
d) There is no difference; both are the same - What is the maximum allowable navigation error under VFR?
a) 1 nautical mile
b) 2 nautical miles
c) 3 nautical miles
d) 5 nautical miles - How do you interpret an aeronautical chart’s symbols for restricted and dangerous areas?
a) Restricted areas are marked in red; danger areas in blue
b) Both restricted and danger areas are shaded yellow
c) Restricted areas require special permission; danger areas advise caution but can be entered
d) There is no distinction; pilots can enter both freely
-
Flight Performance & Planning
- What factors affect take-off distance?
a) Aircraft weight, air temperature, altitude, and wind speed
b) Only wind speed and direction
c) Aircraft weight and pilot skill
d) None of the above - How does altitude affect aircraft performance?
a) Higher altitude increases engine power
b) Higher altitude reduces air density, reducing engine and aerodynamic performance
c) Higher altitude has no effect on aircraft performance
d) Higher altitude improves take-off performance but worsens landing - What is the effect of weight and balance on aircraft stability?
a) A forward centre of gravity makes the aircraft unstable
b) A centre of gravity beyond aft limits improves stability
c) An incorrect centre of gravity can cause loss of control
d) Weight has no effect on stability - How do you calculate endurance and fuel consumption for a planned flight?
a) Multiply airspeed by weight
b) Divide fuel on board by average fuel burn per hour
c) Subtract fuel reserve from total fuel capacity
d) Estimate fuel based on distance flown - How do temperature and pressure altitude influence aircraft climb performance?
a) Higher temperature and pressure altitude reduce climb performance
b) They have no significant effect
c) Higher temperature improves climb rate
d) Higher pressure altitude always improves performance
-
Principles of Flight
- Explain the relationship between lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
a) Lift must equal weight, and thrust must exceed drag for level flight
b) Lift and thrust must be greater than weight and drag for straight flight
c) Drag must be greater than thrust to maintain altitude
d) Weight and lift are unrelated forces - How does an increase in angle of attack affect stall speed?
a) It decreases stall speed
b) It has no effect on stall speed
c) It increases stall speed
d) It makes stall speed unpredictable - What is the purpose of flaps during landing?
a) To decrease lift and allow a faster descent
b) To reduce drag and increase take-off distance
c) To increase lift and reduce landing speed
d) To prevent turbulence - How does centre of gravity affect aircraft stability?
a) A forward centre of gravity increases stability
b) An aft centre of gravity makes the aircraft more stable
c) Centre of gravity has no effect on stability
d) A centre of gravity too far forward makes the aircraft uncontrollable - Define induced and parasitic drag.
a) Induced drag increases with airspeed; parasitic drag decreases
b) Induced drag results from lift; parasitic drag results from air resistance
c) Both are the same and depend on air pressure
d) Induced drag only affects gliders
-
Operational Procedures
- What are the emergency procedures for an engine failure after take-off?
a) Attempt to restart the engine and turn back immediately
b) Lower the nose, maintain best glide speed, and land straight ahead if below 500 feet
c) Continue climbing to a safe altitude before troubleshooting
d) Reduce power and descend at a steep angle - How do you handle an in-flight fire?
a) Increase power and descend rapidly
b) Shut off fuel supply, use fire extinguisher if available, and land immediately
c) Open all windows to increase ventilation
d) Continue to destination if the fire is small - What is the recommended altitude for a forced landing without power?
a) Below 1,000 feet AGL
b) Between 1,500 and 2,500 feet AGL
c) Above 3,000 feet AGL
d) Any altitude, as long as the aircraft is controlled - What checks should be performed before entering controlled airspace?
a) Ensure radio is set to 121.5 MHz
b) Contact ATC, obtain clearance, and verify altitude settings
c) Increase altitude for better communication
d) Tune into the nearest ATIS frequency - What is the standard radio phraseology for declaring an emergency?
a) “Help, Help, Help”
b) “PAN-PAN” for urgency, “MAYDAY” for distress
c) “Emergency, Emergency”
d) “Request immediate assistance”
Answer Key:
- b
- b
- c
- c
- c
- b
- b
- b
- c
- b
- b
- c
- a
- b
- a
- c
- a
- b
- c
- c
- a
- b
- c
- b
- a
- a
- c
- c
- a
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
- b
So, how many did you score? The cut-off for this exam is typically 75% or higher. Don’t worry if you can’t obtain the passing mark. This is a great opportunity for you to continue learning!
The best way forward, if you were not able to pass this exam, would be to take note of the areas that you got wrong, and then focus all your attention on those specific subjects or topics. Practice exams are a great way to check your progress and preparation, so we encourage candidates to practice as much as they can before the actual exam.
If you don’t know where to start in your LAPL journey, then we recommend starting at a great flight school. A flight school is your best bet at excelling at both ground and practical training through experienced instructors!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB?
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams through a LAPL or PPL, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran.
The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
With a large fleet of new aircraft, a great panel of highly experienced instructors, and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your aviation career, excel at ground/practical training, or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers LAPL, private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn also offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running the first Sunday of every month.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on the LAPL, PPL, as well as the training facilities and airfield available at Sherburn.
Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
