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FAA Sport Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test Practice Test

The FAA Sport Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test (SPY) concerns aeronautical knowledge applied to gyroplane operation. The available practice questions touch on preflight inspection, rotor and flight-control behavior, weight and balance, aircraft limitations, and decisions involving traffic, terrain, weather, and engine icing.

Exam overview

Exam providerFederal Aviation Administration
Exam codeSPY
CategoryAviation

About the FAA Sport Pilot Gyroplane Knowledge Test Exam

Gyroplane preparation involves connecting aircraft design with safe operating decisions. Pilots need to understand how rotor-disc tilt responds to control input, why control linkages must move correctly, and how the aircraft’s published limitations guide procedures. Weight-and-balance calculations help determine whether a loading condition is suitable for flight. Operational judgment also includes applying right-of-way rules, anticipating wind effects near ridges, interpreting indicated airspeed in a headwind, and recognizing magnetic-compass behavior during turns. Questions may also prompt attention to defects such as rotor-blade cracks and to carburetor-icing symptoms in applicable engines. These concepts support practical tasks such as inspecting the aircraft, assessing conditions, and deciding whether a flight can proceed safely.

Sample Practice Questions

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

Question 1

During a preflight inspection, why should a pilot check that flight-control linkages move freely and in the correct direction?

  1. ATo confirm the controls can command the intended aircraft response without binding
  2. BTo ensure the engine will reach maximum RPM
  3. CTo increase rotor blade weight evenly
  4. DTo eliminate the need for an in-flight control check
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A control that binds, disconnects, or moves opposite the intended direction can prevent safe control of the aircraft. Preflight checks help identify such defects before flight.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of a weight-and-balance calculation before flight?

  1. ATo verify that the aircraft is within approved weight limits and its center of gravity is within allowable limits.
  2. BTo determine the exact amount of fuel that will be consumed during taxi.
  3. CTo ensure that all passengers sit in the same row.
  4. DTo calculate the local wind direction from the runway number.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Weight-and-balance calculations help ensure that both total weight and center-of-gravity location remain within approved limits. Exceeding either limit can adversely affect aircraft performance, controllability, or structural margins.

Question 3

A pilot sees another aircraft on a converging course at approximately the same altitude. Under general right-of-way rules, what should the pilot do when the other aircraft is to the right?

  1. AGive way to the other aircraft and take action early to remain well clear.
  2. BMaintain course because the other aircraft must always yield.
  3. CTurn toward the other aircraft to pass behind it.
  4. DDescend immediately regardless of terrain or other traffic.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

For aircraft of the same category on converging courses, the aircraft that has the other on its right generally gives way. The pilot should act early and maintain vigilance; collision avoidance remains the responsibility of all pilots.

Question 4

When flying near a ridge in strong wind, what general condition should a pilot expect on the downwind side?

  1. ASmooth air with guaranteed lift.
  2. BPossible descending air and turbulence.
  3. CA complete loss of gravity.
  4. DWind that always becomes calm immediately behind the ridge.
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Air flowing over terrain can create turbulence and descending air on the lee side of a ridge. Conditions vary with wind and terrain, so pilots should maintain suitable clearance and avoid assuming that ridge lift or smooth air will be present.

Question 5

What is the main reason to use the aircraft’s published operating limitations and procedures rather than relying on a generic technique?

  1. AAircraft handling and approved limits can differ by make, model, and configuration.
  2. BGeneric techniques are required only for aircraft with retractable gear.
  3. CPublished procedures apply only when the aircraft is parked.
  4. DThe aircraft’s limitations can be disregarded if the pilot has prior gyroplane experience.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

The approved operating information for a particular aircraft reflects its design and configuration. Pilots should use that information and not assume a technique or limit from another aircraft applies.

Question 6

A pilot notices that indicated airspeed is lower than expected while flying into a headwind. Which statement best describes the relationship involved?

  1. AGroundspeed must equal indicated airspeed
  2. BA headwind can reduce groundspeed relative to airspeed
  3. CA headwind increases groundspeed by adding to the aircraft’s forward motion
  4. DWind affects altitude but not groundspeed
Show answerCorrect answer: B

Airspeed describes motion relative to the surrounding air, while groundspeed describes motion over the ground. A headwind reduces groundspeed for a given airspeed.

Question 7

In the Northern Hemisphere, which way does a standard magnetic compass generally indicate when an aircraft turns from a northerly heading toward east?

  1. AIt initially indicates a turn opposite the aircraft’s actual turn.
  2. BIt immediately shows the aircraft’s exact heading throughout the turn.
  3. CIt indicates a turn faster than the aircraft’s actual turn.
  4. DIt remains fixed on north until the turn is complete.
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Because of magnetic dip, a compass in the Northern Hemisphere has turning errors on northerly headings: during a turn from north, it initially lags and indicates a turn opposite the actual turn. Pilots should use the compass in accordance with its limitations and other heading references when available.

How to use this practice test

The free practice bank contains 50 questions, with up to 20 random questions in a session. Use a session to check how well you apply gyroplane concepts to inspection findings, control behavior, and flight decisions. Results appear after the session, helping you identify which areas to revisit.

Preparation tips

  • Trace how gyroplane control inputs tilt the rotor disc, including the role of gyroscopic precession.
  • Practice calculating weight and balance, then connect the result to the aircraft’s operating limitations.
  • Review preflight inspection decisions for rotor blades and control linkages; distinguish an airworthiness concern from a normal condition.
  • Work through scenarios involving right-of-way, ridge winds, headwinds, and magnetic-compass turning errors.
  • For carbureted engines, learn the symptoms of carburetor icing and when carburetor heat may be useful.
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