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FAA Flight Instructor Sport Gyroplane Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Flight Instructor Sport Gyroplane Knowledge Test (SIY) concerns the aeronautical knowledge and teaching judgment used in sport gyroplane instruction. Its practice material samples rotor-system aerodynamics, gyroplane components, crosswind handling, collision avoidance, altimeter settings, and inspection of blades and attachments.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeSIY
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Flight Instructor Sport Gyroplane Knowledge Test Exam

Gyroplane instruction requires explaining how autorotation sustains the rotor in forward flight and how the propeller provides thrust. Instructors also need to connect rotor-system design, including the teetering hinge in a typical two-blade system, with control response and safe operation. Practical judgment includes recognizing how wind affects rotor blades on the ground, managing lateral drift during a crosswind hover taxi, and selecting procedures that reduce collision risk near other aircraft. Preflight teaching involves identifying damage or looseness at rotor blades and attachment points. The practice material also touches on using accurate altimeter settings near terrain or controlled airspace and applying a demonstration-performance-practice sequence when teaching a ground procedure. These subjects call for clear explanations that link aircraft behavior, inspection findings, and pilot actions.

Sample Practice Questions

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

Question 1

When operating near another aircraft, which practice best reduces the risk of a collision?

  1. AMaintain an effective visual scan and use available traffic information as an aid
  2. BRely only on radio calls from other aircraft
  3. CLook continuously at the instrument panel to detect traffic
  4. DAssume aircraft at a different altitude cannot be a conflict
Show answerCorrect answer: A

An effective visual scan remains essential for see-and-avoid. Radio reports and traffic displays can supplement awareness but may be incomplete or unavailable.

Question 2

In a gyroplane, what is the primary aerodynamic role of the rotor during steady forward flight?

  1. AIt produces lift while autorotating in the airflow
  2. BIt provides thrust by acting like a propeller
  3. CIt prevents the fuselage from yawing
  4. DIt controls engine temperature
Show answerCorrect answer: A

In normal gyroplane flight, airflow through the rotor keeps it autorotating, and the rotor produces the lift that supports the aircraft. The propeller typically provides forward thrust.

Question 3

What is the aerodynamic purpose of a gyroplane's horizontal stabilizer, when installed?

  1. ATo provide longitudinal stabilizing forces that help resist pitch disturbances
  2. BTo generate the primary lift that supports the aircraft
  3. CTo drive the rotor during powered flight
  4. DTo prevent all changes in pitch attitude
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A horizontal stabilizer contributes to longitudinal stability by producing aerodynamic forces that tend to oppose some pitch disturbances. The rotor, rather than the stabilizer, provides the principal aerodynamic lift.

Question 4

When a gyroplane is parked in strong wind, why may the rotor blades need to be restrained as directed by the manufacturer?

  1. ATo prevent wind-driven blade movement from causing injury or damage
  2. BTo keep the engine from cooling too quickly
  3. CTo maintain fuel pressure in the carburetor
  4. DTo preserve the aircraft's magnetic compass calibration
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Wind can move an unrestrained rotor, creating a hazard to people and potentially damaging the rotor or nearby structures. Use only the securing method specified for that aircraft.

Question 5

Why is it important to obtain an accurate local altimeter setting before flight when operating near terrain or controlled airspace?

  1. AIt helps the altimeter indicate altitude more accurately relative to the local pressure conditions
  2. BIt determines the gyroplane's rotor blade pitch
  3. CIt corrects the compass for magnetic deviation
  4. DIt sets the engine's maximum power
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Atmospheric pressure varies by location and time. Setting the local altimeter setting helps the instrument indicate altitude more accurately relative to local pressure, supporting terrain and airspace clearance decisions.

Question 6

A gyroplane pilot notices that the aircraft is drifting sideways during a hover taxi in a crosswind. Which response is generally appropriate?

  1. AApply suitable control inputs to maintain the intended ground track while avoiding excessive control movement
  2. BIncrease rotor rpm beyond the approved operating range
  3. CTurn off the engine to reduce the drift
  4. DMake abrupt full control deflections toward the wind
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Wind can move a gyroplane sideways during low-speed ground operations. The pilot should use smooth, appropriate controls to maintain the desired path and stay within aircraft limitations, rather than making abrupt inputs or exceeding limits.

Question 7

Why should a gyroplane instructor use a demonstration-performance-practice approach when teaching a new ground procedure?

  1. AIt lets the learner observe the procedure, then perform it with guidance and feedback
  2. BIt ensures the learner memorizes steps without understanding them
  3. CIt avoids the need to verify the learner's performance
  4. DIt is intended only for emergency procedures
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Demonstrating a procedure provides a model; guided learner performance and feedback help develop correct execution. The instructor should verify understanding rather than assume it from observation alone.

How to use this practice test

The free SIY practice bank contains 50 published questions. A session presents up to 20 questions selected at random, then shows results after completion. Use missed or uncertain items to identify which gyroplane concepts—such as rotor aerodynamics, ground handling, or inspection—need further review.

Preparation tips

  • Explain how autorotation keeps the rotor turning in forward flight, and distinguish the rotor’s aerodynamic role from the propeller’s thrust-producing role.
  • Review how a teetering hinge functions in a typical two-blade rotor system and how a horizontal stabilizer, when installed, contributes to aircraft behavior.
  • Practice describing crosswind hover-taxi corrections and the precautions for restraining rotor blades when a gyroplane is parked in strong wind.
  • Use a rotor-system inspection sequence to check blades and attachment points for damage or looseness, and connect each finding to its operational significance.
  • Rehearse teaching a ground procedure with demonstration, learner performance, and targeted practice; include collision-avoidance habits and accurate altimeter-setting use in relevant scenarios.
Official sourceOfficial exam page ↗