Cessna 172S Steam Preflight Inspection — PPL Oral Exam Questions

DPE oral questions · preflight inspection

3 questions a DPE may ask in this section

1. Question 1 · PA.II.A.K1

   What does the preflight inspection accomplish and what are you specifically checking on the fuel?

   What a DPE expects to hear

   • Preflight ensures aircraft is airworthy before flight
   • Fuel: check quantity (visual + dipstick if available), check for contamination (sump each tank and gascolator), verify correct fuel type
   • Fuel contamination: water (clear drops, heavier than fuel, settles at bottom), sediment
   • 100LL is blue; jet fuel is clear/straw-colored — mixing is dangerous
   • Fuel caps secured after checking

   SourceAFH FAA-H-8083-3C; Aircraft POH Section 4

2. Question 2 · PA.II.A.K2

   Explain what you're checking when you inspect the control surfaces during preflight.

   What a DPE expects to hear

   • Check for proper movement: full range of travel in correct direction
   • Check for damage: cracks, dents, missing rivets, corrosion
   • Check for security: control surfaces attached, hinges intact, no unusual play
   • Verify ailerons, elevator, and rudder move freely and correctly
   • Check flaps for damage and proper operation
   • Verify trim tabs

   SourceAFH FAA-H-8083-3C; Aircraft POH

3. Question 3 · PA.II

   The airplane is fueled and your bags are packed. Prove to me that you and this airplane are legal to make this flight today.

   What a DPE expects to hear

   • Systematic check — Pilot (certificates, currency, IMSAFE) + Aircraft (AROW documents, AV1ATES inspections) + Environment (VFR minimums, NOTAMs)

   SourceACS Task I.A and I.B; 14 CFR 61.3, 91.103