Air Law and Operational Procedures: Common PPL Exam Questions

In this guide, we will cover the basics of air law and operational procedures and the parameters of a PPL. Read below to learn more.

Looking to prepare for your air law and operational procedures exam to obtain a Private Pilot Licence?

Air law is an incredibly important subject that covers all the legislation and regulations surrounding flight. It covers the dos and don’ts of flight and how pilots can operate aircraft safely while also obeying all the relevant air laws of where they are flying.

Operational procedures are similarly important because they cover the hows and whys of flight. From how to perform preflight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and why they are important to learning all the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), operational procedures are the backbone of modern aviation which is why this subject is so important.

In this guide, we will cover the basics of air law and operational procedures and the parameters of a PPL. Read below to learn more:

Air Law – Basics

Air law establishes legal regulations for flying and ensures safety, order, and compliance in aviation. It covers legislation from various regulatory authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which governs civil aviation in the UK, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which sets global standards, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which, although, isn’t applicable now post-Brexit, still influences UK aviation regulations.

Air law also includes several airspace classes or categories such as controlled airspaces which cover Classes A, B, C, D, and E. These classes require ATC clearance and pilots can be heavily penalised if they enter these airspaces without clearance.

Uncontrolled Airspace or Class G airspaces don’t require ATC clearance, but pilots must follow VFR rules as applicable during flight. Finally, Restricted or Prohibited areas are completely off-limits and are considered a no-fly zone.

In essence, air laws cover the rules of the air. They teach pilots about the right of way, for example, aircraft in distress always have priority otherwise priority is based on position and manoeuvrability. Pilots are also trained on VFR and IFR rules along with minimum flight altitudes.

Training on these topics not only enables the pilot to fly safely but also encourages a safe flying environment for every plane in the sky!

Other important topics covered in Air Law include:

1. Aircraft documentation such as certificate of airworthiness, registration, radio licence, insurance documents, and pilot licence.
2. Aerodrome signals and light gun signals such as flashing green light which signals taxi or take off and steady red which signals stop or give way.
3. Emergency codes or Transponder Squawk Codes.

Operational Procedures – What to Expect

As mentioned above, operational procedures focus on safe and efficient flight management that covers specific checks and actions that pilots need to perform during pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight.

Pre-flight checks cover actions while on the ground such as checking for weather briefings (using METAR, TAF), checking aircraft fuel and confirming weight calculations, checking NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen), and of course a pre-flight walk-around inspection.

Other important procedures are related to calculating and confirming fuel requirements to ensure that the aircraft has enough fuel for the planned flight PLUS a 30-minute reserve for VFR flight. Furthermore, this subject also covers radio communication and ATC procedures including specific phraseology and readbacks of ATC instructions.

Emergency procedures are also covered under operations and are extremely important for teaching pilots about the various conditions that can jeopardise the flight. Pilots are expected to learn about engine failure, fire during flight, and forced landings.

These procedures also cover wake turbulence and minute details such as staying clear of larger aircraft to avoid turbulence, the specifics of landing and taking off behind larger aircraft, and more.

Air Law and Operational Procedures: Common PPL Exam Questions

There are 12 MCQ questions for a typical air law and operational procedures exam and candidates have 35 minutes to complete the exam.

Here are some of the most common Private Pilot Licence (PPL) exam questions related to Air Law and Operational Procedures. The answer key is available at the end. See how many you can get right!

Air Law Questions (MCQs) – Please note that these are only samples.

1. What is the minimum flight visibility required for a VFR flight in Class G airspace below 3,000 feet AMSL?
   a) 1,500 metres
   b) 5 kilometres
   c) 3 kilometres
   d) 8 kilometres
   
   
2. At what altitude does the transition altitude usually apply in the UK?
   a) 3,000 feet
   b) 5,000 feet
   c) 6,000 feet
   d) 10,000 feet
   
   
3. What does a steady red light from ATC to an aircraft in flight mean?
   a) Cleared to land
   b) Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
   c) Airport unsafe, do not land
   d) Return for landing
   
   
4. Which document must always be carried onboard a UK-registered aircraft?
   a) Pilot’s logbook
   b) Certificate of Airworthiness
   c) Aircraft maintenance log
   d) Flight planning form
   
   
5. What is the minimum safe height above a congested area for a PPL holder?
   a) 500 feet
   b) 1,000 feet above the highest fixed obstacle within a 600-metre radius
   c) 2,000 feet above the ground
   d) 1,500 feet
   
   
6. How long is a UK PPL valid before requiring revalidation?
   a) 12 months
   b) 24 months
   c) 36 months
   d) 5 years
   
   
7. What is the purpose of a NOTAM?
   a) To notify pilots about weather conditions
   b) To provide urgent flight information on hazards or restrictions
   c) To inform air traffic controllers about pilot requests
   d) To update aircraft maintenance schedules

Operational Procedures (MCQs) – Sample Questions

1. What is the primary purpose of the "sterile cockpit" rule?
   a) To ensure passengers remain quiet during take-off and landing
   b) To prevent unnecessary distractions to the flight crew during critical phases of flight
   c) To limit radio communication with air traffic control
   d) To avoid excessive fuel consumption
   
   
2. What is the standard pressure setting used above the transition altitude?
   a) 1013.25 hPa
   b) 999 hPa
   c) 29.85 inHg
   d) 1030 hPa
   
