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FAA Recreational Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Recreational Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test (RPG) focuses on aeronautical knowledge for gyroplane flight. Practice topics include rotor autorotation, cyclic control, thrust and directional stability, along with flight instruments, weight and balance, airspace communication, and visual orientation when outside references are poor.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeRPG
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Recreational Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test Exam

Gyroplane operation requires understanding how the rotor and propulsion system perform different functions: the rotor supports flight through autorotation, while the engine-driven propeller typically supplies forward thrust. Pilots use cyclic input to control rotor-disc attitude and account for rudder and vertical-stabilizer effects on directional behavior. Flight preparation also involves assessing loading and balance, interpreting magnetic-compass and pitot-static indications, and recognizing when instrument readings or visual cues may be unreliable. Operational judgment includes identifying applicable airspace communication procedures and maintaining safe separation from nearby aircraft, including helicopters whose rotor wash can affect a gyroplane. These concepts support practical decisions about aircraft control, situational awareness, and safe flight planning.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

What is a prudent way to reduce the chance of spatial disorientation when outside visual references become unreliable?

  1. AUse appropriate flight instruments and avoid abrupt maneuvering while seeking suitable visual conditions
  2. BTurn sharply until the horizon becomes visible
  3. CClose the eyes briefly to rest them
  4. DRely on bodily sensations to determine aircraft attitude
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The body's sensations can be misleading when visual references are poor. Appropriate instrument cross-checking and conservative control inputs help reduce disorientation risk; a pilot should also seek conditions suitable for the aircraft and pilot's qualifications.

Question 2

Why should a pilot consider weight and balance before flight?

  1. ALoading affects the aircraft's center of gravity and can affect controllability and performance
  2. BLoading changes only the aircraft's paint wear
  3. CWeight and balance matter only when the fuel tank is empty
  4. DA correct loading condition guarantees favorable weather
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The aircraft must remain within its approved weight and center-of-gravity limits. Loading outside those limits can impair stability, control, and performance.

Question 3

In a gyroplane, which component normally provides the thrust that moves the aircraft forward?

  1. AThe autorotating main rotor
  2. BThe engine-driven propeller
  3. CThe vertical stabilizer
  4. DThe landing gear
Show answerCorrect answer: B

In a typical powered gyroplane, the propeller supplies forward thrust. The rotor is driven by airflow through it in autorotation and provides lift.

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a gyroplane's cyclic control?

  1. ATo change the direction of the rotor thrust and control pitch and roll
  2. BTo control engine mixture
  3. CTo vary the tail surface angle for yaw only
  4. DTo apply the wheel brakes
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The cyclic tilts the rotor disk, changing the direction of rotor thrust and allowing the pilot to control the aircraft's pitch and roll attitude.

Question 5

A pilot is unsure whether a particular airspace requires two-way radio communication before entry. What is the most dependable action?

  1. AConsult current aeronautical charts and applicable regulations before the flight
  2. BAssume the requirement applies only during daylight
  3. CEnter first and ask another pilot afterward
  4. DRely on the aircraft's GPS map alone
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Airspace requirements should be determined from current charts and applicable regulations during planning. A GPS display may be useful, but it should not replace checking authoritative current information.

Question 6

Why should a pilot use caution when operating a gyroplane near a helicopter that is hovering?

  1. AThe helicopter’s rotor downwash can create strong, turbulent airflow
  2. BThe helicopter’s radio transmissions can disable the gyroplane’s controls
  3. CHovering helicopters always create a low-pressure area that pulls nearby aircraft downward
  4. DA hovering helicopter prevents the gyroplane’s rotor from autorotating
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Rotor downwash from a hovering helicopter can be intense and turbulent, especially nearby and downwind. Maintain generous separation and avoid entering the disturbed airflow.

Question 7

What information does a magnetic compass primarily provide?

  1. ADirection referenced to magnetic north
  2. BAltitude above the terrain
  3. CVertical speed
  4. DEngine power output
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A magnetic compass indicates direction relative to magnetic north. It does not indicate altitude, climb rate, or engine output.

How to use this practice test

The free US Practice Tests practice bank contains 50 published questions. Each session presents up to 20 questions selected at random, with results shown after the session. Use the results to identify which concepts—such as rotor behavior, instrument interpretation, or airspace decisions—need closer review.

Preparation tips

  • Explain how autorotation sustains the gyroplane rotor and distinguish that function from the propeller’s role in producing forward thrust.
  • Review how cyclic input changes rotor-disc attitude, and relate rudder and vertical-stabilizer functions to directional control.
  • Practice interpreting magnetic-compass and pitot-static indications, including the limits of relying on instruments when visual references are degraded.
  • Work through loading and balance scenarios, then connect aircraft condition and weight to safe flight preparation.
  • For airspace and nearby-aircraft scenarios, identify the communication decision required and the hazards of operating near a hovering helicopter.
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