Area I · Task E — National Airspace System

Cessna 172S G1000 Airspace — PPL Oral Exam Questions

Airspace classes, entry requirements, equipment, weather minimums, and special use airspace as covered on the PPL oral. Below are real DPE-style questions for the Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP (Garmin G1000). Every answer cites a primary FAA source — no fabricated regulations, no shortcuts.

8 questions14 CFR Part 91AIM Chapter 3PHAK Chapter 15

Aircraft profile

Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP (Garmin G1000)

Engine
Lycoming IO-360-L2A, 180 HP, fuel-injected
Fuel system
Gravity-feed, fuel selector BOTH/LEFT/RIGHT. Same caveat as six-pack — no separate fuel shutoff valve, OFF integrated on most airframes.
Avionics
Garmin G1000 glass cockpit (PFD + MFD). Backup AI (standby horizon). Backup altimeter. GFC 700 autopilot on equipped aircraft.
VS0 / VS1
40 KIAS / 48 KIAS kt
VA
varies by weight, see POH kt
Max gross
2550 lbs lbs

DPE oral questions · airspace

8 questions a DPE may ask in this section

  1. Question 1 · PA.I.E.K1

    Look at this sectional chart. What type of airspace surrounds this airport, and what must you do before entering it?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • Dashed blue circle = Class D airspace
    • Must establish two-way radio communication with the tower BEFORE entering
    • Tower frequency is 128.625 shown as CT on the chart
    • ASOS 127.375 for weather
    • Field elevation 628 feet — lighting available L 61

    Source14 CFR 91.129; AIM 3-2-5

  2. Question 2 · PA.I.E.K1

    Look at this sectional chart. You see the notation 'NO SVFR' over this airport. What does that mean and when would it affect you?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • NO SVFR means Special VFR operations are NOT authorized in this airspace
    • Even if weather is below VFR minimums you cannot request SVFR here
    • Applies to the Class B surface area around DFW
    • Must receive specific clearance 'Cleared into the Class Bravo' before entering Class B
    • Multiple CT frequencies listed — use correct one for your direction of approach

    Source14 CFR 91.157; AIM 3-2-3; 14 CFR 91.131

  3. Question 3 · PA.I.E.K1

    Look at this sectional chart. You see a magenta circle labeled 'MODE C & ADS-B OUT 30 NM.' What equipment must your aircraft have operating when flying inside this ring — and does it apply even if you never enter the Class B itself?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • Mode C transponder required within 30 NM of the Class B primary airport
    • ADS-B Out required in the same area
    • Applies from surface to 10,000 feet MSL
    • Required even if you NEVER enter the Class B itself
    • Lancaster Regional LNC inside the ring still requires this equipment
    • The R symbol indicates a private field — private does not exempt from equipment requirements

    Source14 CFR 91.215; 14 CFR 91.225

  4. Question 4 · PA.I.E

    You call Approach to enter Class C. They reply 'Aircraft calling, standby.' Are you clear to enter?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • NO — two-way communication requires controller to use your specific tail number
    • 'Aircraft calling' does not establish two-way comm
    • Stay outside

    SourceAIM 3-2-4; ACS Task I.E

  5. Question 5 · PA.I.E

    ATC is giving you vectors. Do you have permission to fly through the blue circle (Class B)?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • No — must hear specific phrase 'Cleared into the Class Bravo airspace'
    • Being in communication is not enough

    Source14 CFR 91.131; ACS Task I.E

  6. Question 6 · PA.I.E

    It's dusk and destination visibility is 2 miles. Can you request Special VFR as a Private Pilot?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • No — to operate SVFR at NIGHT, pilot must be instrument rated AND aircraft must be IFR-equipped

    Source14 CFR 91.157; ACS Task I.E

  7. Question 7 · PA.I.E

    You call Approach to enter Class C: 'Dayton Approach, Skyhawk 172SP, 10 miles out.' They reply: 'Aircraft calling, standby.' Are you clear to enter?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • No — two-way radio communication only established when controller uses your specific tail number
    • Must remain outside Class C

    SourceAIM 3-2-4; PHAK Chapter 15

  8. Question 8 · PA.I.E

    We're approaching a Class D airport. At what point are you legally required to have established two-way radio communication?

    What a DPE expects to hear

    • Must establish two-way communication PRIOR to entering lateral boundaries of Class D — typically 4 NM from the center

    Source14 CFR 91.129; AIM 3-2-5

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