   
3. What should a pilot do if experiencing a radio failure in controlled airspace?
   a) Squawk 7700 and land immediately
   b) Maintain the last assigned altitude and route, squawk 7600, and watch for light signals
   c) Squawk 7500 and attempt to contact ATC
   d) Fly at VFR altitudes and continue as planned
   
   
4. Which of the following best describes the "final reserve fuel" requirement for a VFR flight?
   a) Fuel for 30 minutes of flight at normal cruise speed
   b) Enough fuel to reach the alternate aerodrome and land with 15 minutes remaining
   c) Fuel for 45 minutes of flying after reaching the destination
   d) Sufficient fuel to complete the flight plus 30 minutes holding
   
   
5. If an aircraft has an engine fire during taxi, what should the pilot do first?
   a) Continue taxiing to a safe location
   b) Shut down the engine, turn off fuel, and evacuate
   c) Increase power to blow out the flames
   d) Contact ATC for immediate assistance

Answer Key – Air Law & Operational Procedures

1. (c) 3 kilometres
2. (b) 5,000 feet
3. (b) Give way to other aircraft and continue circling
4. (b) Certificate of Airworthiness
5. (b) 1,000 feet above the highest fixed obstacle within a 600-metre radius
6. (b) 24 months
7. (b) To provide urgent flight information on hazards or restrictions
8. (b) To prevent unnecessary distractions to the flight crew during critical phases of flight
9. (a) 1013.25 hPa
10. (b) Maintain last assigned altitude and route, squawk 7600, and watch for light signals
11. (a) Fuel for 30 minutes of flight at normal cruise speed
12. (b) Shut down the engine, turn off fuel, and evacuate

The general rule for passing PPL exams is that candidates will need to score 70% or higher. So, if you passed this test, then you are on the right track of your training, however, if you couldn’t achieve the cut-off then don’t worry, focus on the topics that you got wrong and you will eventually make it!

Is a PPL Right for You?

Confused between a LAPL or a PPL?

LAPL or Light Aircraft Pilot Licence is designed for pilots who want to fly recreationally and don’t mind the additional restrictions, even under VFR. LAPL candidates have relaxed training requirements and can get into the cockpit relatively easily. However, with so many restrictions on how and when they can fly, this type of licence may not be able to provide the full thrills that you would expect in aviation.

For a fuller experience, we recommend a Private Pilot Licence. A PPL is designed to provide the best of both worlds where pilots can fly recreationally in different aircraft and, depending on their additional certifications, under different flying conditions.

PPL holders also need to obtain a class 2 medical certificate which ensures that the pilot is fit to fly aircraft and is mentally and physically capable of operating it under various circumstances.

A PPL is excellent for people who don’t want a typical career ladder, which is more appropriate for a commercial licence such as the Commercial Pilot Licence or CPL. A PPL can allow pilots to enjoy the thrills of aviation, and they also have the option to continue their training later when they want to expand their capabilities.

While training requirements are stricter than a LAPL, a PPL will prove to be more useful in the long run since it allows for more flexibility for pilots seeking to fly aircraft for fun. Another great reason why a PPL is more suited for most people is that pilots can get to enjoy the full fleet of aircraft at their club.

For example, Sherburn Aero Club is known for its well-maintained and diverse fleet that contains casual cruisers, aircraft for thrill-seeking, and even bare-bones light aircraft. With such diversity and club memberships, private pilot licence holders can enjoy the very best of aviation without fully committing to it and choosing it as a career.

Picking the Right Flight School for PPL Training

Pilot training, whether theoretical or practical, starts with a great flight school. If you are looking to obtain a PPL, then you will need to start right.

Since a PPL is relatively more expensive than other types of licences, like a Light Aircraft Pilot Licence, candidates will need to put in extra effort and attention so that they can get their licence in the least time possible.

Even for the average Joe, becoming a pilot is all about picking the right flight school. Keep in mind that a pilot is only as good as their training! Flight schools train pilots using ground training which is in the form of theoretical tests and practical flight training.

Pilots must prove their theoretical knowledge before they are allowed to progress to practical training. Remember, both theory and practical training go hand in hand in making a successful pilot!

Sherburn Aero Club is a premier training institute that focuses on excellent ground training through its body of extremely well-experienced instructors. These instructors are vetted by the CAA and have the training required to teach even the layman how to fly.

Some students struggle with a few theoretical topics, and it is the job of the instructor to help them overcome these topics so that they can keep up with the rest of the class.

If you struggle with theory, then you will need to apply to a flight school that gives individual attention to students. This is where Sherburn Aero Club excels. SAC has a panel of top-notch faculty who are highly experienced in providing theoretical knowledge as well as practical training to all candidates. SAC instructors come from all walks of life and their struggles have hardened their training.

These instructors are trained to not just teach students but to also instil a sense of passion for aviation. Flight training isn’t like academics where a few students are uninterested in learning about flight theory. It requires every student to be extremely invested in their training because if they don’t, they end up wasting their own time and resources.

WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB

If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.

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.

With a large fleet of new aircraft 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.

Sherburn 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.

For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, 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.

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 Private Pilot Licences, training requirements, licencing procedures, as well as experience flights and pilot training at Sherburn.

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