Cessna 172S Steam Airspace — PPL Oral Exam Questions

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